Downton Abbey Highclere Castle Bampton & Oxford

What your day looks like

Leaving London we head for the University town of Oxford. Oxford, the city of dreaming spires, boasts one of the world’s greatest - and oldest - universities, as well as some of the finest architecture in Europe. The colleges themselves, which make up the university, are amongst the architectural highlights, their ivy-clad stone walls protecting beautiful chapels, halls, and libraries. A walking tour of Oxford with our guide is included before some free time to grab a bite to eat. Why not try out a pub lunch at one of the many famous inns of Oxford? Next, we head to Bampton the setting of various village scenes from the Downton Abbey series. Visit the Church, Mathew Crawley's mother's house, the hospital, and more. The village itself is quintessentially British and one of Britain's hidden treasures. Leaving Bampton we now head for Highclere Castle made famous by the Downton Abbey TV series. Built by Sir Charles Berry who also built the houses of Parliament, this is the countryseat of the Earls of Carnarvon. The tour of the Castle’s public rooms includes the magnificent public main hall, the library, and sitting rooms in addition to other rooms featured in Downton Abbey. Why not spend some time enjoying the parklands created by Lancelot “Capability” Brown who also designed the grounds of Blenheim Palace or indulge yourself with tea and cake at one of the tea rooms once you have finished touring the Castle? A copy of Lady Carnarvon's autobiography will also be given to every customer on the tour. It makes for fascinating reading and is a unique souvenir to remember the day! Departing Highclere Castle we head back to London and arrive back at approximately 7 pm.