BHCT has been voted Best Luxury Private Chauffeur Tour Company in the UK by Corporate Travel Awards. Experience our one-day Downton Abbey Tour to appreciate how British Heritage Chauffeur Tours became the highlight of everyone's European vacation. Downton Abbey has become the most successful television drama series of all time and we are delighted to be able to take you to some of the locations used in the series. Highclere Castle Easter and Spring 2019 opening dates are from 7th to 23rd April (closed on Good Friday 19th April) and then on 5th, 6th, 7th, 26th, 27th and 28th May. Summer opening dates are 7th July to 3rd September, closed every Friday and Saturday.
There are many alternatives on our very exciting one-day Downton Abbey Tour. When the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon open the doors of Highclere Castle to the public we are able to include this magnificent estate in our Downton Abbey themed tour. Spend either the morning or afternoon in Highclere Castle. Have lunch in the picturesque country inn where Lady Sybil and the family chauffeur, Branson, spent the night during their elopement in the most controversial story-line in Series two of Downton Abbey. Have your photograph taken on the 'Downton' Village Green and visit the Church where Lady Mary and Matthew Crawley were married. Downton hospital is also there in a different guise.
When Highclere Castle is closed we would be pleased to introduce you to one of the most spectacular estates in England, the exterior of which was used as Haxby Hall in Series 2 of Downton Abbey. This magnificent property also has tremendous ties to Highclere Castle inasmuch as it was built by the uncle of Lady Almina whose dowry supported the Highclere estate for many years after she married the 5th Earl of Carnarvon. We are always delighted by our clients' reactions when they first see this glorious Renaissance-style chateau with its impeccably manicured gardens, wine cellars containing 15,000 bottles of fine wine spanning 150 years and home to arguably the greatest collection of art in Europe.
You can also visit the location used as the interior of the Crawleys' London residence, Grantham House. This magnificent Georgian mansion surrounded by glorious parkland was also used in the 2005 film Pride and Prejudice. See the Octagon Room which features as the Drawing Room of Grantham House and wander through the grounds that doubled as Hyde Park. There are numerous references and stills taken from the film-shoot strategically displayed throughout the property bringing the whole Downton Abbey experience to life. This wonderful afternoon experience will take place after a morning spent in 'Downton' Village with lunch as above.
DISCLAIMER: Our Downton Abbey Tour is not an official ‘Downton Abbey’ event and is not endorsed, sanctioned or in any other way supported, directly or indirectly by Carnival Films, NBC Universal or Julian Fellowes and his representatives.
Leslie Erickson, CTA. Travel Consultant, Georgia. USA.
"I wanted to let you know that we had a fantastic, amazing, wonderful, awesome adventure! The itinerary you prepared for us was simply perfect. Ian was very professional and courteous and made our journey most enjoyable. Thank you for a memorable day. British Heritage Chauffeur Tours is THE way to experience England."
Alex Hadad. Miami, Florida, USA.