Downton Abbey London Filming Locations: Private Half-Day Tour

London , United Kingdom

Downton Abbey London Filming Locations: Private Half-Day Tour

Active

(3 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Yorkshire may have been the setting for the earlier episodes, but London started to hog the limelight as the show clocked its later innings. Remember Lady Edith’s risqué romance with that old smooth-talking magazine editor Michael Gregson?

Flashback to the popular scenes set at the city’s iconic landmarks. Play guessing games to jog your memory. Buckingham Palace, Lancaster House, Bridgewater House, Belgrave Square, Criterion Restaurant, Ritz Hotel, Piccadilly Circus, Hyde Park, Albert Memorial, Astor House, St. Pancras Station, and these are just for starters. How many could you count?

Be bowled over by a few secret locations, including Lord Grantham’s London stately home. Our accredited Private Driver Guide happens to be a Downton Abbey fanatic. Brace for non-stop peppy conversation, not crisp commentary.

Available options

Downton Abbey London Filming Locations: Private Half-Day Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Driver/guide

Transport by private vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Accredited London Private Driver Guide (who is also a Downton Abbey fanatic) will provide you with a panoramic sightseeing trip with a running commentary – punctuated by stops for stand up presentations at London’s Downton Abbey movie site locations.

Stop 2

Host for the Grand Balls enjoyed by Lord Grantham’s daughters.

Stately Home used by the award-winning movie drama series for the interior shots at Buckingham Palace - this one holds a secret that Downton Abbey fans will love!

London neighbourhood of the Grantham Family and their Stately Home.

Stop 5

An amusing Downton Abbey ‘blooper’ happened here!

Stop 6

Criterion Restaurant is where Edith had her clandestine dinner dates with Michael.

Stop 7

This swish neighbourhood was home to Michael Gregson - the employer and lover of Lady Edith Crawley.

Stop 8

Filming location in this Royal Park.

Stop 9

Scene for the family picnic and location where Lady Mary broke up with Lord Gillingham.

Stop 10

‘You will know it when you see it’ was advice given to the staff unsure of where to find the location for their picnic.

Lord Grantham would have spent many afternoons in the House of Lords - and possibly falling asleep in those soft padded seats!

The British monarch in Edwardian London looks over to where his Government declared war on Germany in 1914.

Stop 13 Pass by

Centre of power in Edwardian times.

Stop 14 Pass by

London Residence of the British Prime Minister.

Stop 15 Pass by

The lifeblood of the City of London.

Location for the celebrity wedding between Lady Rose and Atticus Aldridge.

London’s largest public square was popular scenery with the Downton Abbey movie-makers.

Stop 18

Railway terminus where Lady Edith was reunited with her editor and love interest Michael Gregson.

Stop 19 Pass by

Elegant neighbourhood and playground for Edwardian aristocratic society - which has the most expensive real estate in London.

Stop 20

Beautiful wedding venue in the heart of Mayfair - which doubled-up as the Jazz Club where Lady Rose first flirted with Jazz Singer Jack Ross at the Lotus Club.

Residence of Rosamund Painswick in the movie.

Stop 22 Pass by

World class Art Gallery - where Lady Grantham meets with Simon Bricker.

Stop 23

Vibrant neighbourhood which includes the restaurant where Edith went to meet Michael to consider writing for his magazine.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

COVID-19 Special Measures. The health and safety of our guests is always our top priority here at BCHT. We are putting in place some extra special measures for all future tour activities: All our vehicles will be sanitised with disinfectant cleaning by their owner drivers immediately after each service. Presentation stops will be conducted in quiet open air locations – away from crowded hotspots. Driver Guide hosts shall wash and sanitise their hands on a frequent basis throughout each service. Hand sanitiser will be available to all of our guests at all times while on tour. Standard measures which enhance your protection: The transparent partition screen provides a unique private passenger compartment for the passengers. A safe distance exists between guests and their Driver Guide hosts – exceeding the current minimum 2 metres set by government guidelines. The passenger compartment has a separately controlled air-conditioning system.

About London

London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a vibrant, multicultural metropolis known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and dynamic cultural scene. From the ancient Tower of London to the modern Shard, the city offers a blend of the old and the new, making it a fascinating destination for travelers from around the world.

Top Attractions

Tower of London

A historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames. It has served as a royal palace, prison, armory, and treasury. The Crown Jewels are also housed here.

Historical 2-3 hours £28 (adult ticket)

Buckingham Palace

The official residence of the British monarch. Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony and tour the State Rooms during the summer.

Historical 1-2 hours £27.50 (adult ticket for State Rooms)

The British Museum

One of the world's largest and most comprehensive museums, housing a vast collection of artifacts from around the globe.

Museum 2-3 hours Free (special exhibitions may have a charge)

The London Eye

A giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, offering panoramic views of the city.

Entertainment 30 minutes £27-£33 (adult ticket)

Westminster Abbey

A large, mainly Gothic abbey church just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is one of the most notable religious buildings in the UK and the traditional place of coronation and burial for English and, later, British monarchs.

Religious 1-2 hours £27 (adult ticket)

Tower Bridge

An iconic symbol of London, this combined bascule and suspension bridge spans the River Thames. Visitors can explore the bridge's walkways and the Tower Bridge Exhibition.

Architecture 1-2 hours £11 (adult ticket for the exhibition)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fish and Chips

A classic British dish consisting of battered and fried fish, usually cod or haddock, served with thick-cut chips (fries).

Dinner Contains gluten and fish

Full English Breakfast

A hearty breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, and toast.

Breakfast Contains meat and gluten

Afternoon Tea

A quintessential British tradition involving a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of pastries, all served with tea.

Snack Can be adapted for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets

Sunday Roast

A traditional British meal served on Sundays, featuring roasted meat (usually beef, lamb, or chicken), Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, vegetables, and gravy.

Dinner Contains meat and gluten

Popular Activities

Rock climbing Kayaking on the Thames Cycling tours Afternoon tea Spas and wellness centers Punting on the River Cam Museum visits Theater performances

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in London, with long daylight hours and a variety of festivals and events. The weather is generally pleasant, though it can be unpredictable.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

London is generally safe for travelers, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Heathrow Airport • 23 km from city center
Gatwick Airport • 40 km from city center

By train

London Waterloo, London King's Cross

By bus

Victoria Coach Station, Earls Court, Farringdon

Getting around

Public transport

The Tube is the fastest and most efficient way to get around London. It operates from early morning until late at night and covers all major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Westminster Camden Town Soho Notting Hill Shoreditch Greenwich

Day trips

Windsor Castle

34 km from London • Half day to full day

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and it's one of the official residences of the British monarch.

Stonehenge

130 km from London • Full day

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument consisting of a ring of standing stones, located in the English county of Wiltshire.

Brighton

80 km from London • Full day

Brighton is a vibrant coastal city known for its beaches, lively atmosphere, and eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Festivals

Notting Hill Carnival • Last Sunday and Monday of August London Film Festival • October New Year's Eve Fireworks • December 31

Pro tips

Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for cheaper and more convenient public transportation
Book tickets in advance for popular attractions to skip the queue and save money
Explore the city's neighborhoods and markets for a unique and authentic experience
Try the local street food and international cuisine at markets like Borough Market and Camden Market
Visit the city's parks and gardens for a peaceful escape from the bustling streets