Discovering Downton
4 day holiday - Tuesday 26th May 2026
Highlights...
- Highclere Castle
- Cogges Farm
- Champagne Lunch River Cruise
Welcome to the World of Downton: A Journey Through Time and Elegance.
Downton Abbey is a British historical drama television series set in the early 20th century, created and co-written by Julian Fellowes. It first aired in the United Kingdom on ITV on 26 September 2010 and ran for fifty-two episodes across six series, including five Christmas specials. The series, set on the fictional Yorkshire country estate of Downton Abbey between 1912 and 1926, depicts the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their domestic servants in the post-Edwardian era, and the effects the great events of the time have on their lives and on the British social hierarchy. These events include news of the sinking of the Titanic (first series); the outbreak of the First World War, the Spanish influenza pandemic and the Marconi scandal (second series); the Irish War of Independence leading to the formation of the Irish Free State (third series); the Teapot Dome scandal (fourth series); and the British general election of 1923 and the Beer Hall Putsch (fifth series). The sixth and final series introduces the rise of the working class during the interwar period and hints at the eventual decline of the British aristocracy.
Downton Abbey has been praised by television critics and received numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe Award and a Prime-time Emmy Award for Outstanding mini-series or movie. It was recognised by Guinness World Records as the most critically acclaimed English-language television series of 2011. It earned 27 Prime-time Emmy Award nominations, the most for any international television series in the awards' history.
Step into the timeless charm and grandeur of Downton Abbey, where rolling green hills, stately architecture, and rich English heritage come together in a captivating escape to the past. Highclere Castle, the iconic filming location of Downton Abbey, stands proudly in the heart of Hampshire. This majestic estate, home to the real-life Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, opens its doors to visitors seeking a glimpse into both aristocratic life and television history. Walk through lavish drawing rooms, explore the famous library, and stroll through lush gardens that have enchanted guests for centuries. Beyond the castle walls, the surrounding countryside offers quintessential English charm. Discover quaint villages, traditional pubs, and historic market towns, where cobbled streets and antique shops await.
Discover a piece of television history in the picture‐perfect village of Bampton. Nestled in the rolling hills of Oxfordshire, Bampton is a pretty English village that brought the fictional village of Downton to life. With its period architecture, quiet lanes, and preserved charm, Bampton became the outdoor stage for many of Downton Abbey’s most memorable moments. Whether you're a devoted fan of the series or just love beautiful villages, a visit to Bampton offers more than just scenery — it offers magic. For those who want to soak up the feel of the show, there’s a self‐guided walk — often called the Downton Abbey Mile. It loops round the principal filming spots around the church, church green, library, Church Close and Church View. Along the way, you’ll find plaques, photo‐opportunities, and informative signposts or small displays that help place you in key scenes.Whether you're a devoted fan of the series or simply seeking a culturally rich getaway, the world of Downton Abbey promises elegance, storytelling, and serenity like no other.
Audleys Wood Hotel ★★★★
We will be staying at the 4-star Audleys Wood Hotel in Hampshire. The rooms, located in the main house, offer a peaceful retreat with charming views over the hotel’s beautifully maintained grounds and gardens. Each room features a double bed with a Hypnos Lansdowne cashmere mattress. The en-suite bathroom includes a bath with an in-built shower, a heated towel rail with adjustable control and exclusive toiletries by Gilchrist and Soames. Room amenities include an iron and ironing board, a digital safe, a fridge with fresh milk available on request, complimentary still water, teas, coffees, hot chocolate, and biscuits. Each room is equipped with a 37” flat-screen TV with Freeview, complimentary WiFi, a media hub for device connectivity, a USB charging point, and a DVD player available upon request. The room includes bedside lighting, blackout curtains, a desk with a reading lamp, a vanity mirror, a telephone, a luggage rack, and a seating area with a coffee table. The 3-course evening meal will be enjoyed in the Conservatory restaurant and includes two glasses of wine or soft drinks.
Itinerary
Day 1- Tuesday 26th May
Arriving by door-to-door car at the Crowne Plaza, Gerrards Cross, you will be greeted by your tour manager who will be with you throughout the holiday. Coffee or tea with pastries will be served before we board the coach. A light lunch will be served at The Swan, Pangebourne, before we continue our journey to Audleys Wood Hotel. Your tour manager will assist with check -in, allowing you to settle in and enjoy the beautiful surroundings before the evening meal.
Day 2- Wednesday 27th May
This morning we journey to the iconic Highclere Castle, famously known as the fictional home of the Crawley family from Downton Abbey. Upon arrival, enjoy time at leisure to explore the stunning castle interiors and admire its historical artefacts throughout the grand rooms. Our delightful lunch will be in the Castle café, set within the beautiful grounds. Afterwards, you'll have free time to wander the gardens at your own pace and delve into the fascinating Egyptian Exhibition.We will return to the hotel in the late afternoon for an early dinner, followed by an optional screening of a Downton Abbey film to round off a truly enchanting day. f
Day 3 – Thursday 28th May
Today we depart for Cogges Manor Farm, a hidden gem in the heart of Witney in the beautiful Cotswolds. Set on 17 acres, this historic manor house and traditional farmyard spans over 1,000 years of history and is now an award-winning visitor attraction. Fans of Downton Abbey will recognise it as Yew Tree Farm, home to Mr. Drewe, the tenant farmer. After lunch, we continue to the charming village of Bampton, the real-life setting for many of Downton’s iconic village scenes. Visit Bampton library (visitor centre) to view the small exhibition with a souvenir shop. Stroll through The Downton Mile, a gentle walk that links key filming locations – including St Mary’s Church, Churchgate House, and the old Grammar School – bringing the beloved series to life with every step. Don’t forget your camera!!
Day 4 – Friday 29th May
After check out, we will make our way to beautiful Windsor, for a truly unforgettable champagne lunch river cruise. Step aboard The Georgian, an elite luxury vessel and indulge in the delights of the River Thames and its picturesque surroundings. Begin your experience with a chilled glass of champagne as we set sail, then sit back and relax as you're served a three-course lunch, freshly prepared on board. This exclusive private cruise offers the perfect setting to reflect on the memories we've made — and to toast to new adventures ahead. Once we have disembarked, we will continue our journey to The Crowne Plaza, Gerrards Cross. Tea, coffee and cake will be awaiting our return before meeting the chauffer driven cars.
Total Price of the Holiday: £2,150 per person
Deposit: £300
Balance due:
15th Feb 2026
Whats Included:
- Door to door cars from your home to the meeting point and back
- Coach travel throughout the holiday
- 3 nights at the 4-Star Audleys Wood Hotel
- 3-course dinner with two glasses of wine every night
- Full English or continental breakfast every morning
- Light lunch with coffee or tea on three days
- 3-course champagne lunch cruise on last day
- Morning refreshments on the first day
- Afternoon refreshments on the last day
- Admission/talks/tours at all properties visited on excursions stated in the
- programme:
✓ Highclere Castle
✓ Cogges Farm
✓ Champagne lunch cruise
- Gratuities
- The services of your Tour manager throughout your stay
- V.A.T.
The minimum number required for this holiday is 10.
Disclaimer: This Tour is not affiliated with the official Downton Abbey production, the show is a fictional series.
For more information or to book call
020 4568 3377




