For devoted fans of the beloved period drama Downton Abbey, a remarkable opportunity awaits. This comprehensive tour from London immerses visitors in the world of the Crawley family, exploring the iconic filming locations that brought the series to life. From the grand Highclere Castle, which served as the Downton Abbey estate, to the charming Cotswolds villages where outdoor scenes were shot, this tour offers a truly immersive experience. With stops at key locations, including Cogges Manor Farm and the Egyptology exhibition, the tour promises to transport guests back in time and reveal the fascinating behind-the-scenes stories that made Downton Abbey a global phenomenon. Prepare to be captivated by the grandeur, history, and charm that define this quintessential English experience.
Key Points
- This full-day small-group tour from London offers a comprehensive exploration of the Cotswolds and iconic Downton Abbey filming locations.
- Highlights include a visit to Highclere Castle, the Downton Abbey manor house, with access to its interiors and gardens.
- Visitors can discover the charming villages of Bampton, Shilton, and Cogges Manor Farm, which served as filming sites for the show.
- The tour provides an immersive experience into the world of Downton Abbey, allowing fans to step into the show’s captivating settings.
- Convenient roundtrip transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and seamless logistics ensure a hassle-free and memorable tour experience.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Cotswolds and Downton Abbey Filming Locations
- Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey)
- Cogges Manor Farm (Yew Tree Farm)
- Shilton (Swinbrook Village)
- Bampton (Downton Village)
- Egyptology Exhibition
- Transportation and Convenience
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Take Photographs Inside Highclere Castle?
- How Much Free Time Is Allocated at Each Location?
- Is There an Age Limit or Suitability for Children?
- Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Downton Abbey Filming Sites?
- Are Any Food or Refreshments Included in the Tour Package?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in London
- More Tours in London
- More Tour Reviews in London
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in London we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview
This full-day small-group tour from London allows visitors to explore the Cotswolds and key filming locations for the popular TV series Downton Abbey.
The highlight of the tour is a visit to Highclere Castle, the real-life estate that served as the Downton Abbey manor house. Guests will have the opportunity to tour the castle’s interiors and wander its beautiful grounds.
Along the way, the group will stop at other notable sites, such as Cogges Manor Farm, which stood in for Yew Tree Farm, and the charming village of Bampton, which doubled as the fictional Downton village.
The tour provides a comprehensive immersion into the world of Downton Abbey for fans of the show.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in London.
Cotswolds and Downton Abbey Filming Locations
London: Downton Abbey, Cotswolds, and Highclere Castle Tour
The tour takes visitors on a journey through the idyllic Cotswolds region, showcasing the picturesque villages and countryside that served as backdrops for the beloved TV series Downton Abbey.
Highlights of the Cotswolds portion of the tour include:
- Visiting Cogges Manor Farm, which was used as the Yew Tree Farm in the show
- Exploring the charming village of Shilton, which stood in for the fictional Swinbrook
- Wandering through the streets of Bampton, the real-life Downton village
- Discovering the quintessential Cotswolds architecture and landscapes that inspired the series
- Immersing oneself in the world of Downton Abbey and capturing memorable photos at these iconic filming locations.
Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey)
The crown jewel of the tour is a visit to Highclere Castle, the iconic filming location for the beloved period drama Downton Abbey.
Visitors can explore the grandiose interiors of the castle, which served as the impressive setting for the Crawley family’s ancestral home, and stroll through the sprawling grounds and gardens that provided the picturesque backdrop to the series.
The tour also includes access to the Egyptology exhibition within the castle, offering a glimpse into Lord Carnarvon’s captivating discoveries in the Valley of the Kings.
With its rich history and connections to the TV phenomenon, Highclere Castle is a must-see destination for any Downton Abbey fan.
Cogges Manor Farm (Yew Tree Farm)
Beyond the grandeur of Highclere Castle, the tour takes visitors to Cogges Manor Farm, which served as the filming location for Yew Tree Farm in Downton Abbey.
This quaint, historic property provides a glimpse into the rural settings that were integral to the show’s narrative.
Visitors can explore the charming farmhouse, picturesque gardens, and ancient barns that were once home to the Downton estate’s tenants.
The tour highlights:
- Charming 13th-century farmhouse
- Historic outbuildings and barns
- Scenic gardens and orchards
- Insight into rural life in the early 20th century
- Connections to the Downton Abbey storylines
This stop on the tour offers a captivating contrast to the opulence of Highclere Castle, providing a more intimate and authentic Downton Abbey experience.
More Great Tours NearbyShilton (Swinbrook Village)
After visiting the charming Cogges Manor Farm, the tour continues to the quintessential Cotswolds village of Shilton, also known as Swinbrook in the Downton Abbey universe.
This picturesque settlement, nestled amidst rolling hills and meandering streams, served as the setting for several memorable scenes throughout the series. Fans will recognize the quaint stone cottages, narrow winding streets, and the historic Swan Inn, where the Crawley sisters sought refuge in an episode.
The tour allows guests to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere that inspired the show’s creators, providing a glimpse into the charm and character of the English countryside that was integral to the Downton Abbey story.
Bampton (Downton Village)
In an article titled ‘London: Downton Abbey, Cotswolds, and Highclere Castle Tour’, it’s now time to discuss the current points ‘Bampton (Downton Village)’.
From Shilton, the tour then takes visitors to the charming village of Bampton, which served as the primary filming location for the fictional Downton village throughout the hit TV series. Nestled in the heart of the Oxfordshire countryside, this quintessential English hamlet offers a picturesque glimpse into the world of Downton Abbey, with its medieval church, traditional pubs, and quaint stone cottages lining the narrow streets.
Key highlights in Bampton include:
- St Mary’s Church, which stood in for the Downton village church
- The Bampton Library, used as the Downton hospital
- The front of the Bampton Village Hall, which was the exterior of the Downton cottage hospital
- The exterior of the Bampton Village Shop, which featured as the Downton post office
- The village streets, where many outdoor scenes were filmed
Egyptology Exhibition
The tour also includes a visit to the Egyptology exhibition at Highclere Castle, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the castle’s rich history of Egyptology and its connection to the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb. The exhibition showcases a fascinating collection of Egyptian artifacts and interactive displays, allowing guests to explore the captivating world of ancient Egyptian culture and the role played by the Carnarvon family in its discovery.
| Artifact | Description |
|---|---|
| Canopic Jars | Ornate vessels used to store the internal organs of mummified Pharaohs. |
| Burial Mask | A gold-plated funerary mask similar to the one found in Tutankhamun’s tomb. |
| Hieroglyphic Tablets | Ancient stone tablets inscribed with Egyptian hieroglyphic writing. |
| Mummy Sarcophagus | A well-preserved sarcophagus containing the remains of a high-ranking Egyptian official. |
| Scarab Amulets | Symbolic beetle-shaped amulets believed to provide protection and good luck. |
Transportation and Convenience
Roundtrip transportation from London and the comfort of minibus transport make this tour a convenient and hassle-free experience for visitors.
The tour provider offers:
- Roundtrip transportation from central London locations
- Comfortable and spacious minibus with air conditioning
- Knowledgeable and friendly tour guide to provide commentary
- Efficient pick-up and drop-off at the tour’s starting and ending points
- Seamless logistics so guests can focus on enjoying the sights
This tour’s convenient transportation and smooth logistics allow travelers to enjoy the world of Downton Abbey without worrying about the details.
The combination of reliable transportation and expert guidance ensures a truly memorable Cotswolds and Highclere Castle experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Photographs Inside Highclere Castle?
Visitors can take photographs inside Highclere Castle, but they must follow the rules set by the castle. Photography is generally permitted in most areas, except for some rooms where it may be restricted.
How Much Free Time Is Allocated at Each Location?
The tour provides ample time at each location, allowing guests to explore at their own pace. Visitors typically have 30-60 minutes to wander the grounds and interiors of the key sites, such as Highclere Castle and Cogges Manor Farm.
Is There an Age Limit or Suitability for Children?
The tour is suitable for children, but there’s no specified age limit. Though the content may interest older kids, the tour can accommodate families with younger children. Parents should consider their children’s interests and ability to engage with the tour’s activities.
Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Downton Abbey Filming Sites?
Visitors can purchase souvenirs at the Downton Abbey filming sites, including Cogges Manor Farm and Bampton village. These sites offer a range of merchandise related to the TV series, allowing fans to take home a piece of the Downton experience.
Are Any Food or Refreshments Included in the Tour Package?
The tour package doesn’t include any meals or refreshments. Guests are responsible for their own food and drinks during the day. There may be opportunities to purchase snacks or light meals at some of the tour stops, but these aren’t provided as part of the package.
London: Downton Abbey, Cotswolds, and Highclere Castle Tour
“The trip was absolutely amazing and we had a great time. What I especially liked about it, was the fact that the tour of Highclere Castle was guide…”
Recap
The Downton Abbey tour from London offers a comprehensive exploration of the iconic filming locations from the beloved TV series.
Visitors can enjoy the world of the Crawley family, touring Highclere Castle, exploring charming Cotswolds villages, and discovering the Egyptology exhibition.
This truly memorable experience is a must-see for any Downton Abbey fan seeking to step into the enchanting world of the show.
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