Shared Group Downton Abbey and Highclere Castle Tour from London
Active
11h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Visit Highclere Castle, the Cotswolds village of Bampton and other sites on a full-day 'Downton Abbey' tour from London! After traveling to Oxfordshire with an expert guide, knowledgeable about the hit British TV series, visit Cogges Manor Farm (entry included) and then on to Bampton — the real Downton village. See Bampton Library (entry included), the church and the popular Grantham Arms pub, and then pass the afternoon at Highclere Castle, the Grantham family home. Tour the state rooms and gardens and learn all about the real-life Carnarvon family who own the estate.
Numbers are limited to 18 on this small-group tour, ensuring personalized attention from a guide.
Available options
Small-Group 'Downton Abbey' and Highclere Castle Tour from London
What's included
Entry to Bampton Library
Professional guide
Entry to Cogges Manor Farm
Guided tour of Bampton
Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Entry to Highclere Castle
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Leave London’s Marble Arch by air-conditioned minivan, and travel west to the rolling limestone hills of Oxfordshire. On the journey, your guide will keep you entertained with tales and trivia about the Downton Abbey TV series that has a fan base spread all over the world. Filmed mostly in and around Oxfordshire, the British period drama of Downton Abbey documents the dramas and scandals of the fictional Crawley family and their servants in the days leading up to and after the First World War. Hear insider gossip about characters such as Lady Mary, and discover little-known facts about the shooting locations included on your tour. Stop at a farm nestled in the hills near Cogges and enjoy a hot drink (own expense) in the farm’s rustic cafe before discovering a few of the farm’s filming locations.
2
Photo stop
3
Continue to Bampton in the Cotswolds, a quintessentially English village that was used extensively as Downton village throughout the entire series. On a walking tour, enter Bampton Library — which doubles as Downton Cottage Hospital, see the village church — the site of Lady Mary’s wedding to Matthew Crawley — and the house that was once used as the Crawley family home. Stroll along the main street, seeing shops used for filming as well as sights such as the fictional Grantham Arms pub.
4
Stop 4
Continue to Highclere Castle, the best-known Downton filming location, to explore with your guide. Explore the lavish estate that surrounds the castle, comprising Monk’s Garden, White Border, Secret Garden and the Wood of Goodwill, and hear all about Highclere Castle’s role as the Grantham family home.
Enjoy lunch or a snack in the onsite tea rooms that serve food from the castle’s kitchens, then step inside Highclere Castle to explore its stately rooms. See the dining, music and smoking rooms that Lady Sybil graced with her presence and learn about the real-life family who have owned Highclere Castle since the late 17th century: the Carnarvons.
In the basement is the special Egyptology exhibition, thanks to the 5th Earl of Carnarvon’s excavations in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt.
Take in further areas of the famous filming site; the Red Stairs, saloon, gallery and bedrooms, before returning to your minivan. Relax on the journey to London, where we finish at Victoria Train Station.
What's not included
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
206 reviews
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Tripadvisor
4.9
68 reviews
5★
64
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Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please note: Once the booking is submitted all sales are final, non-changeable, non-transferable and incur 100% cancellation penalties
British weather can be variable and so guests are advised to check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. It is recommended to bring some warm clothes with you especially in the winter months and layers are good for adapting to the ever-changing weather conditions. It is a good idea to wear appropriate footwear as there is walking involved on our tours. England is known for its rain so it is advisable to bring a waterproof jacket or umbrella with you.
Large bags and backpacks are not permitted in the Castle grounds. A small storage area is available at the Visitors Reception. Picnics are not permitted within the gardens.
Photography and videography is not permitted inside the Castle but can be used on the Castle grounds and lawns for personal use only.
Pushchairs are not permitted inside of the Castle but can be used around the Castle grounds and lawns.
Highclere Castle Special Event: 'Living with a Film Crew', 8th to 14th May 2026. Your ticket includes talks on Highclere and other film locations, a guided tour of the Castle State Rooms, Galleried Bedrooms, Egyptian Exhibition and a signed copy of Lady Carnarvon’s book ‘A Year at Highclere’.
Highclere Castle Special Event: 'Teas, Tours and Timeless Tales', every Tuesday June 2026. This special event date will include a Guided Tour of the Castle, time in the Egyptian Exhibition, Grounds and Gardens, complimentary refreshments and a signed copy of Lady Carnarvons book "Seasons at Highclere". Also included are admissions to Cogges Manor Farm, (Yew Tree Farm) and Bampton Library, (Downton Cottage Hospital).
Meeting point
Please ensure you arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes prior to the pick up time. This tour will depart at 07.30am. Please wait outside the Cumberland Hotel main entrance, Marble Arch (formerly the Hard Rock Hotel), Nearest tube station is Marble Arch
Important notes
You do not need to call us to re-confirm this booking.
We strongly recommend you arrive at your meeting point 10 minutes prior to departure to allow sufficient time to familiarise yourself with the location, and identify our staff when they arrive. Our Staff will be identifiable by a sign reading "International Friends"; they will be aware of your names. Our tour will depart promptly at the time stated for each pick up location; we cannot delay the departure for late comers. If you are not at the meeting point as the time stated on your ticket, the tour will depart without you. It is your responsibility to check in advance that our tour itinerary is suitable for your onward travel, particularly if same day flights are involved.
Emergency Contact Number: 0044 7889 733 037
• Staff will only be able to assist on this number in the event of an emergency on the day of your tour
• Please do not use this number to check on the arrival time of your guide or driver before the stated meeting time on your ticket - this is not an emergency
• It is not to be used for general enquiries prior to your tour
• This number does not accept text messages
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
