Summary - Downton Abbey Tribute Tour 2027

Step into the elegance and charm of England on this unforgettable Downton Abbey Tribute Tour, where history, heritage, and beloved filming locations come to life. Your journey begins in the picturesque English countryside, where stately manor houses, rolling green landscapes, and centuries-old traditions set the perfect scene.

Travel back in time aboard the Bluebell Railway, explore the romantic grounds of Scotney Castle, and visit the beloved home of one of England’s most famous authors at Jane Austen's House. Stand in awe at the ancient wonder of Stonehenge and stroll through the historic university cities of Oxford and Cambridge.

This thoughtfully curated journey is a dream for fans of Downton Abbey and British cinema. Walk the charming village streets of Bampton, featured prominently in the series, and experience the grandeur of Highclere Castle—the iconic setting of Downton Abbey itself. Along the way, discover additional filming locations and elegant estates that bring the world of the Crawley family to life.

You’ll also enjoy a visit to Windsor Castle, indulge in a traditional English afternoon tea, and take in the storybook beauty of the Cotswolds, known for its charming villages and peaceful countryside.

Throughout the tour, you’ll stay in hand-selected historic estates and boutique hotels, with included meals that highlight the best of British cuisine and hospitality. From grand castles and royal residences to quaint villages and cinematic landmarks, this immersive journey offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and unforgettable experiences.

May 19, 2027

Arrival in London

Upon arriving at the airport you will be picked up with our group transfer and taken to The Horsted Place Hotel where you will stay for 2 nights. Once all guests have arrived, our group will begin its exploration of the English Countryside with a drive to Scotney Castle where you will get to tour the castle in the afternoon. Tonight is a fabulous “Welcome Dinner” in the stunning Library of the Estate that will sure please your palates. (D)

May 20, 2027

Bluebell Railway, Lewes Castle & Anne of Cleves House

Our group will enjoy breakfast at the Estate before we embark on a countryside journey with a ride on the Bluebell Railway Museum train. Learn all about the use of these museum stations in many British film productions from Downton Abbey to James Bond and more. From there, our journey will continue via Lewes Castle and Anne of Cleves House. Then enjoy dinner together tonight. (B & D)

May 21, 2027

Jane Austen House, Stonehenge, Lacock Village

After a restful night, enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we begin the day discover the British countryside on a drive West toward the legendary Stonehenge Monument with a stop along the way at famed writer Jane Austen’s House. The day ends at our next country estate set as an elegant Victorian Mansion House in a stunning parkland setting on 250 acres of Berkshire parkland. History is etched in this place permanently occupied since the first house was built in 1560 for the wealthy Plowden family. Today, the estate offers guest rooms in the historic mansion, an 18-hole PGA standard golf course, and tons of outdoor activities, pools (indoor and out); dining and banquet venues. Then enjoy dinner together at the hotel you will be staying at The DeVere Wokefield Estate. (B & D)

May 22, 2027

Basildon Park, Oxford Walk with Christ College

After a relaxing breakfast at your country Estate, we will pack our bags, gather as a group and tour the nearby Basildon Park – managed by the National Trust. Used to film the inside scenes of Downton Abbey’s Grantham House as well as the third series of Netflix’s lavish Regency-era drama Bridgerton, this estate sits elegantly in 162 hectares (400 acres) of historic parkland and gardens. The 18th-century house was purchased by Lord and Lady Iliffe in the 1950s, when it was de-requisitioned after the Second World War. With extraordinary vision, the Iliffes brought Basildon Park back to life, acquiring a collection of fine furnishings and carefully selected Old Masters. The wooded parkland offers glorious seasonal color, with spring bluebells, summer buttercups and autumn leaves, while the landscape has been carefully restored to offer wonderful views, peaceful trails and picnic places, with areas for children to run and play. Further up the road, after a charming country drive, we will visit the Christ Church College. Founded in 1546 by King Henry VIII, the college is uniquely a joint foundation of the university and the cathedral of the Oxford diocese, Christ Church Cathedral, which also serves as the college chapel and whose dean is ex officio the college head. Following the visit to the college, we will tour the city of Oxford on foot. Tonight you will stay at the VOCO Oxford Thames (B)

May 23, 2027

Bampton, Cogges Manor Farm & Oxford

Today, we will visit the charming village of Bampton where the majority of the outdoor village scenes of the Downton Abbey series were filmed. This town truly represents the English countryside with its architectural charm, chapel, and village atmosphere. From there, we continue to Cogges Manor Farm for more Downton Abbey memento moments before ending our day in Oxford with a walking tour of the famed Christ Church College. You can dine at your leisure this evening. Accommodations will be at a Downtown Oxford Hotel (exact hotel TBD) (B & D)

May 24, 2027

Hatfield House

Continuing our discovery of England, we will visit one of the most important palaces where Winston Churchill resided for a while. Kings and Queens have visited this place many times and for those into the soap opera style of TV shows, this palace was used as the fictional Buckingham Palace in The Royals - an American primetime television drama that premiered on E! on March 15, 2015. On our way back to London, we’ll stop at Hatfield House - a Jacobean manor built by Robert Cecil in the early 17th century on the site of the earlier Royal Palace of Hatfield, where Queen Elizabeth I lived as a child and learned of her accession to the throne. Tonight enjoy dinner together at the hotel. You will be staying at Templeton Garden Hotel for the next 3 nights. (B & D)

May 25, 2027

London

Today you will take a walking tour to many of the filming locations from Downton Abbey and other movie franchises such as the Streets of Mayfair, Belgravia and Westminster. The Bridgewater House – Crawley’s London residence and Belgrave Square – Lady Rosamund Painswick’s home. (B)

May 26, 2027

Windsor & Traditional Afternoon Tea

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before we make our way out to his Royal Highness’ estate at Windsor Castle for a private tour of the Royal family’s summer palace. The town of Windsor itself is worth a few steps on food to discover once the castle visit is complete. Upon return to London mid-afternoon, you will be treated to Afternoon and High Tea in all its splendor. Epitomizing the sophistication of the Diamond Jubilee, this Tea Salon has served Fortnum & Mason’s most delicious tradition since 1926. It was renamed following a visit from Her Late Majesty The Queen in 2012. (B & D)

May 27, 2027

Cambridge University Town

This morning is a leisurely morning to enjoy London on your own before we gather as a group again mid-day to travel toward Cambridge for a tour of the famed university town and its charming historic center. Accommodations will be at a Downtown Cambridge Hotel (exact hotel TBD). (B & D)

May 28, 2027

Cotswolds & Stratford upon Avon

This morning, after a relaxing breakfast, as we drive through Buckinghamshire, we will take a trip back in time to WWII with a stop at the legendaryBletchley Park-the top-secret central site of Allied codebreakingmade famous by the movie “The Imitation Game”.In this quiet hamlet, 9,000 staff—predominantly women—operated 24/7at the Government Code and Cypher School (GC&CS)together withexperts like Alan Turingwhofamously broke German Enigma and Lorenz ciphers, significantly shortening the war. Today, it functions as a museum, preserving the huts and blocks where this vital, groundbreaking intelligence work took place.Afterwards we continue to the birthplace of William Shakespear for a discovery walk and time to enjoy at leisure. Our final stop will be our charming lodging in the Cotswolds. (B & D)

May 29, 2027

The Cotswold's

Awaken to a peaceful morning in the rural countryside of the Cotswold’s with a leisurely breakfast. Then join us for an exploration on foot. Famous for its countryside, picturesque villages, market towns, and thatched cottages with charming gardens, this region has served as inspiration for the fictional village of Downton. Weather and crowds depending we will stroll down the streets and canals of Stow-on-the-Wold, Bibury, and Bourton-on-the-Water. (B)

May 30, 2027

Cotswold's to Highclere Castle & Gardens to London

Breakfast is served as the train departs for the journey back to London. After a scenic journey, gliding through Oxfordshire and the Chilterns, where we will disembark for a short ride to Highclere Castle for one final highlight of this extraordinary journey. The world of Highclere still has its own community of Chefs, Gardeners and Housekeepers as well as all the other people who make the "Real Downton Abbey" such a welcoming place today. Highclere Castle has been transformed from its roots in Anglo Saxon Times to a medieval palace, a Tudor place house, a Georgian house and today this iconic Victorian Castle. It sits within a park designed by Capability Brown in the eighteenth century. Upon our returning to London, we will gather one last time as a group for a traditional Farewell Dinner. Accommodations will be at the Templeton Garden Hotel. (B & D)

May 31, 2027

Departure

After a last English breakfast, pack your personal belongings and head back to London Heathrow for your flight home taking the memories of a wonderful trip. (B)

Meals are noted each day. B - Breakfast and D - Dinner

· In-destination airport transfers for a stress-free arrival and departure

· 12 nights of carefully selected accommodations, featuring charming estates and boutique hotels

· Included admission to all featured sightseeing and excursions

· Enjoy a variety of included meals, showcasing the best of local cuisine (as outlined in the itinerary)

· Complimentary Wi-Fi to stay connected throughout your journey

· Dedicated service of Direct Travel Host Rene Schneeberger, accompanying the group with 16 or more guests

Not Included In the Package:

Round trip airfare to London
Travel Insurance
Optional Extensions
Airline Seat Selection & Baggage Fees
Gratiuities to Tour Guides & Drivers
Passport Fees
UK ETA Visa
Personal Items
Meals and Beverages that are not listed in itinerary
Any item not listed under inclusions