How To Plan Your Private Tour: ‘Downton Abbey’ Villages Only Tour in London

If you’re a fan of the British period drama television series ‘Downton Abbey,’ then London has something special for you. You can experience the world of the Crawley family and visit the charming Cotswold village of Bampton by taking a private ‘Downton Abbey’ tour. This full-day tour includes visits to the Highclere Castle estate and exclusive London venues. In this blog post, we’ll guide you on how to plan your private tour to experience the essence of ‘Downton Abbey’ in and around London.

Overview of the Tour

This private full-day tour is an excellent opportunity for ‘Downton Abbey’ fans to explore the show’s real-life filming locations in and around London. You’ll be picked up at your hotel in a traditional black cab, and your guide will take you to the first stop: Highclere Castle. The castle is situated in Hampshire, around 65 miles from London, and it features as the iconic Downton Abbey on the show.

After touring Highclere Castle, you’ll head to Bampton, the village in Oxfordshire that doubles as Downton village. You’ll see many of the show’s recognizable locations, such as St. Mary’s Church and the Crawley family home. The village is quintessentially British and is the perfect spot for some photos.

After exploring the Cotswold village of Bampton, you’ll return to London to explore locations frequented by London’s modern-day aristocracy. You’ll be taken on a driving tour of London’s most exclusive venues. Your guide will tell you about the fascinating history of these luxurious locations, frequented by the landed gentry of today.

The Itinerary

To help you plan your private tour, here’s a detailed itinerary of this full-day ‘Downton Abbey’ tour:

8:00 am – Pick Up from your Hotel

You’ll be picked up from your hotel by your private driver-guide, who will be driving a traditional London black cab.

10:00 am – Arrival at Highclere Castle

Highclere Castle is the first stop on this tour. You’ll explore the estate, visit the state rooms, and see the stunning gardens. Your guide will tell you about the castle’s history and its link to the popular British TV show ‘Downton Abbey.’ You’ll also be able to get a glimpse of the ‘Downton’ dining room and library, and for fans of the show’s drama, you can even stand in the room where the scandalous scenes of the show took place.

12:30 pm – Arrival at Bampton

Bampton village is the second stop on the tour. You’ll explore the sights the villagers will recognize from the show, including the church where Lady Mary and Matthew Crawley’s wedding was held. There are many ‘Downton Abbey’ filming locations to discover in Bampton. After a leisurely walking tour, you’ll have free time to capture memories during lunch.

2:00 pm – Departure to London

After lunch, you’ll get back into your black cab and return to London. You’ll have approximately 90 minutes to rest in the cab before reaching the city.

3:30 pm – Arrival in London

You will enjoy a driving tour of London’s high-end venues frequented by the landed gentry of today. Expect to see many exclusive clubs and bars.

6:00 pm – Return to your Hotel

You’ll be dropped back off at your hotel to relive and reflect on your enjoyable tour.

Booking the Tour

To reserve your private ‘Downton Abbey’ Villages only tour, you can book online through Viator, a TripAdvisor company, via the link book the tour here. The tour price includes pickup from your hotel, visits to Highclere Castle and Bampton, and a return to London to see exclusive London venues frequented by London’s modern-day aristocracy.

Conclusion

If you’re a fan of ‘Downton Abbey,’ then a private tour in London and surrounding areas is an excellent opportunity to experience the magic and charm of the show’s filming locations. With a private driver-guide and a traditional black cab at your disposal, you’re sure to enjoy this unique and personalized tour. Book your tour through Viator and prepare to be chauffeured on a tour through the private residences of London’s elites.

Frequently Asked Questions About London

As the capital of England and one of the world’s most visited cities, London is a vibrant and culturally rich destination full of history, entertainment, and unique experiences. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or have been to London before, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about this magnificent city.

1. What’s the best time to visit London?

London is a great destination to visit any time of year. However, the best time to go will depend on your interests and what you want to see and do. If you prefer warmer weather and want to enjoy outdoor activities, visiting in the summer months of June to August is ideal. Spring and autumn have mild weather and fewer crowds, making it a great time to explore the city’s cultural offerings. Winter in London can be chilly, with the possibility of snow, but the city is a winter wonderland with festive lights and events.

2. What are some must-see attractions in London?

London is home to numerous world-famous attractions that should be on every visitor’s bucket list. Some of the top sights include:

• The British Museum – one of the world’s greatest collections of art and artifacts
• The Tower of London – a historic castle that is home to the Crown Jewels
• Buckingham Palace – the official residence of the British monarch
• Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament – the iconic clock tower and government buildings
• The London Eye – a giant Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the city
• Westminster Abbey – a historic church where many British monarchs have been crowned and buried

3. What’s the best way to get around London?

London has an extensive public transportation system, which includes the iconic red double-decker buses, the Underground trains (commonly referred to as the Tube) and Overground trains, as well as trams and river buses. The Oyster card is the most convenient way to pay for travel, and it can be used on all forms of public transportation. Taxis, Uber, and bike-sharing schemes are also available.

4. Where are the best places to shop in London?

London is a shopper’s paradise, with options ranging from high-end designer boutiques to flea markets and vintage shops. Some of the best shopping areas include:

• Oxford Street – one of the busiest shopping streets in Europe with over 300 stores
• Covent Garden – a mix of high street and designer shops, boutique stores, and market stalls
• Camden Market – a vibrant and eclectic market selling everything from vintage clothing to street food
• Harrods – a world-renowned department store with luxury goods and high-end fashion
• Notting Hill – a trendy area with a mix of designer shops and independent boutiques

5. What are some good places to eat in London?

London is a food lover’s paradise, with a diverse range of cuisines to suit every taste and budget. Some of the must-try foods include traditional English fish and chips, curry, and pie and mash. Some of the best places to eat in London include:

• Borough Market – a popular food market with over 100 food stalls and vendors
• Dishoom – a Bombay-style cafe serving delicious Indian cuisine
• The Wolseley – an iconic all-day brasserie serving English classics and European dishes
• Sketch – a quirky restaurant with an Instagram-worthy all-pink decor serving French cuisine
• St. John – a restaurant famous for its nose-to-tail eating, serving up everything from bone marrow to pig’s head

6. What are some good day trips from London?

If you have some extra time, there are many wonderful day trips from London that you can take. Some popular options include:

• Stonehenge – the iconic prehistoric stone circle is a must-see attraction and can be reached via a day tour
• Bath – a beautiful Georgian city famous for its Roman Baths and stunning architecture
• Windsor Castle – the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and an official residence of the British monarch
• Oxford – a charming university town with stunning architecture and beautiful gardens
• Brighton – a seaside town with a bohemian vibe, famous for its pier, beach, and Royal Pavilion

7. How can I save money while visiting London?

London can be an expensive city to visit, but there are ways to save money. Here are some tips:

• Use public transportation – it’s cheaper than taxis and will save you money on parking and congestion charges
• Visit free attractions – there are many free museums and galleries, such as the National Gallery and the Tate Modern
• Eat local food – street food and markets are often cheaper than restaurants and offer authentic local cuisine
• Purchase a London Pass – this pass offers free entry to many top attractions and discounts on others
• Shop at discount stores – London has many discount stores, such as Primark and TK Maxx, where you can find bargain clothes and accessories

Conclusion

London is an exciting and diverse city with something for everyone. From world-class museums and historic landmarks to trendy neighborhoods and delicious food, there’s always something new to discover. By following these tips and answering these frequently asked questions, you can make the most of your visit to London and create memories that will last a lifetime.