Live your best Downton Abbey life with these 13 locations tours and experiences

Following an emotional farewell as poignant as that in The Return of the King, Downton Abbey’s doors have permanently shut.

For more than fifteen years, the extraordinary lives of Lady Mary, Lord Grantham, and their dedicated staff have given us a wealth of unforgettable moments. From the witty quips delivered by the late, great Maggie Smith to Hugh Bonneville’s surprising dinner party antics – if you’re a fan, you’ll certainly recall these scenes.

However, now isn’t about grieving. Instead, let’s remember that Downton Abbey will persist eternally within the affectionate memories of its followers, and fortunately, it continues to thrive in the beautiful landscapes of Britain.

Throughout the United Kingdom, there are numerous country estates and high-end excursions that offer an authentic ‘Upstairs’ lifestyle experience, ranging from captivating tea parties in the afternoon to rides on historical steam trains. Moreover, you have the opportunity to explore the actual filming sites of Downton Abbey, such as the famed Highclere Castle.

Here’s an attempt at paraphrasing in a natural and easy-to-read manner:

Since we’re devoted Downton Abbey fans, we’ve carefully curated 13 top experiences that would make exceptional holiday gifts or self-treat outings. Let’s get ready, raise a pinkie, and explore!

Best Downton Abbey experiences at a glance

Real-life Downton Abbey locations tours

Downton Abbey London walking tour, £30
Holy Island, Alnwick Castle and Northumbria day tour, £59
Downton Village, Blenheim Palace and Cotswolds tour, £79
Downton Village and Highclere Castle tour, £185
Christmastime at Downton & Bath Festive Market tour, £229
London to Southampton transfer with stop at Highclere, £350
Private Downton Abbey Tour from Oxford, £600
Downton Abbey and Castle Black Taxi Tour, £879

Luxury UK experiences with the Downton-feel

Classic Car Driving Experience, £99 £40
Fortnum & Mason Champagne Afternoon Tea, £191 £160
Roman Baths and Afternoon Tea at the 5* Royal Crescent Hotel, £165
Kartel Watch Experience, £195
Half Day Personal Shopping Experience, £295
One Night Luxury Yorkshire Escape at The Swinton Estate, £440
Afternoon Tea on the Northern Belle Luxury Train, £740

Best Downton Abbey tours and experiences super-fans will love

1. Explore Downton Abbey’s London locations on a group walking tour

Downton Abbey’s dramas often unfolded in London, serving as a contrast to the usual countryside backdrop. Characters like Lady Rose and Aunt Rosamund (or Lady Rosamund Painswick) frequently visited. Many aristocrats of that era also had residences or belonged to clubs in London, similar to Lord Grantham. Interestingly, London was even used as a setting for both Liverpool and Manchester within the show.

During this guided walking tour, you’ll be treated to sights such as the exterior of the Grantham residence and the spot where Tom declared his affection for Sybil. As you stroll through London, immerse yourself in exclusive insights about the show from an experienced guide, who will share intriguing behind-the-scenes facts with you.

2. Visit Downton village and a tour of Highclere Castle

This tour is a dream come true for dedicated Downton Abbey enthusiasts. The journey begins at Cogges Manor Farm, which stood in for Yew Tree Farm in the series. Next, you’ll venture to the authentic Downton village of Bampton. Your tour concludes at Highclere Castle, where you can marvel at the very abbey that graced the screens. Inside, you’ll revisit the familiar rooms from the show, along with some upstairs bedrooms and secret nooks that were off-limits in the series.

This special tour is perfect for devoted Downton Abbey fans. It starts at Cogges Manor Farm, which served as Yew Tree Farm on the show. You’ll then move on to the real-life Downton village of Bampton before ending up at Highclere Castle, where you can gaze upon the actual abbey. Inside, you’ll revisit rooms from the series, as well as some upstairs bedrooms and hidden areas that were not shown in the show.)

3. See Holy Island, Alnwick Castle and Northumbria on a tour from Edinburgh

For those residing in Edinburgh or vacationing in Scotland, Alnwick Castle offers a fantastic excursion for fans of Downton Abbey. This magnificent castle served as Brancaster Castle on the show, the residence of the Marquess of Hexham, where Lady Edith moves after marrying Bertie at the end of season 6. The castle’s both interior and exterior were featured in the series, during Lord Sinderby’s rental period (Lady Rose’s somewhat gruff father-in-law) and during visits by the family to Edith when she became engaged.

During this tour, you’ll have a chance to admire the breathtaking landscapes surrounding Northumberland, including Lindisfarne, a site steeped in religious history significant for the British Isles. You’re welcomed to explore the island and taste some of the ‘mead’ produced by monks residing there. We believe Lord Grantham would find it just as charming!

3. Explore Downton Village, Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds on one day trip

Lovers of grand country estates akin to those seen in Downton Abbey are bound to be amazed by Blenheim Palace. Belonging to the Spencer-Churchill family, this remarkable house stands as England’s sole non-royal palace and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As a passionate cinephile and an eager explorer of enchanting landscapes, I’d highly recommend embarking on a tour that takes you through the heart of England. This journey begins in London, but it’s not just any ordinary city tour. Instead, you’ll venture into the picturesque Cotswolds region, stepping foot on the grounds of the magnificent Blenheim Palace, and several charming villages nestled amidst its rolling hills.

Among these villages, there’s one that holds a special place for lovers of period dramas: Bampton, a quaint village often graced by the cameras of Downton Abbey. This tour is more than just a sightseeing excursion; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the authentic charm of the English countryside and witness firsthand the breathtaking beauty that has captured the hearts of many. If you’re visiting the UK for the first time, this tour offers an unparalleled introduction to the country’s enchanting landscapes and rich history.

4. See Christmastime at Downton and experience the Bath Festive Market

Beyond Downton Abbey being an iconic Christmas scene, it’s difficult to imagine a more enchanting holiday destination than the Bath Christmas markets. Luckily, this adventure offers a blend of both worlds. First, you’ll take a tour around Highclere Castle, marveling at their stunning decorations and warming up by a crackling fire with a cup of mulled wine. Then, you’ll venture off to Bath, where you can admire the sparkling lights and browse through charming market stalls.

5. London to Southampton transfer with stop at Highclere

If you’re considering a journey between London and Southampton (or the reverse), this private transfer not only alleviates the travel strain, but also offers an exclusive pit stop at Highclere Castle. Indulge in a day of opulence and ease while creating lasting memories at the Abbey.

6. Get the true UK experience with a Black Taxi Tour of Downton Abbey

Absolutely, This tour is definitely worth considering for tourists. It allows you to embark on a personalized journey in a private Black Cab, visiting Highclere, the beautiful landscapes of the Cotswolds, picturesque lakeside Cumbria, and more. Your driver, acting as a chauffeur, will not only provide you with a comfortable ride but also share fascinating stories about British aristocracy history and intriguing behind-the-scenes gossip from the popular period drama.

7. Find true luxury with the Fortnum & Mason Champagne Afternoon Tea

A visit to Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Salon offers an unparalleled luxury and refinement, with each visit graced by a visually stunning afternoon tea filled with sandwiches and confectioneries. Haven’t we all watched the Dowager and Lady Crawley enjoying their teas countless times? It’s now your turn to unwind while savoring a scone and sharing some tales.

8. Save yourself the effort with this Half Day Personal Shopping Experience

Aristocrats from Downton Abbey don’t do their own shopping, so why not consider an exceptional personal shopping experience instead? Jennifer Jones Styling offers just that! The journey begins with a preliminary phone consultation where your dedicated stylist will discuss your preferences. On the designated day, your stylist will arrive ahead of time to scout out the selected shopping destination before joining you for a delightful three-hour shopping spree. This includes refreshments, and afterwards, you’ll receive an evaluation summary.

9. Channel Matthew Goode with the Classic Car Driving Experience

Although Lady Mary’s second husband, portrayed by Matthew Goode, didn’t feature in the third film, he is an accomplished professional race car driver. For those with a passion for cars, there’s an opportunity to participate in a classic car driving experience. Spanning 13 locations throughout the UK, this event offers expert guidance from seasoned racers and allows you to take three laps on a premier racing track. Among the vehicle options are a Camaro SS, Mustang GT350, Caterham, Mini Cooper S, Dodge Charger, Mk1 Escort, Shelby Cobra, and many other exciting choices.

Check out the best UK driving experiences

**10. See more of the UK with the Roman Baths and 5* Afternoon Tea**

Spoil yourselves by spending a day in one of the UK’s oldest towns, known for being featured in Bridgerton, where you can immerse yourself in Roman history at the ancient Baths and later enjoy an Afternoon Tea experience at the historic Royal Crescent Hotel. Wander through one of the world’s oldest religious spas before visiting this Grade I listed hotel, steeped in 250 years of rich history. The Afternoon Tea is a highlight on its own, offering an array of delicious sandwiches and desserts beautifully presented for your delight.

11. Try the bespoke Kartel Watch Experience

Discover the lavish realm of timepieces as you create a personalized Kartel watch that embodies your unique taste. Our skilled artisans stand ready to bring your ideas to life, allowing you to pick from diverse case styles and straps tailored to your liking.

12. Live the real upstairs life with a luxury stay at The Swinton Estate

In Yorkshire, where Downton Abbey is based, The Swinton Estate offers a chance to truly immerse oneself in that era’s lifestyle. Nestled along the breathtaking border of the Yorkshire Dales, this estate is a remarkable spectacle to witness.

During your visit, you’ll sleep in the charming Knight’s Room, complete with various comforts. Feel free to explore the historic estate and its enclosed garden at leisure. Later, enjoy a meal at Samuel’s Restaurant, where a £55 per person allowance applies. The menu showcases seasonal and locally-sourced items, creatively influenced by produce cultivated on the property itself.

13. Try the Golden Age of Travel with Afternoon Tea on the Northern Belle Train

Residents of Downton Abbey undoubtedly took steam train rides (unless Tom was driving them instead), so why not experience some 1930s elegance by enjoying high tea on the Northern Belle steam train? This exquisite train travels across the English countryside and guarantees a luxurious afternoon. As you glide through verdant hills and alongside lakes, you’ll be treated to a scrumptious high tea offering an abundance of champagne and tasty treats.

Where is Downton Abbey and how much is open to the public?

Here’s a more casual and conversational way of saying that:

Hey there! Wanted to clarify something about Downton Abbey – turns out, it’s not an actual place like we might think from watching the show. In reality, the famous estate is called Highclere Castle, located in Hampshire, England. It’s quite accessible, roughly a 90-minute drive from central London. They chose Highclere as a shooting location because of its ease of access for both cast and crew to move between sets, since most of the ‘below stairs’ scenes were filmed in studios. And here’s an interesting tidbit – it’s not even located in Yorkshire!

When purchasing tickets, you have various possibilities, but the typical choice includes access to both the house and its gardens. This allows you to explore the enclosed gardens, open grounds, as well as certain rooms within the house such as the state rooms and specific bedrooms.

Highclere Castle welcomes visitors on select days during the year. Currently, you can arrange visits for April and May, with more opportunities typically available during the weekdays of summer months.

How much does it cost to visit Downton Abbey?

Here are various ways you could budget for your trip to Downton Abbey. One choice is to join one of our previously mentioned tours, which not only covers the admission fee to the house but also arranges transportation to Hampshire.

If you’ve arranged your own ride and only need to purchase your tickets, it costs £22.50 for an adult ticket that covers the house and gardens at Highclere Castle. Since one of the Earls was passionate about Egyptology (he even contributed significantly to the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb), there is a permanent exhibition within the castle that you can visit by paying an additional £6.50.

If you’ve sorted out your own transportation and only need tickets, it costs £22.50 for an adult ticket covering both the house and gardens at Highclere Castle. As one of the Earls was an enthusiastic Egyptologist (he even played a crucial role in uncovering Tutankhamun’s tomb), there is a permanent exhibition within the castle that you can explore by paying an extra £6.50.

Shop tickets for Highclere Castle

Can I stay at Downton Abbey?

Because Highclere Castle remains a personal residence belonging to the Carnarvon family, it isn’t available for guests to stay.

Alternatively, several properties on the Highclere estate are open for holiday rental, such as the Grotto Lodge for weekends and the London Lodge. Additionally, booking an Airbnb in the neighboring Highclere village is another option.

Can you visit the Downton Abbey village?

Just as a house on screen isn’t a physical structure but an amalgamation of various locations created through cinematic illusion, Downton Village isn’t a geographical entity in reality. Instead, it’s a composite of different places skillfully assembled. The picturesque landscapes you see were filmed in the Cotswolds, standing in for the Yorkshire countryside. Additionally, many of the historic houses used in the series are listed, which means they retain their original charm without modern alterations, making them ideal for depicting life in the early 1900s.

In most scenes from the show Downton Abbey, the town of Bampton stood in as Downton Village. Many tours we offer include a stop at this location. Notable sites within include St Mary the Virgin church, where several weddings (and nearly one more!) from the show took place, and Churchgate House, which served as Mrs. Crawley’s residence in the series.

In addition to Downton, other places were employed to represent the estate, such as Cogges Manor Farm, situated near Bampton, which stood in for Yew Tree Farm where Mr. Mason resided initially, followed by Daisy and Andrew in the later episodes and movies.

2025-09-12 10:09