Downton Abbey And Village Small Group Tour From London

For fans of the award-winning period drama Downton Abbey, this personalized small group tour from London offers an exclusive glimpse into the world of the beloved series. Visitors will explore the Cotswolds village that served as the filming location for the fictional Downton, as well as the grand Highclere Castle, the real-life setting for the show. With behind-the-scenes trivia from the guide and the opportunity to independently explore the lavish interiors, this immersive experience promises to transport travelers back in time. Whether you’re a long-time devotee or a newcomer to the world of Downton, this tour provides an intimate and unforgettable journey.

Key Points

A 9-hour small group tour from London to the Cotswolds village and Highclere Castle, the real-life filming location for the TV series Downton Abbey.
Includes independent exploration of the lavish interiors of Highclere Castle and behind-the-scenes trivia about the actors and production from a local guide.
Moderate level of physical fitness required, with some uneven terrain and stairs to navigate at the Downton Abbey filming locations.
Tour is not wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible, with service animals allowed and infants permitted to sit on laps.
Group size limited to a maximum of 15 travelers for a personalized and intimate experience.

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Tour Overview

This 9-hour ‘Downton Abbey‘ country locations tour from London takes visitors to the Cotswolds village that doubled as the fictional Downton in the hit TV series.

The tour also includes a visit to the real-life Downton Abbey of Highclere Castle, where travelers can explore its rooms independently.

Travelers will see the church and buildings used as the village pub, hospital, and home of Matthew Crawley. Along the way, they’ll hear behind-the-scenes trivia about the actors and the making of the series.

At Highclere Castle, they’ll explore the above-stairs rooms, including the main hall, drawing room, and library.

The tour is conducted by a local guide and includes transportation by Mini Coach.

Highlights of the Tour

Visiting the church and buildings used as the village pub, hospital, and home of Matthew Crawley allows travelers to enjoy the iconic locations seen in the Downton Abbey television series.

Hearing behind-the-scenes trivia about the actors and the making of the series from the local guide further enhances the experience.

Exploring the above-stairs rooms of Highclere Castle, including the main hall, drawing room, and library, provides an opportunity to step into the grandeur and opulence depicted in the show.

The tour offers a unique chance to discover the real-life settings that brought the beloved period drama to life, giving fans a deeper appreciation for the attention to detail that went into the production.

Inclusions and Meeting Details

The tour includes a local guide, live commentary on board, entry to Highclere Castle, and transportation by Mini Coach. Travelers should arrive at the meeting point of Gloucester Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 4SF at least 10 minutes early, as the tour ends back at the same location.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but is stroller accessible. Service animals are allowed. Infants must sit on laps.

There are no health restrictions, but travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level. The group size is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers per tour.

Accessibility and Fitness Requirements

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though it’s stroller accessible. Service animals are permitted.

Travelers should have a moderate level of physical fitness, as there are no heart problems or other serious medical conditions that would prevent participation. The tour involves walking and exploring the Downton Abbey filming locations, including the village and Highclere Castle.

While the castle has some above-stairs rooms that are accessible, there may be uneven terrain and stairs to navigate. Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a moderate amount of physical activity over the 9-hour tour.

The tour group is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers to ensure a personalized experience.

Visiting the Downton Abbey Village

Travelers begin their Downton Abbey experience by exploring the charming Cotswolds village that doubled as the series’ titular setting, marveling at the church, pub, and other local buildings immortalized on screen. Along the way, the knowledgeable guide shares behind-the-scenes tidbits, bringing the show’s production to life.

Key highlights of the village tour include:

Visiting the church that served as the local parish
Seeing the buildings that stood in for the village pub and hospital
Discovering the home of Matthew Crawley, one of the show’s beloved characters
Learning fascinating trivia about the actors and the making of the series

Immersing oneself in the quintessentially English charm of this picturesque Cotswolds town.

Exploring Highclere Castle

After exploring the charming Downton village, the tour then takes visitors to the real-life Highclere Castle – the iconic filming location that served as the grand ancestral home of the Crawley family in the beloved television series.

At Highclere, guests can independently explore the lavish interiors, including the main hall, drawing room, and library that were so masterfully depicted on screen.

Along the way, the tour guide shares behind-the-scenes trivia about the actors and the making of the series, providing an even deeper appreciation for the historic estate.

With the opportunity to enjoy the world of Downton Abbey, this portion of the tour is sure to delight fans of the show.

Behind-the-Scenes Trivia

Along the tour, the guide regales visitors with behind-the-scenes trivia about the actors and the making of the Downton Abbey series, providing an even deeper appreciation for the historic Highclere Castle estate.

Guests learn fascinating facts, such as:

How the aristocratic Carnarvon family, who own Highclere, collaborated closely with the show’s creators
That the castle’s iconic double-staircase was specially constructed for dramatic entrances and exits

Why the producers chose to film many interior scenes on sets rather than within the actual castle rooms.

How the cast and crew navigated the castle’s narrow corridors and steep staircases during production.

That the Countess of Carnarvon herself occasionally greeted tour groups at the castle entrance.

Tour Duration and Group Size

The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, allowing ample time to thoroughly explore the Downton Abbey filming locations.

Tour groups are limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience. This small group size enables the guide to provide more individualized attention and answer questions in-depth.

The compact nature of the mini-coach also allows for easy navigation through the picturesque Cotswolds countryside. By capping the group size, the tour maintains an exclusive feel, unlike the larger, more impersonal bus tours.

Travelers can expect a comfortable and immersive journey into the world of Downton Abbey, with ample opportunities to soak in the charming rural settings and uncover behind-the-scenes secrets.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Take Photos Inside Highclere Castle?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside Highclere Castle. However, flash photography may not be permitted in certain areas to protect the historic interiors. It’s best to check with staff for the latest photography guidelines during the visit.

Are There Any Food or Drink Options During the Tour?

The tour does not include any food or drink options. Guests are responsible for bringing their own sustenance. Stops along the way may offer opportunities to purchase refreshments, but these are not provided as part of the tour.

What Should We Bring for the Tour?

Travelers should bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and any personal medications they may need. It’s also a good idea to bring a camera to capture the scenic Cotswolds countryside and historic locations featured in the tour.

Is There a Dress Code for Visiting Highclere Castle?

There is no formal dress code for visiting Highclere Castle. Visitors should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes. Smart casual attire is generally recommended to ensure an enjoyable and appropriate experience at this historic estate.

How Much Free Time Do We Have at Each Location?

The tour provides roughly 1-2 hours of free time at each location, allowing visitors to explore the sites at their own pace and take in the details. The schedule is designed to balance structured sightseeing and independent exploration.

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Recap

This Downton Abbey tour offers an exclusive and immersive experience for fans. Visitors can explore the Cotswolds village that doubled as the fictional Downton, and the highlight is a visit to Highclere Castle, the real-life filming location.

With behind-the-scenes trivia from the guide and an intimate group size, this tour provides an in-depth journey into the world of the beloved period drama.