This majestic tour takes you on a captivating exploration of London’s iconic landmarks, a delightful traditional afternoon tea-making class, and visits to the Victoria and Albert Museum, Beaulieu Motor Car Museum, Highclere Castle, Bampton, Blenheim Palace, Ladock village, and the historic city of Bath. Immerse yourself in the grandeur and elegance of this beloved period drama as we traverse through picturesque locations that will bring the magic of Downton Abbey to life.
Itinerary Highlights
Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites
Explore Historical Castles and Palaces
Learn how to make Afternoon Tea
Learn about the fashions of the time
Imerse yourself in the world of Downton Abbey
What’s included
Private tours for most included activities
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
07
Nights
Price Guide
$POA
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Fly to London
Day 2
London Sightseeing Tour & Afternoon Tea Making Class
Meet your local guide and private vehicle for a half-day (4 hour) orientation tour of London. Your guide will show you the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square. You will also gain a spectacular panorama of the city from the London Eye, the world’s largest observation wheel. This afternoon meet Mrs Guilliana for an afternoon tea making class in her own house. This includes a ‘mini’ house tour of this detached Victorian 1860’s house. Receive step-by-step instructions and recipes for making scones, shortbread and specialty sandwiches and take home a written reminder of what you have learned. After the baking and preparations are complete, enjoy a full afternoon tea in the drawing room as the characters in ‘Downton Abbey’ often do. This poses an ideal opportunity to execute the art of English etiquette and conversation in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Day 3
V&A, Dr Susan Weber Gallery and transfer to Hampshire
Depart you hotel this morning and head to the Victoria and Albert Museum where you will meet your guide for a short tour. The V&A is world renowned for its fashion collection that covers changing shapes and tastes in style, from beautiful 17th-century fashions to contemporary, cutting-edge designs and haute couture. Here you will be able to see the famous dinner jackets introduced in ‘Downton Abbey’ and the introduction of the flapper dresses which caused so much controversy when they were first worn. The collection also includes accessories such as jewellery, gloves and handbags. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Dr Susan Weber Gallery, a furniture exhibition that tells the story of furniture design and production spanning the past 600 years, including chairs, tables, bureaux, stools, chests, cabinets and wardrobes. Designers such as Thomas Chippendale, Frank Lloyd Wright, Eileen Gray, Charles and Ray Eames, Tom Dixon and Ron Arad sit alongside lesser-known names all selected for their superior techniques. When you have finished your tour, say goodbye to London with your driver-guide and head south to Hampshire.
Day 4
National Motor Museum & Portsmouth
This morning depart your hotel with your driver-guide and head further south, starting with a tour of the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu. The Motor Museum exhibits include some of the earliest examples of motoring to legendary World Record Breakers like Bluebird, ‘TV Star’ cars like Del Boy’s Reliant Regal and rare oddities such as the giant orange on wheels. You can also view cars like the ones Lady Edith learnt to drive in during series 3 of ‘Downton Abbey’. You may also wish to visit the ‘secret army exhibition’ where you will discover how a scenic and serene Hampshire village became the base for sabotage and subversion. The exhibition will introduce visitors to the training schools, instructors, secret agents and unsung heroes of the SOE. Further displays describe agents’ training, recount secret missions and their outcomes and provide a learning zone for younger visitors.
After exploring Beaulieu you can head to Portsmouth historical dockyards. Here you will see vessels and battle ship used over the centuries. Portsmouth is also the oldest dry dock in the world. Portsmouth Historical dockyards were used to defend the British Isles during wars and other attacks on England. Here you can walk on some of the vessels, walk through the museums or take a ride around the harbour on a public boat with your private guide. You will have the opportunity to enjoy a memorable experience on a luxurious 17-metre (56-foot) canal boat. You may like to enjoy a private dining experience or have a drink upon the canal boat before stopping at a local English pub for a meal
Day 5
Highclere Castle – Cotswolds
Today embark on an adventure with your driver-guide, venturing to where the renowned ‘Downton Abbey’ was filmed*. The fictional ‘Downton Abbey’ is set in Yorkshire however it was filmed in Hampshire at Highclere Castle, one of Britain’s most spectacular Victorian Castles. The castle is owned by the Earl & Countess Carnarvon and has been in the Carnarvon family since 1679. Set among 1000 acres of beautiful parklands and gardens, the castle dates back to medieval times as it was built on the foundations of a medieval palace. Upon arrival at the Castle you will get the opportunity to wander the lavish rooms where most of the period drama was set, including the Drawing Room, Library, Main Hall and bedrooms. Images are instantly conjured up of Lord and Lady Crawley sipping on their aperitifs before going through to dinner, or where Lady Mary and Matthew Crawley shared their first kiss in the Main Hall. Whilst seeing the opulent ‘Upstairs’ you will also get the chance to explore the starker ‘Downstairs’, the servants’ quarter, where Mrs Patmore and the other maids cooked many a fine feast. There is also the opportunity to explore the beautiful surrounding parklands with many different walkways meandering through the stunning gardens and woodlands. You can also visit the nearby, idyllic village of Highclere where other scenes of the drama were filmed, including the small church, where many of the services were set, and the village square which held the village fete. After your tour you will venture to the beautiful Cotswolds to your hotel.
Day 6
Bampton & Blenheim Palace
This morning continue into Oxfordshire to the village of Bampton. Bampton was used during the filming of ‘Downton Abbey’ for their village scenes, and whilst exploring you have the chance to see some of these film locations. The main places you will see during your tour are the local village church, the hospital and the village pub. You may also have the chance to see the home of Matthew Crawley. Continue to Blenheim Palace; currently home to the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, the Palace was designed by the architect Vanbrugh and was the birthplace of wartime leader Sir Winston Churchill. A vast park, wonderfully landscaped by Capability Brown, surrounds the palace. Here you will have the opportunity to hear about ‘Grace Ridley’ who was the 1st Duchess’s maid, and hear life as a servant in a palace. After your tour you will be privately transferred back to your hotel in the heart of the Cotswolds.
Day 7
Cotswolds – London
Today depart the Cotswolds and head first to the Lacock. The village has been used in a number of popular period TV dramas, including ‘Cranford’ and ‘Pride & Prejudice’, as its original timber-framed houses are the perfect authentic backdrop. It featured most recently as the location of a village livestock market in the latest series of ‘Downton Abbey’. Time permitting you may also like to visit the Spa town of Bath. Bath is famous for being the locations that Jane Austen set two of her six published novels, ‘Northanger Abbey’ and ‘Persuasion’, and she made the city her home from 1801 to 1806. You may wish to visit the Jane Austen Museum during your visit or explore the Roman Baths that were discovered in an excellent state of preservation near to Bath Abbey church, and also see the magnificent Palladian architecture for which the city is renowned (seen at its best in the Circus and the Royal Crescent). After your tour you will be privately transferred to your London hotel.
Day 18
Fly home
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide $POA
When to travel
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England has a temperate maritime climate, with mild temperatures and rainfall throughout the year. The average temperature in England ranges from 5°C in winter to 20°C in summer, making it a great destination to visit all year round. However, the best time to travel to England is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and save money, the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are also great times to visit.
In January, England experiences winter season, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 7°C. The weather is usually cold, wet, and windy, with occasional snowfall in some parts of the country. It's important to pack warm clothes, such as a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat if you plan to visit England during this time. Despite the chilly weather, January can still be a great time to visit England, as there are fewer tourists, and you can enjoy the beautiful winter scenery.
In February, England still experiences winter season, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 8°C. The weather is usually quite similar to January, with cold and wet conditions, and occasional snowfall in some areas. It's important to bring warm clothes, such as a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat if you plan to visit England during this time. Despite the chilly weather, February can still be a great time to visit England, as there are fewer tourists, and you can enjoy the beautiful winter scenery.
In March, England begins to transition to spring season, with temperatures ranging from 4°C to 11°C. The weather is still chilly, but it starts to get milder as the month progresses. There may be occasional rainfall, but overall, the weather is generally drier than in the winter months. It's still important to bring warm clothes, but you can also start to pack some lighter layers. March is a great time to visit England if you're looking to avoid the crowds and enjoy the start of spring. You can enjoy beautiful blooming flowers, crisp air, and some sunny days.
In April, England experiences spring season, with temperatures ranging from 6°C to 14°C. The weather is generally mild, with occasional rainfall throughout the month. You can start to pack some lighter layers, but it's still a good idea to bring some warm clothes, just in case. April is a great time to visit England if you're looking to enjoy the beautiful spring scenery, including blooming flowers and trees, and some sunny days. It's a great time to visit some of the country's famous gardens and parks, such as Kew Gardens or Hyde Park.
In May, England experiences spring season, with temperatures ranging from 9°C to 17°C. The weather is generally mild and pleasant, with occasional rainfall throughout the month. You can start to pack lighter clothes, such as short-sleeved shirts and dresses, but it's still a good idea to bring some warm layers for the cooler evenings. May is a great time to visit England if you're looking to enjoy the beautiful spring scenery, including blooming flowers and trees, and some sunny days. It's a great time to visit some of the country's famous gardens and parks, such as the Chelsea Flower Show or the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh.
In June, England experiences summer season, with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 20°C. The weather is generally warm and pleasant, with occasional rainfall throughout the month. You can pack lighter clothes, such as short-sleeved shirts, dresses, and shorts, as well as some light layers for the cooler evenings. June is a great time to visit England if you're looking to enjoy the beautiful summer scenery, including lush greenery and some sunny days. It's a great time to visit some of the country's famous beaches, such as Brighton or Cornwall, or to enjoy some outdoor activities, such as hiking or cycling.
In July, England experiences summer season, with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 22°C. The weather is generally warm and pleasant, with occasional rainfall throughout the month. You can pack lighter clothes, such as short-sleeved shirts, dresses, and shorts, as well as some light layers for the cooler evenings. July is a great time to visit England if you're looking to enjoy the beautiful summer scenery, including lush greenery and some sunny days. It's a great time to visit some of the country's famous beaches, such as Bournemouth or Devon, or to enjoy some outdoor activities, such as picnicking or boating.
In August, England experiences summer season, with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 22°C. The weather is generally warm and pleasant, with occasional rainfall throughout the month. You can pack lighter clothes, such as short-sleeved shirts, dresses, and shorts, as well as some light layers for the cooler evenings. August is a great time to visit England if you're looking to enjoy the beautiful summer scenery, including lush greenery and some sunny days. It's a great time to visit some of the country's famous attractions, such as the Tower of London or Stonehenge, or to enjoy some outdoor festivals and events, such as the Notting Hill Carnival or the Edinburgh International Festival.
In September, England begins to transition to autumn season, with temperatures ranging from 11°C to 18°C. The weather is generally mild, with occasional rainfall throughout the month. You can start to pack some warmer clothes, such as light jackets and sweaters, as the evenings can get cooler. September is a great time to visit England if you're looking to avoid the crowds and enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery, including changing leaves and some sunny days. It's a great time to visit some of the country's famous historic sites, such as Bath or Oxford, or to enjoy some outdoor activities, such as hiking or cycling.
In October, England experiences autumn season, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 14°C. The weather is generally cool and crisp, with occasional rainfall throughout the month. You should pack warmer clothes, such as jackets, sweaters, and scarves, as the weather can get chilly. October is a great time to visit England if you're looking to enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery, including changing leaves and some sunny days. It's a great time to visit some of the country's famous museums and galleries, such as the British Museum or the National Gallery, or to enjoy some seasonal activities, such as apple picking or pumpkin carving.
In November, England experiences autumn season, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 10°C. The weather is generally cool and damp, with occasional rainfall throughout the month. You should pack warm clothes, such as jackets, sweaters, and scarves, as the weather can get chilly. November is a great time to visit England if you're looking to avoid the crowds and enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery, including changing leaves and some crisp days. It's a great time to visit some of the country's famous castles and stately homes, such as Windsor Castle or Chatsworth House, or to enjoy some seasonal activities, such as visiting Christmas markets or ice skating.
In December, England experiences winter season, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 8°C. The weather is generally cold and damp, with occasional snowfall in some parts of the country. You should pack warm clothes, such as heavy coats, gloves, and hats, as well as some festive attire if you plan to celebrate Christmas or New Year's Eve in England. December is a great time to visit England if you're looking to enjoy the festive atmosphere, including Christmas lights and markets, or to enjoy some indoor activities, such as visiting museums or attending theater performances.
Add on’s
After experiencing the charm and elegance of England on your Downton Abbey tour, consider extending your travels to explore the rich cultural tapestry and picturesque landscapes of Scotland, or perhaps immerse yourself in the romantic allure of Ireland. Both countries offer a delightful blend of history, breathtaking scenery, and warm hospitality, making them perfect additions to your travel itinerary.
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