Blenheim Palace, Downton Abbey Village & The Cotswolds
Discover the resplendent English county of Oxfordshire, an area renowned for its rolling green hills, spectacular stately homes and quintessentially English market towns. See beautiful Blenheim Palace, where Sir Winston Churchill was born and raised, plus visit some iconic filming locations from the popular BBC TV series 'Downton Abbey'.
Highlights
- Explore the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill*
- Enjoy a scenic drive through the Cotswolds
- Visit two traditional English villages
- See 'Downton Abbey' film locations
What's included
- Expert Guide
- Superior Coach
- Wi-Fi & USB Charging On-board
- Personal Audio Headset
- Entry to Blenheim Palace (unless selecting the 'excluding entrances' option)
- Lunch
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Entry to Blenheim Palace (when selecting the 'excluding entrances' option)
Overview
Downton Abbey Village
The first part of our journey sees us head out of the hustle and bustle of London and into the serene expanses of the Cotswolds, England's largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Nestled in the rolling hills is the quaint village of Bampton. This little traditional English village has most recently been the filming location for the popular period drama television series, Downton Abbey. You'll see the home of Isobel Crawley, the Downton Cottage Hospital, the village church, as well as the location for two fictional local pubs, The Grantham Arms and The Dog & Duck.
The Cotswolds & Bourton-on-the-Water
After a brief journey through some of the most beautiful countryside in England, we will arrive at our next destination. Straddling the River Windrush is the lovely village of Bourton-on-the-Water, also known as the 'Venice of the Costwolds'. This quintessentially English village is a must-see for all visitors to the Cotswolds.
Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea experience in a riverside café, or take a stroll down the river banks and peruse the eclectic mix of local stores offering everything from homemade ice cream to charming gifts for friends and family back home.
Blenheim Palace
This awe-inspiring stately home, the current private residence of the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, is perhaps best-known as the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.
Admire the stunning details behind the portraits, tapestry and furniture in the lavishly decorated State Rooms, which includes ornate furniture by Boulle, Savonniere carpet and the iconic 'Victories' series of tapestries celebrating the Duke's victory over the French armies of 'The Sun King', Louis XIV, at the Battle of Blenheim.
Enjoy a stroll through the beautifully landscaped formal gardens designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown and more than 2,000 acres of parkland, or walk in the footsteps of Sir Winston Churchill. Visit his most cherished outdoor places on the grounds of Blenheim Palace, including the spot where he proposed to Clementine Hozier.
Christmas at Blenheim (15th November 2024 - 1st January 2025)
Discover a festive atmosphere like no other at Blenheim Palace in 2024. The historic Palace and Gardens will once again come alive with thousands of twinkling lights, seasonal scents, sparkling baubles and the warmth of the festive season. This year, we invite you to enjoy a special Christmas experience with us and soak in the joy of the season with your loved ones.
Neverland® in the Palace
Join us for a swashbuckling adventure in Neverland, a place bursting with magic and make believe. Follow Tinkerbell through our State rooms as she sprinkles fairy dust over baubles and Christmas trees, wander through a moonlit London skyline and onto the Mermaid Lagoon.
London Victoria Train Station
Your tour will finish outside London Victoria Train Station, centrally located and easily accessible by national rail and underground, it is serviced by the Victoria, District and Circle Lines and is in Travel Zone 1.
DAYS OF OPERATION
English (live guide):
April - October: Daily
November - March: Mon, Friday, Sun
Japanese (live guide):
April - March: Friday
Know before you go
Victoria Coach Station: Is a 10-15 minute walk from Victoria Train Station. Boarding: Commences 30 minutes prior to departure and the gates close 2 minutes in advance of departure. On Board Our Coaches: There are no toilets and no hot drinks or hot food are allowed (cold drinks & odourless food are allowed). Privacy Policy: Please visit www.evanevanstours.com/privacy-policy/
Cancellation policy
A full refund or date change will be offered up to 24 hours before travel. Cancellations inside 24 hours will be charged at 100%.
