Downton Abbey: Guided Day Tour of Highclere Castle, Oxford & Bampton from London

About this experience

Downton Abbey Day Tour from London Step into the aristocratic world of the Crawley family with this comprehensive guided day tour to Highclere Castle, the primary filming location for Downton Abbey. Your expert guide takes you through the opulent State Rooms where memorable scenes were filmed, including the library, drawing room, and dining room where the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon still reside. You'll explore the castle's Egyptian Exhibition, featuring artifacts discovered by the 5th Earl alongside Howard Carter. The tour continues to Oxford, one of the world's most prestigious university cities, where you'll walk through historic colleges and cobblestone streets that have inspired scholars for over nine centuries. Your guide highlights the Bodleian Library, Christ Church College, and filming locations from various productions. This full-day experience includes comfortable coach travel with air conditioning and entertaining commentary throughout the 11-hour journey. What is Included Professional guide throughout the day Guaranteed entry tickets to Highclere Castle interior and gardens Air-conditioned coach transport from London Walking tour of Oxford's historic city centre Visit to Highclere Castle's Egyptian Exhibition Access to castle State Rooms and landscaped gardens Good to Know The complete tour lasts approximately 11 hours, including travel time from London. You'll spend about 2.5 hours at Highclere Castle and 2 hours exploring Oxford. Departure is from Victoria Coach Station, with pickup 15 minutes before scheduled departure time. Expect 2-3 miles of walking on various surfaces including cobblestones, gravel paths, and stairs. The castle has multiple floors with no lift access. Tours operate year-round in all weather conditions, so bring appropriate clothing and waterproof jackets during rainy seasons. Lunch is not included, with a one-hour stop in Oxford for purchasing meals from local restaurants and pubs. Photography is permitted in most castle areas, though flash photography and tripods are not allowed. Highclere Castle has limited opening days throughout the year and restricted daily visitor capacity, so book at least 2-3 weeks in advance. If you're exploring more of London's film and television connections, consider the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour for another behind-the-scenes experience. History enthusiasts might also enjoy a Windsor Castle day trip to see another working royal residence.

Highlights

• Step inside Highclere Castle, Downton Abbey's primary filming location
• Tour the State Rooms where the Crawley family scenes were filmed
• Explore the Egyptian Exhibition with genuine Carnarvon artefacts
• Visit Oxford and the village of Bampton on the same guided day
• Travel from London with an expert guide covering all three locations
• See a castle still inhabited by the current Earl and Countess of Carnarvon

What is included

• Expert guide throughout the day tour
• Entry to Highclere Castle State Rooms
• Access to the Egyptian Exhibition
• Transport between all tour locations

Not included

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Before you go

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Cancellation terms

Free cancellation up to 10 days before the start of your experience. Within 10 days of the start, the booking cannot be cancelled.