See the real Downton Abbey, a stunning Jacobean country house also known as Highclere Castle, on these day trips from the British capital.
(Photo: Viator.com)
You might have already seen some of architect Charles Barry’s work while you were in London at Trafalgar Square before, but Highclere Castle is one of his finest works. Along with stunning landscaped gardens, created by the revered Capability Brown, it makes for one of the most remarkable stately homes open to the public in the UK right now. Highclere Castle is a mere 60 miles (97km) from central London, so tours such as these four, often including some extra stops thrown onto the itinerary, are the perfect way to have a hassle free experience.
Downton Abbey and Village Tour from London by Coach
For fans of the Downton Abbey drama, this nine-hour tour is designed to immerse you in the world of the show, through visits to key locations. See the quaint village of Bampton, which was the setting for Downton Village, as well as Downton Abbey itself, the remarkable Highclere Castle, where you’ll be able to spend three hours exploring inside the building, including some of the very rooms used to film the drama series. You’ll also hear lots of behind-the-scenes anecdotes from your guide. From £125 per person.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Downton Abbey, Cotswolds, and Highclere Castle Tour
As time has passed since the filming of Downton Abbey, themed tours to Highclere Castle are increasingly infrequent. This occasional tour still has one of the best itineraries of all Downton Abbey tours. You’ll visit many sites recognizable from the show Downton Abbey, such as Bampton Village, Shilton, and the Swan Inn at Swinbrook, where many controversial scenes took place. Access to Highclere Castle is also included, with a tour of the gardens and castle. From £189 per person.
Downton Abbey Countryside Black Taxi VIP Tour
A good solution to the infrequency of Downton Abbey tours these days from London is to take a private tour instead. And what quirkier manner than to do so in a black London taxicab? Available on Monday every week, you and your group of up to six people (which also makes this the best value tour per person for groups of five or six) can have your own bespoke tour in your own personal black cab. Your driver will pick you up in central London and take you into Oxfordshire to visit the villages used to film the show. Please note that the entry fee to Highclere Castle is not included. From £699 per group.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Private Round Trip Transfer to Highclere Castle from London
One final option is to book a roundtrip journey from London to Highclere Castle, stopping at nearby villages along the way. Although not officially a tour, there are some perks to this choice. You and four other people can ride for a set fee, making it better value when there are more of you. This option is one of the very few that happens to be available most days of the year. As with the above option, admission tickets to Highclere Castle are not included but can be purchased in advance. From £407 per group.