Looking for a way to escape the everyday monotony of life, Jane decided to take a private Downton Abbey tour. She had watched the show so many times that she could practically recite it word for word, and she longed to experience the magic of the show in real life. Plus, she was hoping to find her own Mr. Bates – minus the whole wrongful imprisonment thing. So, she packed her bags and headed to England, ready to immerse herself in the world of the Crawleys and their loyal staff. Little did she know, she was about to embark on an adventure that would leave her feeling like she had truly stepped back in time – thankfully without the corsets and lack of indoor plumbing. With the private chauffeured Downton Abbey tour, anyone can step into Jane’s lace up Victorian boots.

iChauffeur Tours provide a very intimate and private Downton Abbey tour. It takes visitors on a journey to explore the iconic filming locations and landmarks associated with the beloved British period drama series. Led by knowledgeable guides, grandeur of Highclere Castle is appreciated, where the majority of the show was filmed, as well as the quaint village of Bampton, which served as the setting for many of the outdoor scenes. Along the way, visitors can learn about the fascinating history of the locations and the inspiration behind the characters and storylines featured in the show. The tour offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the world of Downton Abbey firsthand.

What sets iChauffeur Tours a class apart is their motto of “Your Tour, Your Choice”. This allows the guests to set their own pace. They are ready to collect you in one of their luxury cars (your choice) from anywhere in the UK, at any time convenient for you. The duration of the tour is not set and is entirely up to the guests. They set the pace. Booking a private tour also means that the guests are not grouped with tourists but rather have their own guides and activities. The tour covers various locations and guests can be chauffeured around in either a Mercedes, a Bentley, a BMW, or even a Roll-Royce Phantom.

Storied Past

The tour includes a visit to Highclere Castle, the primary filming location for Downton Abbey. This stunning castle is located in Hampshire, England, and is an iconic example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture. Highclere Castle has a rich history, dating back to the 18th century when the original manor was built. The castle was designed by architect Charles Barry, who is also known for his work on the Palace of Westminster. Highclere Castle was built for the 1st Earl of Carnarvon, who had inherited the estate in 1793. Highclere Park, which was gifted to the Church of Winchester as a deer park in 749, holds the distinction of being the oldest recorded estate in Hampshire. The construction of the castle took place in 1679 and underwent significant renovations in the 1840s. The renowned landscape architect Capability Brown designed Highclere Park in the 18th century.

Over the years, Highclere Castle has had many notable inhabitants, including the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, who was the financial backer of the famous Egyptian archaeologist Howard Carter. The two men discovered the tomb of the pharaoh Tutankhamun in 1922, and the discovery made headlines around the world. Subsequently, in 2007, the Egyptian Exhibition was established in the castle’s cellars to narrate the captivating tale of Tutankhamun’s tomb discovery. During World War II, Highclere Castle was used as a base for British soldiers, and its grounds were used to grow vegetables to help with the war effort. Today, Highclere Castle is still owned by the Carnarvon family and serves as a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the castle’s ornate rooms and gardens and learn about the rich history of this iconic English landmark.

Royal Greetings

As the tour begins, you’ll be greeted by your private guide, who will take you on a tour of the castle and its grounds. The guests can then explore the grand rooms that served as the backdrop for many of the show’s most iconic moments, including the drawing room, library, and dining room. As you walk through the castle, your guide will share fascinating stories about the filming of Downton Abbey, from the challenges of shooting in such a historic location to the creative choices that went into bringing the show to life. One of the most exciting parts of the tour is the opportunity to see the bedrooms where the Crawleys and their guests slept, including Lady Mary’s stunning four-poster bed. The castle bedrooms are steeped in history, with original furnishings and decorations that will take you back in time to the early 20th century. It’s an unforgettable experience to walk through these rooms and imagine yourself as a guest of the Crawleys.

Further on to Bampton

After the castle tour, the guests will be able to explore the stunning gardens and grounds of Highclere. The estate covers over 1,000 acres and includes a wide variety of gardens, from the English Landscape Park to the Wood of Goodwill. You can stroll through the gardens at your leisure, taking in the sights and sounds of this breath-taking location. One of the highlights is the Secret Garden, a walled garden that was restored in the early 20th century and is now a beautiful and peaceful oasis. Next up is a visit to the village of Bampton, located in Oxfordshire. This charming village was the primary filming location for the outdoor scenes in Downton Abbey. As you walk through the village, you’ll recognize many of the locations that served as the backdrop for the show, including St. Mary’s Church, which was used for Lady Mary and Matthew Crawley’s wedding.

Your guide will take you on a walking tour of the village, pointing out other notable locations such as the cottage that served as the exterior of Isobel Crawley’s house and the post office that was transformed into the Grantham Arms pub. The guests can look back at their day while sightseeing some of the local shops and pubs, where they can sample some of the best food and drink that England has to offer. The guests can even visit the Downton Abbey exhibition in London. This exhibition features costumes, props, and other memorabilia from the show, and is the perfect way to cap off an unforgettable tour. As you make your way through the exhibition, you’ll be transported back to the world of Downton Abbey, with its glamour, drama, and romance. It’s a fitting conclusion to a tour that celebrates the beauty and history of one of England’s most beloved TV shows.

Other Tours Offered by iChauffeur

iChauffer does not stop at Downton Abbey. They also provide tours of the wisteria covered manors of Bridgerton and the regal locations of the Crown. You can stroll around Mayfair trying to spot Lady Whistledown’s latest gossip or walk in the steps of Claire Foy and Matt Smith to recreate royal moments as seen on TV. They also do full day tours of london and Windsor, Oxford and Blenheim Palace, as well as Stonehenge and Bath and many more. if you are a first time visitor to the UK, they have a selection of tried and tested itineraries and for the more experienced traveller, they have a list of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. They will go above and beyond to understand your needs and preferences in order to curate the most perfect chauffeured tour, be it Downton Abbey or Oxford alleys.

All in all, a private Downton Abbey tour is a truly unique and unforgettable experience that fans of the show will cherish forever. With its stunning locations, fascinating history, and charming village charm, it’s a journey that will take you back in time and give you a glimpse into the world of the Crawleys and their staff. From the grandeur of Highclere Castle to the quaint charm of Bampton, this tour offers a well-rounded experience of the world of Downton Abbey. It’s the perfect way to spend time immersing yourself in the history and beauty of England, and fans of the show will appreciate the opportunity to see the locations that served as the backdrop for some of their favourite moments.