Downton Abbey & The Cotswolds

Staying at Blunsdon House Hotel

2 DAYS | 23rd August 2026

Fascinated by TV’s ‘Downton Abbey’? Then jump aboard for our short break to discover the real-life locations and world of the Crawley Family! We venture to Bampton in the Cotswolds and to the fabulous Highclere Castle, Downton Abbey itself, one of England’s most impressive, inhabited residences. We follow in the footsteps of the show’s cast, explore the beautiful grounds and uncover the Castle’s fascinating history.

Staying at the Blunsdon House Hotel, there are 30 acres of beautiful Wiltshire countryside for you to enjoy. Boasting two restaurants, three bars and leisure facilities that include an indoor pool, Blunsdon is the perfect place to rejuvenate after a day’s star-spotting. All bedrooms include an en-suite bathroom, TV, refreshment making facilities and complimentary WiFi. The hotel also has a lift.

SUNDAY

We depart Macclesfield in the morning calling for coffee en-route to Cogges Manor Farm, a beautifully preserved collection of Cotswold stone farm buildings that have been used as locations in Downton Abbey. We get an insight into the filming with a guided tour, short film, and a collection of filming photographs. There will be time for lunch in the café or bring along a picnic if you prefer. We then continue on to Bampton, the village which was used for many of the outdoor locations of Downton Abbey. After a short stay we head to our hotel for dinner, with the remainder of the evening for you to spend at leisure.

MONDAY

Today we venture to the highlight of our tour: Downton Abbey, or rather Highclere Castle. See where the star-studded cast acted out the fortunes of the fictional aristocratic Crawley family and their servants, and wander the rooms as the knowledgeable guides reveal the house’s many treasures. You then have time to explore the vast grounds designed by Capability Brown. Highclere also boasts an Egyptian Exhibition, commemorating the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb by the 5th Earl of Carnarvon and Howard Carter. A display well worth seeing, the entrance is payable on the day. Mid-afternoon we head for home making a comfort stop en-route. We aim to arrive back in the Macclesfield area early evening.