Spin into the beautiful Cotswolds countryside to visit some of the filming sites of ‘Downton Abbey'. Your first stop is Cogges Manor Farm, beautifully located on the banks of the River Windrush. Here, learn of the farm's role in Downton Abbey as Yew Tree Farm — where Lady Edith's daughter Marigold was raised by the Drewe family. Visit the kitchens and Mr. Drewe's living room, see the farmyard where many scenes were filmed, and watch a unique and special video about the farm's role in the popular television series.
ShiltonAfter a coffee break, continue on to the delightful village of Shilton, famous for its shallow ford and used in series two to double as the village of Swinbrook. It was here that Lady Sybil and Tom Branson spent the night on their aborted elopement.
BamptonHead onwards to Bampton to see St Mary's Church — the scene of so many weddings, a funeral or two, and even a jilting! During your guided walk, take in sites of interest including the cottage hospital, Mrs. Crawley's house, the village green, the post office, Mrs. Patmore's bed and breakfast, and The Grantham Arms pub.
Highclere CastleNext, make your way southwards from the Cotswolds to the chalk down land of Hampshire, home to magnificent Highclere Castle — known to many as Lord Grantham's family seat, Downton Abbey itself. Head through grounds landscaped by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown, and up the gravel drive to the grand front door. Lord and Lady Carnarvon have welcomed cast and crew here for the entire run of the show, and its subsequent film, and visitors can discover many familiar locations both inside and outside the house.
See where O'Brien tripped up Bates, where Kemal Pamuk's body was moved, and the dining room where delicious dialogue was served up with decadent food. Visit Robert Crawley's library and the various bedrooms, and walk down the grand staircase. Enjoy lunch in one of the many restaurants here, before heading into the beautiful grounds. In the basement there is a special Egyptology exhibition, thanks to the 5th Earl of Carnarvon and his excavations in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt.
We will spend around three hours in Highclere Castle and its grounds, before our small-group day trip ends and we begin the journey back to London.