Fans of the hit TV series "Downton Abbey" can now enjoy the world of the Crawley family with a small group tour from London. This 9-hour excursion takes travelers to the rural Oxfordshire locations that served as filming sites, including the village that doubled as Downton. Highlights include a tour of Highclere Castle, the real-life Downton Abbey, as well as visits to various other settings featured in the show. Guided by a local expert, the tour provides transportation and allows for independent exploration, offering a unique opportunity for devotees to step into the world of this beloved period drama.
Key Points
- The tour offers a 9-hour small group experience visiting filming locations from the Downton Abbey TV series in rural Oxfordshire.
- Includes a tour of Highclere Castle, the real-life Downton Abbey, for independent exploration.
- Covers various Downton village locations, such as the church, pub, hospital, and Matthew Crawley’s home.
- Provided by a local guide with live commentary and transportation by mini-coach for up to 15 travelers.
- Tour meeting point is at Gloucester Road tube station in South Kensington, with no hotel pickup or drop-off.
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Tour Overview
The 9-hour Downton Abbey and Village Small Group Tour from London takes visitors to the rural Oxfordshire locations that served as the filming sites for the popular TV series.
Guests will explore the village that doubled as Downton village, visiting the church, pub, hospital, and Matthew Crawley’s home used in the show.
The highlight is a tour of Highclere Castle, the real-life Downton Abbey, where visitors can independently explore the rooms.
With a local guide providing live commentary throughout the day, the tour offers an immersive experience for fans of the series, allowing them to step into the world of Downton Abbey.
Tour Inclusions
This tour includes a local guide who provides live commentary throughout the journey. Transportation is provided by a Mini Coach, and entry to Highclere Castle is also included, allowing visitors to explore its rooms independently.
The tour covers the rural Oxfordshire village that served as the filming location for Downton village, including the church, pub, hospital, and Matthew Crawley’s home used in the TV series.
With a maximum group size of 15 travelers, the experience offers a more intimate and personalized exploration of the Downton Abbey filming locations.
However, the tour doesn’t include gratuities, hotel pickup/drop-off, or food and drinks, which visitors will need to arrange separately.
Tour Exclusions
While the tour includes a local guide, transportation, and entry to Highclere Castle, it doesn’t cover gratuities, hotel pickup and drop-off, or food and drinks. Travelers will need to plan and budget for these additional expenses separately.
Gratuities for the guide and driver aren’t included in the tour price, so visitors should plan to tip them at the end of the day if they’re satisfied with the service.
Hotel pickup and drop-off is also not provided, so travelers will need to make their own arrangements to get to the meeting point and back to their accommodations afterwards.
Meeting Point and Pickup
The meeting point for the Downton Abbey and Village Small Group Tour from London is at Gloucester Road tube station in South Kensington, and the tour starts promptly at 9:00 AM.
Travelers should plan to arrive at the meeting point a few minutes early to ensure they don’t miss the departure.
The tour is conducted by a knowledgeable local guide who’ll provide live commentary throughout the day.
Transportation is by mini-coach, which can accommodate up to 15 travelers.
The tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, so you will need to make their own way to the starting point.
Additional Information
With over 250 reviews and a Badge of Excellence, this Downton Abbey and Village Small Group Tour from London is a popular choice among travelers. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed. Plus, the tour is located near public transportation, making it convenient for participants. Infants must sit on laps during the tour, and travelers should have a moderate level of physical fitness, as there’s no requirement for heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
The tour accommodates a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
Guests can take advantage of the tour’s free cancellation policy, which allows for changes up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure.
The tour provides live commentary on board, allowing participants to learn about the Downton Abbey filming locations and the surrounding areas.
Highclere Castle, the real-life Downton Abbey, is included in the tour, allowing visitors to explore its rooms independently.
Highclere Castle
Highclere Castle, the real-life Downton Abbey, stands as the centerpiece of the Downton Abbey and Village Small Group Tour, allowing visitors to explore its rooms independently.
The tour provides an opportunity to step into the world of the beloved television series, as guests can wander through the opulent halls and rooms that served as the backdrop for the Crawley family’s lavish lifestyle.
From the grand staircase to the ornate drawing rooms, the castle offers a glimpse into the grandeur of a bygone era.
Whether you’re a die-hard Downton fan or simply fascinated by historic architecture, the chance to experience Highclere Castle firsthand is a truly unmissable highlight of this captivating tour.
Downton Village Locations
Beyond the grandeur of Highclere Castle, the tour takes visitors to the quaint Oxfordshire village that served as the picturesque setting for the fictional Downton Abbey town.
Guests can explore the charming streets and marvel at the historic structures that instantly transport them into the world of the beloved television series.
The tour includes visits to the:
- Village church where many important events took place
- Charming local pub that was featured prominently in the show
- Quaint hospital building used as the location for the Downton infirmary
- Home of Matthew Crawley, one of the series’ main characters
These carefully curated stops allow tour-goers to fully enjoy the world of Downton Abbey and gain a deeper appreciation for the show’s attention to authentic period details.
Tour Duration and Size
The tour is a 9-hour excursion from London, allowing ample time to explore the rural ‘Downton Abbey’ locations.
The small group size is capped at 15 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience. This size also allows for easier navigation through the quaint villages and gives participants a chance to interact with the local guide.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are permitted, and service animals are welcome. Infants must be seated on laps.
Travelers should have a moderate fitness level, as there will be some walking involved.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Photos During the Tour?
Yes, participants are generally allowed to take photos during the tour, unless specified otherwise by the tour guide. However, visitors should be mindful of any restrictions or guidelines provided at the tour sites.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
There’s no strict dress code for the tour, but visitors are advised to dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. Casual, weather-appropriate attire is recommended to ensure a pleasant and enjoyable experience during the tour.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
There are no age restrictions for the tour, but infants must sit on laps. Travelers of all ages are welcome, though a moderate physical fitness level is required as the tour involves walking.
Can I Join the Tour Midway Through the Itinerary?
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to join the tour midway through the itinerary. The tour operates as a cohesive group experience, and joining part-way would disrupt the flow and logistics. Participants are expected to attend the full duration of the tour.
Are There Any Discounts Available for the Tour?
The tour provider does not appear to offer any discounts. However, they do allow for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, which could provide some flexibility for travelers.
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Recap
This Downton Abbey and Village Small Group Tour from London provides an immersive experience for fans of the popular TV series.
Highlights include touring Highclere Castle, the real-life Downton Abbey, and visiting various filming locations in the charming Oxfordshire countryside.
Guided by a local expert, the tour offers a convenient and comprehensive way to explore the world of Downton Abbey.
