Downton Abbey ‘On Location’ Tour – Exclusive Private Tour
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Highclere Castle Library, Hampshire ©HIghclere Castle LLP 2014
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HighclereCastle, Downton Abbey Corner ©HIghclere Castle LLP 2014
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Highclere Castle DrawingRoom ©HIghclere Castle LLP 2014
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Buckingham Palace ©Courtesy of The London Helicopter
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Baileys Hotel
Includes a private tour of Highclere Castle
You’ve watched every episode of ‘Downton Abbey’, more recently the hugely successful film, and now you have a taste for more! Once again we bring ‘Downton Abbey’ to life with this bespoke private tour. The tour combines a visit to Highclere Castle, with either a suggested scenic drive of the picturesque Cotswold villages of Shilton, Swinbrook and, furthermore, Bampton, where most of the show’s outdoor scenes were filmed or a visit to Windsor and its castle.
You will have chance to explore the home of the Earl and also Countess of Carnarvon at Highclere Castle, on this private guided tour. Step into rooms from ‘Downton Abbey’ scenes and also visit the Egyptian Exhibition; celebrating the 5th Earl of Carnarvon’s discovery of the Tomb of Tutankhamun, as well as the beautiful castle gardens and woodlands. For all you ‘Downton Abbey’ fans, come and join us for a packed and fun-filled insight to the world of the Crawley family. We can also take you on a short tour of locations used to film ‘Downton Abbey’, or alternatively a visit to Windsor with some free time, with the option of a visit to Windsor Castle with your guide.
To see a selection of our other UK tours please follow https://www.ukincoming.com/england-incoming-group-tours/
Dates
2024 & 2025 dates available on request
Itinerary Summary
Day 1
London Arrival, Meet & greet and transfer
Arrival at Heathrow and you will be met and escorted to your coach for your transfer into Central London. Depending on time of arrival, there may be a chance to go via the hotel to drop off your luggage, or alternatively, go straight to the river for your lunch cruise on the River Thames. During the 2 hour cruise, you will enjoy a three course lunch as the boat sails down the river. On return to the pier, there will be a coach transfer to the hotel and check in. Remainder of the day is free – we will have suggestions of activities, and suggested restaurants in the area.
We have a selection of good 4 and 5 star hotels available.
Day 2
Private London sightseeing
Take a full English breakfast in the hotel before meeting with your guide and bus for a full day private sightseeing tour of London. Your day will be tailored to your requirements, and can include visits to many of the major sights of London, or maybe some of the less well known ones!
We will be pleased to discuss this with you in advance, and will be pleased to arrange and quote for any entrance fees and lunch.
Day 3
Highclere Castle – Your private tour
Full English breakfast in the hotel, and meet with your guide who will assist you to your bus for a fabulous day out.
During the 2 hour drive, your guide will tell you about some of the history and background to the Castle, location and filming.
On arrival at Highclere Castle, the real ‘Downton Abbey’, and home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, there will be tea/coffee and biscuits served.
The current design of Highclere was completed in 1938, when the 3rd Earl of Carnarvon brought in Sir Charles Barry to transform his classical Georgian mansion into a grand mansion that would impress the world. You will have a 2 hour guided tour of the public rooms, including the state rooms and bedrooms where scenes for the show were filmed. We also explore the ‘Egyptian Exhibition’, located throughout the cellars, celebrating the 5th Earl of Carnarvon’s discovery of the Tomb of Tutankhamun. There’s time to discover the ‘Capability Brown’ designed grounds, browse the gift shop where there are some non-fictional works written by the Countess herself. The tour will last around 2 hours.
Depending on your visit time at Highclere, there may be time in the afternoon to spend some time in the Cotswold villages of Shilton and Swinbrook. We could also visit the picturesque village of Bampton where most of the outdoor scenes for ‘Downton Abbey’ were filmed, including St Mary’s Church, the village pub, the Library and Matthew Crawley’s house.
Alternatively, you can spend some time in Windsor, where your guide will give you a brief tour of the town. There is also chance to visit Windsor Castle before returning to London (additional entrance charge).
On arrival back in London, your evening is free – we will be pleased to offer suggestions, or make reservations.
Additional days
In London
You can now choose to extend you stay as long as you wish, and we will be delighted to prepare itineraries to fit in with your stay.
We would suggest at least one night at the theatre, where we can arrange tickets to a top West End show.
Final day
Depart London
Enjoy a last full breakfast in your hotel before your return private transfer to Heathrow Airport.
We work with a large selection of 4 and 5 star Hotels in Central London, so are sure to find something to suit your needs. All our prices are based on a double or twin bedded room. We will always try and allocate King size beds where possible.
Upgraded rooms and suites are usually available at a supplement.
There will be a supplement for a room for single occupancy.
This tour is intended for ready made groups of minimum 20 persons, and unfortunately is not available to individual travellers.
Your visit to Highclere Castle will be private and exclusive to your group – the Castle will not be open to the public at the time of your visit, given you a unique experience to savour the delights of this magnificent building.
Please note that our price is offered at a nett rate to the Travel Trade – if you are not a registered travel agency, please contact us for public rates
If you wish to work with a commission based rate – please contact us for prices and commission available.