Downton Abbey Day Trip

Tour Details

At the indicated time, we'll meet at Victoria Coach Station in London, where we'll hop on a bus and set off on this sophisticated day trip through some of England's most iconic locations.

Our first stop is the historic city of Oxford, where we'll arrive after about a 2-hour drive, home to one of the world's oldest and most prestigious universities. As we stroll through the city, we'll enjoy a guided tour past some of Oxford's most impressive college buildings, where ivy-clad walls hide centuries of academic history. Then, you'll have some free time to explore at your leisure or get a traditional pub lunch at one of Oxford's many famous inns.

Next, we'll drive another hour or so to the picturesque village of Bampton in Oxfordshire, the backdrop for many of the exterior village scenes in the beloved Downton Abbey series. Here, you'll recognise key filming locations such as The Church, Matthew Crawley's mother's house, and the village hospital, which was featured in series two.

Don't miss the chance to visit the Vesey Room in the public library, where you'll find local exhibitions and a selection of Downton Abbey memorabilia, including beautiful cards, prints, and books that you can buy.

From Bampton, we'll continue about an hour to the grand Highclere Castle, the real-life setting for Downton Abbey. Designed by Sir Charles Barry, the architect behind the Houses of Parliament, this magnificent estate has been home to the Earls of Carnarvon for centuries. We'll enjoy a tour of the Castle's stunning public rooms, including the impressive main hall, the library, and the sitting rooms featured in the series. You'll feel as if you're one of the Crawleys!

After exploring the castle, you'll have some free time to take a relaxing walk through the surrounding parklands, designed by the famous landscape architect Lancelot "Capability" Brown. Alternatively, treat yourself to tea and cake in one of the charming tearooms before we depart.

To top off this memorable day, every guest will receive a copy of one of Lady Carnarvon’s books, offering a fascinating insight into life at Highclere.

Finally, after an unforgettable day, we'll make the 2 and a half hour trip back to London, dropping you off at Victoria Train Station after approximately 11 hours.

Additional Info

Please note that the itinerary order may vary and that the visit to Bampton may not happen when events are taking place in the village. In this case, we'll spend extra time in Oxford.