London

Downton Abbey and Oxford Tour from London Including Highclere Castle

London, England
  • 10 hours
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

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Overview

Visit Oxford and top 'Downton Abbey' filming locations on this day trip from London. Start the day with a walking tour of Oxford and its famous university buildings, and then continue to the Cotswolds’ village of Bampton, which is also known as Downton Village in the award-winning British TV series. Visit the magnificent Highclere Castle, known in the show as 'Downton Abbey,' in Hampshire.
  • Full-day Downton Abbey tour to Bampton and Highclere Castle
  • Explore Oxford and Oxford University
  • Go to Highclere Castle, and explore its gorgeous grounds
  • Follow in the footsteps of the show's popular characters

Why Travelers Choose This Tour

This accessible tour makes it easy to explore two top UK destinations—Oxford and Highclere Castle—in one day.

What's Included

  • Entry to Highclere Castle
  • Walking tour of Oxford and a village of Bampton
  • A copy of Lady Carnarvon's autobiography
  • Professional guide
  • Transportation by Luxury Air-Conditioned Coach
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • Victoria Coach Station, 164 Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 9TP, UK

    Located approximately 7 minute walk from Victoria Underground and Railway station. Tour departs inside the building at Gate 19 at 8:15am (Boarding starts at 8:00am).

Start time

08:15 AM

End point

  • Victoria Railway Station, 115 Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 9SA, UK

    The station is served by the Victoria, District and Circle line with easy access to trains/buses/taxis.

What To Expect

Depart from central London by coach and travel to the historical city of Oxford. As you travel, hear about the world-famous University of Oxford whose ivy-strewn buildings you visit during your comprehensive walking tour.

On arrival, follow your guide along the timeworn streets, and check off top sights like the Bridge of Sighs. Then enjoy free time to sightsee independently.

When the time comes, return to your coach and relax on the journey to Bampton village in Oxfordshire, which is featured in 'Downton Abbey' as Downton Village. Pass recognizable sights like the church where Lady Mary and Matthew Crawley wed and Grantham Arms.

Afterward, continue on south to Hampshire, where the grand Highclere Castle awaits. The estate, which dates back to the Victorian eta, is set amid 1,000 acres (405 hectares) of rolling parkland and was featured as Downton Abbey on the show. Tour the castle’s opulent rooms with your guide, and see the main hall and library—all used in the filming of 'Downton Abbey.' Hear about your favorite Downton characters and the real-life family who owns Highclere.

Make the most of some free time before jumping back in your coach for the return drive to London.

University of Oxford

1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included

Highclere Castle

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

St Mary's Church

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • The itinerary is subject to change. The visit to Bampton cannot be guaranteed in case of events taking place in the village. In this case extra time will be spent in Oxford.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 75 travelers

Cancellation Policy

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

    Traveler Photos

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    Featured review
    Steve_A
    Our driver (Carlos) and guide (Peter) were excellent. We enjoyed stories and information about history, our environs and Downton Abbey. With three stops it is important to be timely to be courteous to your fellow passengers. We highly recommend this tour.

    Reviews

    4.5
    601 reviews
    Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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    Reviews by Viator travelers.
    Showing 1-10 of 601 reviews
    Loved seeing Highclere Castle
    Rita_H, Apr 2024
    Oxford University was very interesting, and I really enjoyed Highclere Castle. It was just like the series and the pictures from the show in each room was super special. It made me feel that I was right there with the Downton show!
    Fantastic tour of Highclere!
    Tami_B, Apr 2024
    We had an amazing time on this tour! We loved seeing all the sights from Downton Abbey! And our tour guide Ava was the best thing since sliced bread. She was so funny and engaging. It was a long day, but a good one. We’d take this tour again!
    Amazing Downton Day!
    Brian_B, Apr 2024
    I can’t recommend this tour enough! Especially if you’re a fan of “Downton Abbey” but even if you’re not, this might turn you into one. Our tour guide Eva, was fantastic! The best. Witty and so knowledgeable about the actual history of the castle, and extremely well versed in all things “Downton.” Our driver Carlos was fantastic navigating the narrow country roads. I’ve waited for years to go there, I’m so glad it finally happened.
    FANTASTIC
    JACKIE_S, Apr 2024
    We had a fantastic day. Really enjoyed it. Christian our driver was brilliant even when he came across a stubborn lorry driver on a toll bridge, well done to him. Karen our tour guide was so knowledgeable,she showed us some great hi-lights and we also had enough time to ourselves.. Adam who came along for the ride was a very nice chap too.. Well worth a trip to ALL but especially Downton Abbey Fans. I would do it again. Thankyou to Karen, Christian and Adam. our trip was on 9th April to Oxford, Bampton &Highclere.
    Must do for drama fans
    SauKing_M, Apr 2024
    Amazing trip as be Downton Abbey fans, the tour arrangement was lovely, smart funny guide with knowledge of the sightseeing points. Comfortable bus by professional driver. Yes, Oxford visit not so interesting due to the town itself not so funny. The Highclere Castle visit was wonderful though no phots is allowed inside castle where still very worth to go . It's one of the best tour in my Viator experience.
    Great tour of Oxford and Downton
    Carol_C, Apr 2024
    Loved getting to visit the real life Downton Abbey. Carol was the greatest tour guide and our driver was super safe and was so kind.
    A "must see" for all of us Downton Abbey fans!!
    James_M, Apr 2024
    This tour met all of our expectations ~ we loved it! The coach was clean and new, Oxford was so charming and we had time to explore on our own. Walking around Bampton was so much fun with our guide, Frank, as he pointed out the places where Downton Abbey filmed. Finally, touring inside and outside the Highclere Castle was amazing. The staff present were so full of helpful information, and the house was just like it appears in the show ~ so fun! The grounds were beautiful, with an amazing lawn and gardens. This tour was just incredible!
    Great time, long day.
    Mark_T, Sep 2023
    A wonderful tour of you are Downton Abbey fans. Trips to Bampton and Oxford were fun and informative. If you are a Harry Potter fan, visit the Christ Church in Oxford to see the Great dining hall. Had a great time and would recommend this tour.
    Loved tour of Oxford,...
    Debra_H, Sep 2023
    Loved tour of Oxford, very informative. So helpful to have staff bring our a wheelchair to make getting to castle entrance easier for my companion.
    Highclere Castle and more...
    Vilma_A, Sep 2023
    This trip was EVERYTHING for me as a "Downton Abbey" fan! We started with a trip to Oxford, beautiful and historic city. A quick tour of the univ. Next the town of Bampton where parts of the city is use in the DA series, and last... the stop at Highclere Castle. Beautiful. The gardens amazing. It's a FULL day, coach was clean, comfortable and our guide Andrew was wonderful. Funny, engaging and truly patient with all our questions. This excursion included a hard cover book of the castle (totally loved). I very much highly recommend this trip.
    Great Downton Tour
    Lisa_W, Sep 2023
    Great tour, if you are a Downton fan this tour is for you. If not there is still enough history provided and sights seen that will still make the tour enjoyable. Peter our guide was brilliant. Right balance of information and talking. Oxford is stunning and short walking tour of the town and some free time to grab lunch (there is no where else to stop to buy lunch, bring snacks if needed) But it was enough time to Wonder around and buy some food. Next stop was Bampton. Stunning village and home to Mrs Crawly, the town fair and the Church. You get the opportunity to go in the church (pending any services or events happening) and a small time to Wonder the village. The architecture in the area is stunning. It was also a spot to eat (quickly, can also eat on the bus) Our last stop was Downton Abbey, aka Highclere Castle.... No photos allowed inside. We got there just after 3pm and if you want to go for the Egypt Exhibition, you may not be allowed to upgrade your ticket. Last ticket is at 3pm... Though there would be time to do both... It would be great if the tour company gave this offer at time of purchase. You see most of the rooms as seen on the show. And plenty of time to Wonder the grounds and gardens. Onsite shop and have an option for afternoon tea. On the day we visited last orders were at 4pm which was when I got out of the Abbey..... You have about two hours at the Abbey. The free book is heavy!!!! So if you want to watch luagge weight, keep this in mind. Hardcover and no choice given. Has some recipes and life about Highclere. Overall highly recommend the tour. Shame they don't offer year round tours (Abbey is not open year round)
    Great Tour!
    Joe_S, Sep 2023
    My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour of Oxford, Bampton and Highclere Castle! ChaCha (not sure of spelling) was very knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor which made the day very entertaining for all. Robert was a skillful driver in navigating the narrow streets of Oxford for us. I would highly recommend this tour for anyone interested in seeing the Downton filming sites and a nice trip to the Cotswolds.
    Great tour!
    Elizabeth_L, Sep 2023
    Great guide and driver! Zozo and Roberto were great. Friendly, helpful, very informative. Had some road closures in Oxford, so had to rush. Was afraid we would be short at Highclere, but had plenty of time. Lots of steps and climbing so be aware if that’s an issue. We also wish they provided headsets for the walking tour parts. Too big of a group to hear the guide when out of bus. On bus was great. Seats were comfortable, but a bit tight if you are a larger person. None of the above deterred us, but was worth mentioning for others. We had a great experience and highly recommend it if you can get ZoZo for your guide!
    Wonderful tour!
    Lariss_O, Sep 2023
    Wonderful, wonderful tour! Our tour guide, Andrew, was superbly organised, very witty and super helpful. Though the tour covered 3 locations, we did not feel rushed. We had sufficient time to visit each place/shop and/or eat. Our driver, Andrei (not sure if this is the correct spelling) expertly manoeuvred our big coach through narrow streets and the traffic. Highly recommend this tour!
    My bucket list
    Judith_G, Sep 2023
    Seeing where Downton Abbey was filmed, was really exciting for me! The tour guide on the coach was also very good.
    Great tour
    Pamela_R, Sep 2023
    We loved our tour guide Peter. He was hilarious! We want to bottle his charm and wit and take it back to NY with us.
    DO IT!!
    Deborah_H, Sep 2023
    We met up at Victoria Coach Station (don't use the WC's/toilets). Coach was comfortable and our driver, Andre, was amazing at navagating tight streets ! Our Guide for the day, Andrew, was FABULOUS! Lots of knowledge, always accessible for questions, and made the overall tour just that much more fun. Oxford is amazing-SO MUCH history! The town of Bampton, sweet as can be, and the highlight....oh yes, DOWNTON ABBEY! The castle is amazing. So awesome to go through the rooms and place it back to the show! Highly recommend this tour.
    Excellent
    Lisa_M, Aug 2023
    Wonderful trip!!! I went because of seeing Downton or Highclere Castle which was amazing. I really enjoyed seeing Oxford & going to Brampton. I highly recommend this tour.
    Informative and fun
    Scott_W, Aug 2023
    Our tour guide is as awesome… knowledgeable and entertaining… the most surprising part was the tour of Oxford… really was t that interested until I got there… had no idea of the history
    Excellent excursion!!!!
    Stephen_G, Aug 2023
    Excellent excursion with an excellent guide. Our tour guide was most informative, showing the differences between the different features of the varying eras of the architecture. It was genuinely most informative and interesting. We certainly came away knowing far more than before. I’d happily recommend this tour to others!!!!!
    ...

    From $209.74

    -You will not receive a refund if you cancel.

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