Explore Downton Abbey: Small Group Tour of Highclere Castle and Oxfordshire Village
Difficulty
easy
Duration
9 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels as walking is moderate and mostly on level surfaces.
Overview
Step into the world of Downton Abbey with a small group tour of Highclere Castle and the Oxfordshire village that brought the series to life. Discover history, film locations, and charming English countryside all in one day.
Downton Abbey and Village Small Group Tour
For all ages • 9 hours • Small Coach group!
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About This Adventure
Step into the world of Downton Abbey on this exclusive small group tour! Explore the charming Oxfordshire village and iconic Highclere Castle, where you'll uncover fascinating stories behind the beloved series. Experience life as the Crawley family did, wandering through stunning rooms and immersing yourself in over a thousand years of history.
Become Lord or Lady Grantham for the day!
Duration
9 hours
About
You will visit the film locations used for the BAFTA-winning period drama on a Small Group Downton Abbey Tour of Locations. The mini coach tour has a maximum of 15 persons and includes your own guide plus driver making this the best option for any Downton Abbey fan.
The day will start by departing from central London, then heading for the charming Oxfordshire village that has been featured as Downton Village. Here, you will get a guided tour of locations such as Downton hospital, the village pub, the former home of Matthew Crawley and the local church.
Get fascinating anecdotes about how the global hit TV series was made, about the actors involved and about the wonderful history of the places you visit on the tour.
A short comfort break will be taken here. Having explored the village, you will then travel to Highclere Castle, which is used as the main Downton Abbey set. On the way, you will learn about the 1000 year history of Highclere Castle and life ‘above and below stairs’.
Food for lunch can be purchased at Highclere Castle or you can bring your own lunch and enjoy it in the beautiful grounds. You’ll be able to explore independently the ‘Above Stairs’ area on the ground and first floors inside Downton Abbey with the aid of our self-guided information sheet. Areas of the castle you will be able to see include the entrance, library, music room, drawing room, morning room, staircase, saloon, dining room and the servant’s staircase.
As you wander around the estate, you will be able to imagine life as it was over 100 years ago and enter the world of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants. The Downton Abbey tour ends in central London
More info
- Visit the Oxfordshire village used as Downton village and see the home of Matthew Crawley and where the church, village fair and hospital scenes were made
- Refresh your memory watching episodes of Downton Abbey as you travel between locations
- Wander around the ‘Above Stairs’ rooms of the property used as Downton Abbey including the drawing room, main hall and library where many of the dramatic scenes involving the -Crawley family were filmed
Adventure Tips
Book Early to Secure Your Spot
This small group tour caps at 15 people, so reserve your space well in advance to ensure availability.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Expect to walk indoors and around village streets; sturdy, comfortable footwear will keep you moving with ease.
Bring Weather-Appropriate Clothing
English weather can be unpredictable; layers and a rain jacket will keep you comfortable outdoors.
Plan for Lunch Options
Food isn’t included but can be purchased at Highclere Castle or bring your own to enjoy the grounds.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Red kites soaring above the countryside
- Local songbirds such as robins and finches in the village gardens
History
Highclere Castle has been the ancestral home of the Carnarvon family since the 17th century and was constructed in its current Victorian Gothic style in the mid-1800s.
Conservation
Highclere Castle promotes responsible tourism by encouraging guests to respect the historic estate and surrounding environment to preserve its natural and architectural heritage.
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Adventure Hotspots in London
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Essential for walking on both paved and uneven surfaces in the village and castle grounds.
Layered Clothing
Allows you to adjust to changing indoor and outdoor temperatures.
Light Rain Jacket
spring specific
Camera or Smartphone
Capture iconic rooms and picturesque village scenes on this memorable tour.