London to Highclere Castle: Downton Abbey Sites Day Trip

Summary

Downton Abbey filming locations, Cotswolds villages and Highclere Castle in one day

You’ll travel from London to Oxfordshire by minivan with a small group, stopping at Cogges Manor Farm for filming sites (and maybe a scone), then wander Bampton village where Downton Abbey comes alive. Explore Highclere Castle’s rooms and gardens with your guide before heading back — expect laughter, quiet moments, and plenty of stories along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I booked this Downton Abbey tour from London mostly out of curiosity — I mean, how much can a TV show really come alive? But as soon as our guide started sharing stories (and some pretty funny behind-the-scenes gossip) while we left Marble Arch, it felt like we were all in on some secret. The van was quiet at first, but then someone spotted sheep in the Oxfordshire hills and suddenly everyone loosened up. It’s weird how quickly strangers start swapping favorite episodes.

First stop: Cogges Manor Farm. The smell of hay and fresh scones hit me before I even noticed the old stone barns. Our guide pointed out where Lady Edith had her dramatic moments — I could almost picture her there, honestly. The little café was warm and smelled like coffee and woodsmoke; I tried to order tea but totally fumbled the pronunciation (“Earl Grey” shouldn’t be hard, right?). Then Bampton — which is basically Downton village — was next. Walking those quiet streets, peeking into the “hospital” (actually the library), I caught myself whispering so I wouldn’t disturb something invisible. The church bells were real though. They echoed off the stone and made it feel older than time.

Lunch was up to us at Highclere Castle — scones again for me (no regrets). The castle itself is grand but not cold; you can see fingerprints on the banisters if you look close enough. Our guide knew every corner (“That’s where they filmed Lady Mary’s big scene,” he said, grinning), but what got me was hearing about the real Carnarvon family and their Egyptian obsession downstairs. There’s this odd hush in the Egyptian exhibition that sticks with you. Photos aren’t allowed inside, which somehow made me pay more attention to the colors of the rugs and the way light slants through those tall windows.

By the end, my feet hurt a bit but my head was full — not just with Downton trivia but with bits of English countryside and snippets of conversation from people who started as strangers that morning. On the drive back to London I kept thinking about that moment in Bampton when it felt like fiction and reality blurred for a second. It’s hard to explain unless you’ve been there yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Downton Abbey filming locations tour

• Depart London by minivan
• Travel to Oxfordshire with guide
• Visit Cogges Manor Farm and cafe
• Photo stop en route
• Walking tour of Bampton village
• Enter Bampton Library and church
• See Grantham Arms pub and shops
• Explore Highclere Castle and gardens
• Lunch or snack at castle tea rooms
• Tour castle state rooms and exhibition
• Return to London, finish at Victoria Station

Top questions

How long is the Downton Abbey tour from London?

The tour is a full-day trip departing from Marble Arch in London and returning to Victoria Train Station in the evening.

Is entry to Highclere Castle included?

Yes, entry to Highclere Castle is included in your tour ticket.

Does this tour visit real Downton Abbey filming locations?

Yes, you’ll visit Cogges Manor Farm, Bampton village (the real “Downton”), and Highclere Castle where much of Downton Abbey was filmed.

Are meals included on this day trip?

No meals are included; lunch or snacks can be purchased at Highclere Castle’s tea rooms or Cogges café.

How many people are on each tour group?

The group size is limited to 18 people for a more personal experience.

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?

No hotel pickup; you meet at Marble Arch for departure.

Are there special events at Highclere Castle during this tour?

Certain dates include special events like talks or signed books—check your booking details for specifics.

Can I take photos inside Highclere Castle?

No photography or videography is allowed inside the castle itself, but you can take photos outside on the grounds.

What’s included

Your day includes transport by air-conditioned minivan from central London, entry fees for Cogges Manor Farm, Bampton Library (the “Downton Cottage Hospital”), guided walking tours with an expert guide who knows both local history and Downton trivia inside out, plus full access to Highclere Castle’s state rooms, gardens, and its unique Egyptian exhibition before returning together in the evening.