Downton Abbey - Behind the Scenes 2026

DOWNTON ABBEY – BEHIND THE SCENES

 

30 August – 1 September 2026

Sunday - Tuesday

3 Days

From £375

 

Indulge yourself in the glamour of the Victorian and Edwardian periods in this stunning home. Highclere Castle needs no introduction; it is loved by many as Downton Abbey from the hugely successful TV series and film.

 

Home to the Carnarvon family since 1679, the current castle is one of England’s most beautiful Victorian castles, set amidst 1,000 acres of spectacular parkland. Typifying the glamour of the Victorian and Edwardian periods, this stunning home has plenty to offer, from exploring the impressive Drawing and Dining Rooms to the Egyptian Exhibition in the castle’s cellars.

 

Walk in the footsteps of your favourite characters from Downton Abbey and to gain a behind the scenes insight into this world-famous series.

 

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey)   |   Stratford-upon-Avon

 

DAY ONE – Stratford-upon-Avon and Arrival

We depart from your home and travel south visiting beautiful Stratford-upon-Avon, where we spend some time before we continue our journey to our hotel.

 

DAY TWO – Downton Abbey

Today we have an exciting day planned, as we visit Highclere Castle, best known from the TV series, Downton Abbey.

Experience the captivating history of Highclere Castle, the majestic residence of the Carnarvon family since 1679. Discover its ancient origins, recorded in the Domesday Book, and marvel at the visionary design by Sir Charles Barry, the mastermind behind the iconic Houses of Parliament.

But there's more to Highclere Castle than meets the eye. Explore its fascinating connection to ancient Egypt, where the 5th Earl, alongside Howard Carter, unearthed the iconic tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. Immerse yourself in this historic event at the exclusive exhibition, featuring rare antiquities from the Earl's previous Egyptian excavations.

 

While you're here, indulge in the beauty of the scenic Grounds and Gardens, and behold the breathtaking view of the Castle from a distance.

Don't forget to visit the gift shop, offering a wide range of 'Downton Abbey' memorabilia, and relish in delectable homemade dishes from our Castle kitchens at the charming tearoom.

Highclere Castle - where history blends with elegance and awe-inspiring discoveries await you.

 

DAY THREE - Cheltenham and Departure

After breakfast this morning we leave our hotel and travel north to Cheltenham, we spend a little time here, before continuing our journey home.

 

YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES

Luxury coach travel

2 nights accommodation, dinner & breakfast

Porterage on arrival and departure

Welcome tea/coffee on arrival

Tea/coffee after dinner each evening

Admission to Highclere Castle, Egyptian Exhibition, Gardens and Grounds.

 

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON, SWINDON

Set in the heart of Swindon, the DoubleTree by Hilton offers modern comfort with convenient access to local shops and attractions. All bedrooms are en suite and feature television, hairdryer, and tea/coffee making facilities. The hotel has a lift. 

All single rooms are double for sole occupancy.

YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES

Luxury coach travel

2 nights accommodation, dinner & breakfast

Porterage on arrival and departure

Welcome tea/coffee on arrival

Tea/coffee after dinner each evening

Admission to Highclere Castle, Egyptian Exhibition, Gardens and Grounds.

 

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON, SWINDON

Set in the Wiltshire countryside, on the edge of the Cotswolds. This hotel has all we need for our overnight stay.  This hotel has a lift.

All single rooms are double for sole occupancy.

 

HOTEL FACILITIES INCLUDE

General	Rooms	Accessibility
4 star	Tea/coffee making facilities	Lift
Bar	Television	Wheelchair accessible
Restaurant	Wi-Fi all areas
Gym

 

DAYS	TOUR DATE	DEPARTS	TERMS		SUPPLEMENT
3	30 AUG – 1 SEP 2026	SUNDAY	£375		£70 SINGLE
JONES HOLIDAYS INSURANCE				£35

Rooms are allocated on a first come first served basis and are limited. If no single supplement applies this is limited to the tour single room allocation and therefore additional cost may apply.  Prices displayed are per person unless otherwise stated. If door-to-door pick-up is included there may be additional charges for out of area. Itineraries and hotel inclusions may be subject to change. Seat numbers on the coach may be subject to change. Issues whilst on tour must be raised in the first instance with the driver. Covid-19 restrictions may apply. When making bookings you accept on behalf of yourself and your party the terms in our Trading Charter which can be found in our brochure, on our website at http://www.jonesholidays.co.uk/Jones-holidays-trading-charter, or a copy can be requested from our Sales office.  If your holiday is more than 56 days from departure, we offer a 7-day cooling off period where a full refund will be offered from the date of the initial confirmation invoice (with the exception of flight holidays).

DoubleTree by Hilton, Swindon Highclere Castle