Downton Abbey & Highclere Castle Day Tour
Our Downton Abbey & Highclere Castle Tour from London takes you behind the scenes of one of Britain’s most celebrated television dramas, combining a visit to Highclere Castle with the charming village of Bampton and other iconic filming locations.
£1,195 per private group
1–6 guests · Larger groups by arrangement
Approx. 10 hours · Mercedes V-Class · Dedicated driver & expert guide
Entrance tickets additional
Step into the world of Downton Abbey with a private tour of Highclere Castle and Bampton from London.
Expert Driver & Guide
Local knowledge that brings every destination to life.
Private Travel Experience
Comfortable touring at your own pace with no groups.
Tailored Itineraries
Every journey personalised to your interests and travel style.
Personal Planning Support
Planning support before and during your tour.
Tour Overview
Our Highclere Castle Tour from London combines a visit to magnificent Highclere Castle with the charming village of Bampton and iconic Downton Abbey filming locations, all enjoyed as a private guided day tour. Explore magnificent Highclere Castle, the home of the Crawley family, before discovering the charming Oxfordshire village of Bampton, where many of the series’ most memorable scenes were filmed.
Travelling with your dedicated driver and expert guide, you’ll enjoy an unhurried day combining one of England’s finest country houses with authentic filming locations, beautiful countryside and fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from the award-winning television series.
If you’re exploring more of England during your visit, you may also enjoy our collection of Private Tours of England or browse our full range of Day Tours from London.
Tour Details
Duration
Full Day (10 hours)
Starts & Ends
London hotel, Heathrow Airport or Southampton Cruise Terminal
Group Size
Private tour for individuals, couples, families and small groups
Travel Style
Private vehicle with your dedicated driver and expert guide
Places You'll Visit
From the grandeur of Highclere Castle to the picturesque streets of Bampton, discover the locations that brought Downton Abbey to life, together with the beautiful countryside that makes this one of England’s most memorable private day tours.
Highlights of Your Downton Abbey Journey
Journey through the timeless Cotswold villages that became the fictional world of Downton Abbey. From the Crawley residence to the village green, each stop offers a glimpse into television history set amid genuine English charm.
Downton Village (Bampton)
Stroll through the real-life village that doubles as Downton. Visit St Mary’s Church, the setting for weddings and farewells, and see the nearby buildings used for the Cottage Hospital, the Crawley home and the post office.
Country Inns and Local Landmarks
Visit the filming locations of the Grantham Arms, the Dog & Duck, and Mr Bates’s Red Lion Pub, pausing for photographs and perhaps a refreshment in a traditional country inn.
The Oxfordshire Countryside
Travel through the gentle hills and honey-coloured stone villages of the Cotswolds, scenery so beautiful it could only belong to Downton.
Highclere Castle
Explore the magnificent Victorian country house that became Downton Abbey. Visit the grand State Rooms, library and exhibition before strolling through the beautiful estate grounds.
Bampton Village
Walk through the charming Oxfordshire village that became Downton. See St Mary’s Church, the former Cottage Hospital and many familiar filming locations from throughout the series.
Oxfordshire Countryside
Travel through beautiful English countryside and picturesque villages, enjoying the landscapes that provide the perfect setting for one of Britain’s most beloved television dramas.
Suggested Itinerary
This suggested itinerary illustrates how your day might unfold. As every MyUKtour experience is private, the pace, timings and order of visits can be tailored around Highclere Castle opening times and your interests.
Highclere Castle & Bampton
Morning – Highclere Castle
Depart from your London hotel, Heathrow Airport or Southampton Cruise Terminal and travel through the beautiful Hampshire countryside to magnificent Highclere Castle. Explore the grand State Rooms, library and exhibition, discover the history of the Carnarvon family, and see the iconic setting that became the home of the Crawley family in Downton Abbey.
Midday – Highclere Estate & Lunch
Enjoy time to stroll through the beautiful estate grounds and landscaped parkland before lunch at one of the cafés or restaurants on the Highclere Estate (not included). Your guide will share stories of the estate’s history, its role in the television series and its connection with the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb.
Afternoon – Bampton
Continue to the picturesque Oxfordshire village of Bampton, which served as the fictional village of Downton throughout the series. Visit St Mary’s Church, the former Cottage Hospital, the village green and many of the familiar filming locations featured across all six seasons.
Return Journey
Relax as your driver returns you comfortably to London after an unforgettable day discovering the world of Downton Abbey, combining one of England’s finest country houses with the authentic villages and landscapes that brought the beloved series to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Every MyUKtour experience is completely private, allowing us to tailor the itinerary to your interests. Additional filming locations, country villages or time at Highclere Castle can often be incorporated, subject to opening times.
We collect guests from central London hotels, Heathrow Airport or Southampton Cruise Terminal. Alternative pickup locations may also be available on request.
The experience lasts approximately 10 hours, allowing plenty of time to enjoy each destination without feeling rushed.
Lunch is not included, giving you the flexibility to dine at one of the cafés or restaurants on the Highclere Estate or at a traditional country pub during your tour.
You will travel in one of our comfortable private Mercedes vehicles with your dedicated driver and expert guide. Vehicle selection depends on your group size and luggage requirements.
Admission to Highclere Castle is included within your quotation, subject to availability and opening dates. Highclere Castle opening dates vary throughout the year. Please see the official Highclere Castle website for current opening dates.
Start Planning Your Highclere Castle & Downton Abbey Day Tour
Tell us your preferred travel date, group size and any special interests. We’ll prepare a personalised itinerary and quotation with no obligation.