The Real Downton Abbey Tour
Winner of best mini-series at the 2012 Golden Globes, Downton Abbey is the most successful British period drama since Brideshead Revisited, with ratings exceeding 10 million viewers, and an estimated cost of £1 million per episode. Longstanding friend of the Carnarvon family, Julian Fellowes had Highclere Castle in mind as he wrote Downton Abbey. He often commented he wanted a house which spectacularly testified to the confidence and soaring optimism of the Edwardian period.
Downton Abbey follows the lives of the Crawley family and the servants who work for them, whose lives were changed forever during the First World War. The world of Highclere Castle and Downton Abbey were changed irrevocably by the First World War.
Please Note
Entrance fees are not included in booking price
Chauffeur Driven Tour
Chauffeur driven tours are a luxurious but affordable solution to sightseeing in style. We take you away from the crowded streets and buses on an intimate tour in a private vehicle, guided by your professional chauffeur, who gives you personal attention and courtesy throughout the experience, including hotel pick up/drop off and numerous photo opportunities, and of course a chance to savour each location at a more leisurely and intimate pace. Make no mistake, there is no better way to travel!
Itinerary
• Highclere Castle The Crawley estate was brought to life at Highclere Castle in the county of Hampshire. It sits on 1,000 acres of parkland and it has been the country seat of the Earls of Carnarvon since 1679.
• Bampton Downton village scenes were filmed in one of the oldest villages in England, mentioned in the Domesday book, and perfectly preserved in all its ancient splendour
Highclere Castle 2012 Opening Times
Easter 2012 Opening Open 7 days per week from Sunday 1st April to Sunday 15th April.
May 2012 Opening Sunday 6th May. Monday 7th May. Tuesday 8th May.
June 2012 Opening Sunday 3rd June. Monday 4th June. Tuesday 5th June. Wednesday 6th June. Thursday 7th June.
Summer 2012 Opening Open Sunday to Thursday inclusive every week from Sunday 1st July to Thursday 13th September. Opening Times: Open 10:30am to 6:00pm. Last admission 4pm.