The World of Downton Abbey

Step into the drama of Downton Abbey, beginning with a suspense-filled murder mystery evening in your hotel. Discover the majestic rooms and gardens of Highclere Castle accompanied by lunch, explore the elegant Georgian estate of Basildon Park, and stroll through Bampton, the heart of on-screen village life, before ending at Cogges Farm, better known as Yew Tree Farm in the series.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival
Arrive from 15:00. Tonight enjoy a Murder Mystery evening at the hotel alongside dinner with wine. 

Day 2: Highclere Castle and Basildon Park
Begin your Downton Abbey journey with a morning visit to Highclere Castle, the iconic setting for the Crawley family’s grand estate. Explore the opulent rooms featured in the series and stroll through the beautiful gardens that brought the world of Downton to life. We will have a private guided tour which will lead us through the real and film words of the castle before being able to explore the downstairs Egyptian exhibition showcasing the discovery of Tutankhamun, discovered by the 5th Earl of Carnarvon and Howard Carter over 100 years ago. After our tour has ended we will enjoy an included lunch at the castle. In the afternoon, continue to Basildon Park, an elegant Georgian mansion used as the interior of Grantham House in the London season episodes. Enjoy the rich history and cinematic charm of this National Trust property. In the evening, return to the hotel for a special talk by the Downton Abbey costume designer, offering fascinating insights into the creation of the show’s period wardrobe followed by dinner with wine. 

Day 3: Bampton, St Mary's church, and Cogges Farm
Travel to the picturesque village of Bampton, the real-life location for Downton’s village scenes. We will have a short guided walking tour of the village and visit some of the key sites including St Mary’s Church (known as St Michael and All Angels in the series) and the Bampton Library, where behind-the-scenes photos and stories reveal the cast’s time filming in the village. In the afternoon, head to Cogges Farm, which portrayed Yew Tree Farm. Explore the historic farm buildings on a guided tour and learn how this working farm was transformed for the screen. Return to the hotel by 17:00.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 29 passengers.

INCLUDED

• Two nights' accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the four-star Donnington Grove Hotel, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Two dinners
• Murder Mystery evening
• Lunch at Highclere Castle and a signed copy of Lady Carnarvon's 'Seasons at Highclere' book 
• All guided tours and admissions as per the itinerary
• Coach touring as per the itinerary
• Tour manager throughout the tour

NOT INCLUDED

• Transport to the hotel is not included
• Double for sole use supplement - £160
• Extra nights on bed and breakfast basis 
• Holiday insurance 
• Meals other than those stated 
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc 
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTEL

Donnington Grove

Set in elegant parkland near Newbury, Donnington Grove offers a peaceful country retreat with historic charm. The grand 18th-century house, riverside walks, and mature gardens create a tranquil setting. The hotel has a restaurant and bar and also offers a golf course. Bedrooms are in the main house or located within the grounds and offer modern amenities including en-suite bathroom, TV, telephone, wifi, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. 

Hotel Website