Fully guided city breaks and small group tours and day trips from London.
Full Day Small Group Tour – No: IF7
DOWNTON ABBEY FILMING LOCATIONS, COTSWOLDS AND HIGHCLERE CASTLE
Duration: 11.5 hours
Step into the world of Downton Abbey on this exclusive small group tour from London. Travel through the idyllic Cotswolds countryside to visit some of the show’s most beloved filming locations, and walk in the footsteps of the Crawley family. Conclude your journey with a visit to magnificent Highclere Castle, the real-life Downton Abbey, and explore the rooms and gardens made famous by the award-winning series. Operated in partnership with Oxfordshire Cotswolds Tourism, profits from this tour have funded refurbishment of local community spaces and sponsored village festivals.
The Cotswolds
Your day begins with a scenic drive through the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, where many of Downton Abbey’s most memorable scenes were brought to life. The first stop is Cogges Manor Farm, beautifully set on the banks of the River Windrush. Recognisable to fans as Yew Tree Farm, this charming location was where Lady Edith’s daughter, Marigold, was raised by the Drewe family. Explore the farmhouse kitchen, Mr Drewe’s living room, and the surrounding farmyard where so many key moments were filmed. A short video presentation offers unique behind-the-scenes insights into the farm’s role in the series.
After a coffee break, continue to the picturesque village of Shilton, famous for its shallow ford and stone bridges, featured as the location of the “Red Lion” pub where Bates found work after leaving Downton Abbey.
Your next destination is the charming village of Bampton, which fans will instantly recognise as Downton Village itself. Here you’ll visit St Mary’s Church, the site of weddings, funerals, and some of the show’s most dramatic moments. Enjoy a guided walk taking in key filming spots, including Bampton Library (Downton Cottage Hospital), Mrs Crawley’s house, the village green, Mrs Patmore’s bed and breakfast, and The Grantham Arms pub.
Highclere Castle
Leaving the Cotswolds behind, journey south to the gentle chalk downs of Hampshire and the majestic Highclere Castle, the real-life setting of Downton Abbey. Drive through landscaped parkland designed by Lancelot “Capability” Brown before arriving at the grand entrance to Lord and Lady Carnarvon’s stately home. Inside, explore the elegant rooms where the beloved series was filmed; from Robert Crawley’s library and the grand dining room to the sweeping staircase and the bedrooms that witnessed so many secrets. Learn where iconic scenes were shot, including O’Brien’s infamous mishap with Bates and the drama surrounding Kemal Pamuk.
After exploring the castle, take time to enjoy lunch in one of Highclere’s cafés or tearooms, or wander the castle’s manicured grounds at your leisure. Don’t miss the fascinating Egyptology exhibition in the basement, showcasing treasures from the 5th Earl of Carnarvon’s excavations in the Valley of the Kings.
Spend around three hours exploring Highclere Castle and its gardens before rejoining your small group for the relaxing journey back to London.
INCLUSIONS:
The Complete, Original Downton Abbey tour from London, operating since 2014
Entry to Cogges Manor Farm (Yew Tree Farm)
Entry to Bampton Library (Downton Cottage Hospital)
Reach hidden Cotswolds filming sites inaccessible to larger coaches
Entry to Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey)
Travel by executive minicoach on this small-group tour, limited to 18 guests.
EXCLUSIONS:
Meals & Beverages
Tips & Gratuities
SCHEDULE 2026: Tour available from April – September on selected dates only
April: 04-16;
May: 01-05; *08-14 (Special events); 24-28;
June: *2; *16; *23 (Special event)
July: 12-31 (from Sunday to Thursday only)
August: 01-31; from (Sunday to Thursday only)
September: 01-03 (from Sunday to Thursday only) 12/09;
TOUR STARTS & DEPARTURE POINT:
07:15hrs – Outside The British Museum (main entrance) OR
07:30hrs – Outside the Cumberland hotel OR
7:45hrs – Outside Gloucester Road Tube station, meet at the station exit
Returns to Victoria Train Station by approx. 18.30 hrs
CLOSURES: 09-10/04;
NOTES:
Must be prebooked
When visiting Bampton, we ask all guests to respect local residents and property. Inappropriate behaviour or disruption may result in removal from the tour at the guest’s own expense.
Please note that Highclere Castle is a private residence and may close part or all of the Castle, Gardens, or exhibition at short notice. The itinerary is therefore subject to change.
Special Events “Living with a Film Crew” and “Teas, Tours and Timless Tales. Guided Tours and English Gardens” are available on selected dates in May and June – Supplement applies
