This full-day tour from London offers fans of the beloved TV series ‘Downton Abbey’ a unique opportunity to enjoy the show’s magical world. Visitors will explore the picturesque Oxfordshire villages and landmarks that served as the backdrop for the period drama, including the UNESCO-listed Blenheim Palace, the ancestral home of Winston Churchill. The tour also includes a guided exploration of the charming village of Bampton, where many scenes were shot, and a visit to a pub featured in the series. For those eager to step into the world of ‘Downton Abbey,’ this tour promises an unforgettable experience.
Key Points
- A full-day tour from London exploring picturesque Oxfordshire villages featured in ‘Downton Abbey’, including Bampton and Shilton.
- Visit Cogges Manor Farm, a key filming location for the TV series, and explore its historic farmhouse, barns, and outbuildings.
- Tour the UNESCO-listed Blenheim Palace, the ancestral home of Winston Churchill.
- Guided tour of the village of Bampton, including the village church and Crawley family home.
- Moderate level of physical fitness required for walking and exploration during the tour.
Tour Overview
This full-day tour from London takes visitors to explore the picturesque Oxfordshire villages that were featured in the popular TV series ‘Downton Abbey‘ and to tour the UNESCO-listed Blenheim Palace, the ancestral home of Winston Churchill.
Travelers will visit Cogges Manor Farm, a filming location, and explore the village of Bampton, including the village church and Crawley family home. They’ll also travel to the village of Shilton and visit a pub featured in the show.
The highlight is a tour of the magnificent Blenheim Palace, where guests will learn about its fascinating history and former residents.
With round-trip transportation and guided tours, this tour provides an immersive experience for any Downton Abbey fan.
Inclusions
The tour includes round-trip transport by air-conditioned minivan, along with a professional guide to lead visitors throughout the day. The tour grants entry to Blenheim Palace, the stunning ancestral home of Winston Churchill, as well as Cogges Manor Farm, a key filming location for the show. Visitors will also enjoy a guided tour of Bampton, the village that served as the setting for many Downton Abbey scenes.
| Inclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Transportation | Air-conditioned minivan |
| Guide | Professional guide |
| Attractions | Entry to Blenheim Palace, Cogges Manor Farm, guided tour of Bampton |
Visitors are encouraged to have a moderate level of physical fitness, as the tour involves a fair amount of walking and exploration.
Meeting and Pickup
The tour meeting point is at The Cumberland Hotel in London, with pickup scheduled for 07:30 am. Visitors will then be transported back to Victoria Station in London upon the tour’s completion, which is approximately 06:30 pm. This convenient meeting and drop-off locations make it easy for participants to access the tour.
The tour covers several key highlights, including:
- Visiting Cogges Manor Farm, a filming location for the show.
- Exploring the village of Bampton, where many Downton Abbey scenes were shot.
- Traveling to the village of Shilton to visit a pub featured in the series.
- Touring the magnificent Blenheim Palace, the ancestral home of Winston Churchill.
Tour Itinerary
Participants embark on a captivating journey, exploring the picturesque Oxfordshire villages that served as backdrops for the beloved television series Downton Abbey.
The tour first visits Cogges Manor Farm, a filming location featured in the show.
Next, they’ll discover the charming village of Bampton, where they’ll see the church where Lady Mary and Matthew Crawley tied the knot.
The journey then takes them to the village of Shilton, where they’ll visit a pub that appeared in Downton Abbey.
Cogges Manor Farm
Cogges Manor Farm served as a key filming location for the hit television series Downton Abbey, providing a picturesque backdrop for several memorable scenes. The charming 13th-century manor house and its surrounding farmlands were used to represent various Downton Abbey locations, including the Downton village and the estate’s tenant farms.
Visitors can explore the historic farmhouse, barns, and other buildings that were featured in the show, offering a unique opportunity to step into the world of Downton Abbey. The tour also highlights:
- The farmhouse’s interiors, which were used for interior scenes set in the Downton cottages.
- The historic barns and outbuildings that served as backdrops for outdoor scenes.
- The lush, rolling farmlands that evoke the rural English countryside of the Downton Abbey era.
- The chance to take in the charming setting that brought the beloved TV series to life.
Bampton Village
Along With Cogges Manor Farm, the quintessential English village of Bampton served as a prominent filming location for the beloved TV series Downton Abbey, providing a picturesque setting for numerous scenes throughout the show’s run.
Visitors on the Downton Abbey tour can explore the village church where Lady Mary and Matthew Crawley wed, as well as the Crawley family home.
The charming streets and historic buildings of Bampton offer a glimpse into the world of the Crawley family and their servants. From the village green to the local pub, fans can enjoy the familiar Downton Abbey scenery and imagine the characters going about their daily lives in this idyllic Oxfordshire setting.
Shilton and Pub
After exploring Bampton, the tour travels to the nearby village of Shilton, where visitors stop at a quaint pub that was featured in various episodes of Downton Abbey.
This provides an opportunity to enjoy the world of the beloved TV series and imagine the characters sipping drinks or having a meal at this charming hotel.
The pub offers a glimpse into the local culture and architecture that would have been familiar to the show’s characters.
Visitors can:
- Admire the pub’s historic exterior and quaint ambiance.
- Imagine the conversations and interactions that took place within its walls.
- Savor a refreshing beverage or light snack in the same setting as the Crawley family.
- Appreciate the attention to detail that went into selecting this location for the show.
This stop on the tour provides a unique and immersive experience for Downton Abbey fans.
Blenheim Palace Tour
The tour culminates with a visit to the grand Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO-listed estate that served as the ancestral home of Sir Winston Churchill.
Guests embark on a guided exploration of this magnificent 18th-century baroque palace, uncovering its rich history and the lives of its influential residents.
Visitors marvel at the opulent interiors, including the grand Great Hall and the ornate State Rooms. They’ll learn about the palace’s architectural features and the pivotal role it played in British history.
The tour provides a unique opportunity to step back in time and take in the grandeur and legacy of Blenheim Palace, a fitting end to the Downton Abbey filming locations adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?
Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photographs during the tour. However, they should be mindful of any restrictions or guidelines set by the tour guide or the tour sites.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration. The full-day tour runs from approximately 7:30 am to 6:30 pm, and the itinerary is fixed. However, travelers can explore the sites at their own pace during the tour.
Do We Have Scheduled Breaks for Refreshments?
The tour includes scheduled stops for refreshments, allowing guests to explore local villages and pubs at their leisure. Ample time is provided throughout the day for breaks and meals.
Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?
There is no minimum group size requirement for this tour. The tour can accommodate individuals or small groups, making it flexible for travelers. The tour provides transportation and guided visits to the key sights.
Can I Request a Private or Customized Tour?
Yes, customers can request a private or customized tour. Many tour operators offer this option, which allows guests to personalize the itinerary and schedule to their preferences for an enhanced and exclusive experience.
Recap
This tour offers a unique opportunity for Downton Abbey fans to enjoy the show’s charming Oxfordshire settings.
Visitors will explore filming locations, tour Blenheim Palace, and experience the quintessential English countryside that inspired the beloved period drama.
It’s a must-do for anyone seeking a deeper connection to the world of Downton Abbey.
