Description
Walk through the streets of Bampton, filming locations for Downton Abbey which in real life is of course Highclere Castle which you will also visit on this nostalgic tour.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Hotel for 3 nights with breakfast and dinner
• Free use of the hotel’s leisure facilities
• Included excursion to Highclere Castle & Bampton village filming locations for Downton Abbey
• Included excursion to Lacock Village and Abbey
Itinerary
DAY 1 Departure: A morning departure stopping for lunch and refreshments en route to our hotel where you will be greeted by a welcoming tea or coffee.
DAYS 2-3 At leisure with two included excursions. Highclere Castle & Bampton Village: Highclere Castle has been the home of the Carnarvon family since 1679 and is widely acknowledged as the best example of its kind in England. The 5th Earl was with Howard Carter when they discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922 and the Castle houses an Egyptian exhibition commemorating the find (exhibition entrance extra). The magnificent grounds are free for you to explore at your leisure and relive the magic moments of ‘Downton Abbey’. Bampton Village is where most of the outdoor filming for Downton Abbey takes place, particularly St Mary’s church and the village library which became the entrance to the cottage hospital. A visit to Bampton makes this a real ‘Downton’ day.
Lacock Village and Abbey: Lacock is a 13th century village which has remained largely unchanged. You will visit the Abbey and Fox Talbot museum – William Fox Talbot owned the Abbey and was a pioneer of photography which is showcased in the museum (entry not included). You will then visit Cirencester, a lovely market town with high end shops and boutiques.
LAST DAY Travel home: We depart for home, stopping en route for lunch, arriving home during the evening.
Venue Information
Marriott, Swindon
Surrounded by lush woodlands on the edge of this historic old town, this 4* hotel features a restaurant, café bar and lift. All 153 en suite bedrooms have TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. Enjoy free use of the hotel’s leisure facilities which include indoor pool & fitness centre. Porterage, welcome drink, tea/coffee after dinner and glass of wine with dinner on 1st night are included.