Private Downton Abbey Walking Tour of London

Piccadilly Circus is the site of the death of Mr Green, the man who is responsible for one of the most shocking scenes in the whole of Downton Abbey. Voted the vilest of all of Downton Abbey’s villains, fans rejoiced when Mr Green met his end here in Piccadilly Circus.

But how did the producers of Downton Abbey transform the heart of modern-day central London back to the 1920s? Discover behind-the-scenes secrets and why Downton Abbey rarely uses CGI, preferring physical effects to computer wizardry.

Bentley and Skinner is one of the finest jewellery houses in London. Known for its beautiful collections of exquisite tiaras, brooches, silverware, and everything to do with aristocratic finery, Bentley and Skinner have supplied the producers of Downton Abbey with silverware since the start of the hit TV show. Whilst here you will learn how the show’s historical consultant, sometimes known as ‘the Oracle’, objected to some of the silver hired from Bentley and Skinner, and how, through the six series and three films, custom jewellery was created for characters like Lady Mary.

Fortnum & Mason is perhaps one of the most famous department stores in the world. Previous shoppers here include the likes of Charles Dickens, Sir Winston Churchill, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Camilla and Princess Katherine. It is, therefore, no surprise that Fortnum & Mason appears in the final Downton Abbey film, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.

Seen as Lady Mary and Lady Edith go shopping, this is your chance to walk in the footsteps of not only the TV series' great ladies, but also countless members the British Royal Family and aristocracy. Why not briefly stop and treat yourself to some of their famous tea, beautiful confectionery, or just stand and soak up the ambience and atmosphere of the grandest of all great department stores?

Jermyn Street is another location taken from the final Downton Abbey film, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale. Not only is this road a must see for Downton Abbey fans, but it is also linked to the great and good of British society. Whilst here, your guide will explain how some of these very plain-looking buildings house Royal Warrant holders, who supply the King, as well as shops favoured by celebrities, and of course, how Downton Abbey took inspiration from the real world of Edwardian Britain to create one of the most iconic TV shows ever created.

As you walk through Piccadilly Arcade you will once again be walking in the footsteps of the cast of Downton Abbey. Take your time, stroll in style, and enjoy the experience following these famous footsteps.

As we pass by the Ritz hotel, one of the grandest hotels in a city of grand hotels, your guide will explain the Ritz’s surprising links to Downton Abbey, and how this hotel inspired the term 'ritzy', which became synonymous with good style and great taste.

Lancaster House was built as one of the grand London homes of the British aristocratic elite. Today, a government building, where the Prime Minister Theresa May gave her Lancaster House speech after the Brexit vote of 2016, often this building is used as the filming location for its famous nearby neighbour, Buckingham Palace. Sadly, the interiors are off-limits, but whilst here you will hear how Lancaster House has been used for the interiors of Buckingham Palace for hit TV shows such as Downton Abbey, Bridgerton, and The Crown. Whilst outside Lancaster House your guide will also explain how this location became embroiled with one of the scandals that toppled Boris Johnson, and how this building is used by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office to entertain international diplomats, travelling heads of state, and even the odd civil servant.

Bridgewater House is used as the exterior of Grantham House throughout Downton Abbey. The London residence of the Earls of Grantham, we see the exterior of Grantham House numerous times when the Crawley family are visiting London. Built as a grand aristocratic home, it once housed an art collection to rival the Royal Academy of Arts, was heavily damaged by bombs during the Second World War, was converted into offices in the late 1940s, was brought back to life as a grand family home by a Greek shipping magnate who wished to be close to the then Prince of Wales Prince Charles. Your guide will explain all, including how this home was used during the filming of Downton Abbey, how the servant stairs don’t really exist, and how the interiors that we see in Downton Abbey are actually over an hour away.

Berry Bros and Rudd have been supplying the Royal family, British aristocrats, international clients, famous names such as Winston Churchill and the Duke of Wellington, for over 300 years. There are few wine merchants in the world who have a client list this impressive; this is most likely the place where Lord Grantham, or more likely Carson his butler, would have purchased the wines, ports, sherries, whiskeys, and champagnes which keep the British upper class and their guests well lubricated at dinner time. Whilst at Berry Bros and Rudd you will have the chance to explore the impressive range of alcoholic beverages, and maybe pick some up to take home with you so you can play the famous drinking game “drink with Downton”.

The Royal Automobile Club has an impressive history, which your guide will explain as we stop briefly outside. Famous for being the filming location where Henry Talbot (Lady Mary’s second husband) takes Lady Mary for dinner in an attempt to woo her into marriage, it is here your guide will explain how the filming schedule of Downton Abbey and the availabilities of actors such as Matthew Goode, who plays Henry Talbot, affected the outcome of characters throughout Downton Abbey

Outside Number Two Carlton Gardens, you will learn how the social standards of British society changed between 1912 and 1930, the time over which six seasons and three films of Downton Abbey take place. You’ll hear how the changing times, political revolutions, and World War I affected the fame and fortunes of families like the Crawleys, and how the reality of Edwardian British life differs from the cosy version presented to us in Downton Abbey.

As you walk down The Mall, you will have the chance to stop and enjoy a few moments in the heart of what is considered to be Royal London. Take a quick photo of Buckingham Palace, and who know,s you might see the famous Horse Guards and sometimes even catch a glimpse of a member of the British Royal family.

After a short walk across Whitehall, we will find ourselves at the National Liberal Club, which was founded by William Gladstone. Some may find the walk longer than others, as when we arrive at the National Liberal Club, in the world of Downton Abbey, we will be in Liverpool!

Doubling up as the hotel where Lady Mary sleeps with Tony Gillingham, your guide will explain how this very central location in the heart of London could be used as a location that is several hundred miles away.

Rules restaurant, the oldest restaurant in London, is seen several times throughout Downton Abbey. A favourite place to eat of characters like Lady Mary, Lady Edith, and Michael Gregson, it is also a favourite 'haunt' of the writer Julian Fellowes.

This iconic restaurant, which serves the best of British cuisine, is as iconic to the British food scene as Fish and Chips, Bangers and Mash, and Shepherd's Pie.

Not known for being a film-friendly location, as Rules would rather focus on their food, Downton Abbey was the first TV series to film inside this iconic restaurant. Who filmed after Downton? Book this tour to find out more!

The Savoy is another one of London's iconic grand hotels. Famous for being a favourite hotel of celebrities such as Noel Coward, Frank Sinatra, and Sir Stephen Fry, this hotel was the location for the TV special Downton Abbey Celebrates the Grand Finale. What secrets did this TV special reveal? Find out on our Downton Abbey Walking Tour of London, where you will also learn more about Noel Coward, the person that Julian Fellowes thought captured the spirit of the 1930s for the final Downton Abbey film.

Linked to The Savoy is Simpsons-in-the-Strand, a famous restaurant which is where Charles Blake, Lady Mary, and Mable Lane Fox meet to discuss Lord Gillingham. How was this sequence filmed, and when will Simpson's reopen? Find out on our tour!

Our final location is Somerset House. A filming location for a huge number of films, this location's Downton Abbey links include a chance to remember the great actress Maggie Smith.

As our tour concludes, you can make use of Somerset House's public facilities such as the Cafe, Restaurant, and Toilets.