Downton Abbey: Day Trips and Tours from London
Downton Abbey is filmed across a wide variety of locations throughout the English countryside. One such destination is the medieval village of Bampton, which features a plethora of landmarks you’ll recognize from the show, such as local taverns and the home of a main character. Downton Abbey day tours from London enable you to connect with other TV enthusiasts and feel as though you’ve stepped back to post-Edwardian England as you explore the magnificent architecture that appears in the series.
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Downton Abbey is filmed across a wide variety of locations throughout the English countryside. One such destination is the medieval village of Bampton, which features a plethora of landmarks you’ll recognize from the show, such as local taverns and the home of a main character.
Downton Abbey day tours from London enable you to connect with other TV enthusiasts and feel as though you’ve stepped back to post-Edwardian England as you explore the magnificent architecture that appears in the series.
Here's all you need to know about Downton Abbey, one of the most exciting day trips from London.
How to get to Downton Abbey from London?
The hamlet of Bampton is located in the Thames Valley of Oxfordshire, approximately 110 kilometers west of Central London.
From London to Downton Abbey by car
The journey to Downton Abbey from London takes approximately 2 hours by car, following the A40, which merges into the M40, the whole way.
Guided tour to Downton Abbey from London
Public transportation links to the village are limited, which is why those without access to a car should consider making their Downton Abbey jaunt via an organized tour. These Downton Abbey excursions last all day and begin at Victoria Coach Station.
What is the typical itinerary of a Downton Abbey tour?
You’ll begin your Downton Abbey tour from London by reaching Victoria Coach Station independently at a predetermined time. From there, you’ll board your vehicle and journey away from the hustle, and bustle of the city towards England’s charming countryside. You’ll hop between destinations with your knowledgeable guide who will lead you through each site, filling you in on the history, as well as any interesting tidbits of information behind each attraction.
Whenever you’ve finished exploring one destination, you’ll simply hop back on your bus to travel the short distance to the next, allowing you to see a myriad of enchanting landmarks in a short space of time. Then, once you’ve finished your adventure, you'll return to London where your Downton Abbey day tour ends.
What kinds of tours are available to go to Downton Abbey?
Those who enjoy hopping between destinations and discovering as much English heritage as possible should consider booking a Downton Abbey day tour.
Guided tours to Downton Abbey from London
Oh this Downton Abbey day trip, you'll visit a wealth of historic attractions that showcase the best of British culture. You'll stop at Blenheim Palace, which is the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough, as well as the enchanting village of Bourton-on-the-Water, located in the quaint area of the Cotswolds.
Finally, you'll tour the village of Bampton where you can wander through the streets, spotting landmarks that are featured in the award-winning TV series, such as the Grantham Arms and the Downton Cottage Hospital.
How much does a day trip to Downton Abbey from London cost?
Downton Abbey day trips cost between £80 and £100 per adult depending on whether or not they include entrance fees. Children between the ages of 3 and 16 will pay between £70, and £90 each. Students and senior citizens aged 60, and over benefit from a reduced rate when booking their Downton Abbey day trip, which ranges from £60 to £90 each, and children under 3 can participate for free.
What will you see and do?
While the tiny village of Bampton may fly under many tourist’s radar when visiting the Cotswolds, its small size is more than made up for by its spectacular history that stretches back over 1,000 to when it was a bustling market town. At this time, the village was known for being prosperous because of its wool trade.
Today, Bampton’s fame comes from its appearance on Downton Abbey, as the home of Isobel Crawley. Bampton is used as the setting for the Downton Post Office, as well as the Downton Cottage Hospital and the Grantham Arms, all of which can be seen on a Downton Abbey day tour.
When is the best time to visit Downton Abbey?
Highclere Castle (where Downton Abbey was filmed) is open to visitors during specific periods. Check the official website to plan your visit accordingly.
This place is particularly popular in summer. Therefore, consider visiting in spring or fall. The weather is still pleasant and there may be fewer tourists than during peak summer months. If possible, plan your visit on a weekday rather than a weekend. Weekdays tend to be less crowded and offer a more relaxed atmosphere.
Are there any tours to Downton Abbey from other cities in England?
Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in England:
Travel tips
- Book your tickets well in advance, as they can sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons.
- Highclere Castle and its grounds are vast, so make sure you have enough time to explore them.
- Arrive early in the morning to make the most of your visit and avoid potential crowds.