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. Visit the magnificent Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, and explore the charming Cotswold destinations of Stow-on-the-Wold and Bampton, each offering timeless village beauty, honey-coloured stone architecture, and a true taste of rural England.
Additional Information
● Tour Starts: 9:00 am, Victoria Coach Station (Arrive at 8:30 am)
● Tour Finishes: approx. 7:00 pm, Victoria Train Station.
● This Tour does not visit Highclere Castle from the Downton Abbey series
● Entry to Blenheim Palace is not included if selecting the 'excluding entrances' option
● Blenheim Palace is currently undergoing a Roof Restoration Project which is expected to be completed later in 2026. This does not impact visiting the state rooms
● The order of the places visited may vary seasonally or for operational reasons
● Disclaimer: This Tour is an unlicensed and unauthorised tour of sites featured in the television series 'Downton Abbey' produced by Carnival Film and Television and NBCUniversal International Limited. Evan Evans Tours Limited and this tour do not have any association with, connection to, sponsorship by or endorsement of, the television series 'Downton Abbey', Carnival Film and Television or NBCUniversal International Limited.
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 (if selecting the 'excluding entrances' option)
Overview
Blenheim Palace
Our journey begins with a visit to the magnificent Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of England’s most spectacular stately homes. Still the private residence of the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, it is perhaps best known as the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.
Admire the stunning detail within the lavishly decorated State Rooms, including ornate Boulle furniture, Savonniere carpets, and the iconic “Victories” tapestries celebrating the Duke of Marlborough’s triumph over the armies of Louis XIV at the Battle of Blenheim.
Enjoy time to explore the beautifully landscaped formal gardens designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, wander through more than 2,000 acres of parkland, or visit the very spot where Winston Churchill proposed to Clementine Hozier.
Stow-on-the-Wold
From Blenheim, we journey into the heart of the Cotswolds to the historic market town of Stow-on-the-Wold. Situated at one of the highest points in the Cotswolds, Stow is renowned for its impressive market square, honey-coloured stone buildings, and welcoming traditional inns.
Once a thriving centre of the medieval wool trade, the town today offers a delightful mix of antique shops, independent boutiques, cosy tea rooms, and historic pubs. Enjoy free time to explore at your leisure and soak in the timeless charm of this quintessential Cotswold town.
Bampton
Our final stop brings us to the charming village of Bampton, nestled among rolling countryside and known for its traditional limestone cottages and peaceful village green.
Bampton’s historic parish church, St Mary the Virgin, and its quiet lanes lined with characterful homes perfectly capture the enduring charm of rural England. The village is also recognised as a filming location for the beloved television series Downton Abbey, offering an added point of interest for fans of the show while remaining an equally delightful and authentic Cotswold experience for visitors discovering it for the first time.
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
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/