Downton Abbey Tour for Small Groups

Become Lord or Lady Grantham for the day with other fans of the show by visiting Highclere Castle.  Visit the filming locations used for the BAFTA award winning period drama on a Downton Abbey tour of locations. The mini coach tour has a maximum of 19 persons and includes your own guide plus a driver. This tour offer is simply the best option for any true Downton Abbey fan.

Stop at Bampton – Downton village for a guided walk

The full day will start by departing from Gloucester Road in central London.  Your first stop is in the charming village of Bampton, Oxfordshire.  Many fans know this quiet rural location as Downton Village.  Here your expert guide will take you on a slow-paced tour of village sites. See the exterior of Downton hospital, the village pub, and the former home of Matthew Crawley. You will be able to see the village green at the heart of many dramatic scenes.

The second part of the walking tour includes a guided visit to the exterior and interior of the local church. See the resting place of Matthew Crawley and where Mrs Hughes and Mr Carson tied the knot. All of these locations are great photo opportunities.

Throughout the day you will find out how the global hit TV series was made with fascinating anecdotes. Learn about the actors involved and about the wonderful history of the places you visit on the tour.

Before departing you will get to have a short comfort break.  From here you will board the mini-coach and travel in comfort to Highclere Castle. Highclere is used as the main Downton Abbey set and you will learn about its 1000 year history and life ‘above and below stairs’.

Afternoon at Highclere Castle and explore Downton Abbey yourself

Food for lunch can be purchased at Highclere Castle or you can bring your own lunch and enjoy afternoon tea in the beautiful grounds.  You’ll be able to explore independently the ‘Above Stairs’ area on the ground and first floors inside Downton Abbey. Our self-guided information sheet will avail you of all the details you need. Areas of the castle you will be able to visit include the entrance, library, music room and drawing-room. Other rooms you can see include the morning room, staircase, saloon, dining room and the servant’s staircase.

As you wander around the estate, you will be able to imagine life as it was over 100 years ago. It will require little imagination to experience the world of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants.  Then the Downton Abbey Small Group Tour will draw to a close as you depart for central London.

Look out for dates where we operate “special” tours. This season we are offering these additional tours which still include a visit to Downton village prior to visiting Highclere Castle:

• Sat 28 Nov at 9am: Take a guided tour of Highclere Castle, festive Afternoon Tea,  the Egyptian Exhibition, Gardens and Gift Shop plus a signed copy of Lady Carnarvon’s book “Christmas at Highclere”. Adult: £285 Child: £250
• Sat 5 & Sun 6 Dec at 9am: Includes a guided tour of Highclere, explore the Egyptian Exhibition and Gardens, taste delicious seasonal refreshments and get a signed copy of Lady Carnarvon’s book, “A Year at Highclere”, Secrets and Stories from the Real Downton Abbey. Adult: £205 Child: £170
• Sat 27 Feb at 8:30am: Explore Highclere Castle including history, filming insights, the Egyptian exhibition, gardens, seasonal refreshments, plus a signed copy of “The Earl and the Pharaoh”. Adult: £285 Child: £250
• Sat 13 & 20 Mar at 8:30am: Explore Highclere Castle including history, filming insights, the Egyptian exhibition, gardens, refreshments, plus a signed copy of “Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey”. Adult: £285 Child: £250
• Sat 8 May at 9am: Explore Highclere Castle including history, a talk about ‘Living with a Film Crew’ guided tour, the Egyptian exhibition, gardens, plus a signed copy of “Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey”. Adult: £235 Child: £200
• Friday 18 June at 8:30am: Explore Highclere Castle including history, filming insights, the Egyptian exhibition, gardens, refreshments, plus a signed copy of “Seasons at Highclere”. Adult: £285 Child: £250

If you already have a ticket for Highclere Castle and wish to join the tour we could look at accommodating you subject to availability. Please contact us to check availability.

Accommodation Suggestions

If you’re staying overnight, we recommend checking out Booking.com – click here for convenient hotel options.

Travelling by Train

Travelling by train? Save money by booking your tickets in advance through trainline – click here.

Luggage Storage

Need somewhere to leave your bags? We recommend using Bounce – click here.  Backpacks are not permitted inside Highclere Castle.

Need an airport transfer?

If you’re flying into London book a reliable airport pickup here

Theatre Tickets 

London’s famous West End is just a short distance from many of our tour locations. If you’re planning to see a show, you can browse a wide range of discounted theatre tickets for popular productions across the city. 

Find shows and book tickets here: 

Browse London Theatre Tickets 

London Pass 

If you’re planning to visit several attractions while in London, the London Pass can help you save money. It provides access to 80+ top attractions, including the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and river cruises. 

Learn more and see what’s included: 

Explore the London Pass 

Is the tour accessible?
– This guided tour is not accessible for wheelchair users or parents with prams or buggies due to the uneven surfaces on the route. British Sign Language is not provided on the tour.

Do children need to be accompanied?
– All people under 18 (i.e. 17 years old and younger) must be accompanied by an adult (aged 18 years or over) on all tours

Is the tour suitable for children?
– Yes as long as they are accompanied by an adult

Does the tour still go ahead if there is bad weather?
– Yes, unless on very rare occasions when we have to cancel e.g Force Majeure

Are bags allowed inside Highclere Castle?
– Backpacks are not permitted inside Highclere Castle.

– Free Cancellations – Cancel for free up to 24 hours before departure—no questions asked.

– Unlimited Rescheduling – Change your tour date as many times as you need without extra charges.

– Save £££s Booking Direct – Enjoy the guaranteed lowest price when you book directly with us (the direct operator of the tour).

– Hassle-Free Booking Experience – Get excellent customer service with your questions answered quickly and easily by our expert team who know the tours better than anyone.

– Trip Protection Insurance – Add extra peace of mind with optional trip protection insurance available at checkout.

– Inclusions: Professional guide and transport, Entry fees to Highclere Castle House and Gardens
See inclusions in tour description for inclusions  for ‘Special Tours’

– Exclusions: Gratuities (optional), food and drink, entry to the Egyptian exhibition is available for £5 on the day.  Car / Booster seats for children under 3 years.

This tour is an unlicensed and unauthorised tour of sites featured in the television series ‘Downton Abbey’ produced by Carnival Film and Television and NBCUniversal International Limited. Brit Tours Limited and this tour does not have any association with, or connection to, the television series ‘Downton Abbey’, Carnival Film and Television or NBCUniversal International Limited.