Imagine discovering England’s aristocratic landmarks, charming country vistas, and storied estates at your own pace, with every detail taken care of. With CIE Tours’ Custom Private Driver vacations, travel becomes truly personal: guests enjoy their own dedicated vehicle and expert driver-guide, offering deep local knowledge, flexibility, and peace of mind from start to finish. Whether traveling as a couple, family, or small group, the private driver experience is designed to fit every style and budget - accommodating multigenerational families, luxury seekers, and anyone eager to craft their own adventure. Enjoy priority access, personalized recommendations, and the freedom to linger or explore spontaneously. Every journey is stress-free and tailored, unlocking exclusive experiences for heritage seekers and fans of British tradition alike. 

Step Into Downton Abbey: A Journey Through England’s Aristocratic Past 

With the much-anticipated release of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale in cinemas, there has never been a better time to immerse yourself in the world of the Crawleys. For fans of the series, CIE Tours offers the chance to relive the grandeur, tradition, and elegance of Downton Abbey through an unforgettable itinerary with your own Custom Private Driver. The below suggested itinerary can be tailored precisely for your dream trip.  

Oxford – A Noble Beginning  
Your journey begins with a stop in Oxford, a university city filled with history and architecture that sets the tone for the refined world of Downton. Wander through Christ Church College, explore the Ashmolean Museum, and admire the Bodleian Library - settings that echo the intellectual elegance the Crawleys themselves prized.  

Cogges Manor Farm – Yew Tree Farm  
Next, step into Downton Abbey filming history at Cogges Manor Farm, which appeared as Yew Tree Farm in the series. Here, Lady Edith’s storyline unfolded, and the rustic charm of the manor house and gardens remains just as it did on screen.  

Bampton Village – The Heart of Downton  
Fans will instantly recognize Bampton Village in Oxfordshire as the fictional Downton village. St. Mary’s Church hosted weddings and funerals of the Crawley family, while the library doubled as the entrance to the hospital. Walking through Bampton is like stepping into a scene from the show.  

Aristocratic Living in the Cotswolds  
A stay at Lords of the Manor in Upper Slaughter captures the grandeur of aristocratic life. Once a 17th-century rectory, this hotel offers refined dining and charming grounds, giving travelers their own taste of the Crawleys’ lifestyle.  

Shakespeare & The English Countryside  
In Stratford-upon-Avon, connect with Shakespeare’s legacy before traveling through the idyllic Cotswolds countryside, where honey-colored stone villages look unchanged since the Crawleys’ era. Stops in Lacock and Bath provide glimpses into English life through the centuries—from medieval wool towns to Regency spa culture.  

Longleat, Stonehenge & Avebury  
Beyond Downton, the journey continues with visits to Longleat House, an Elizabethan masterpiece still lived in today, and the ancient wonders of Stonehenge and Avebury. These stops connect England’s aristocratic past with its deeper historical roots.  

Highclere Castle – The Crown Jewel  
Of course, no Downton Abbey experience is complete without visiting Highclere Castle, the real-life Downton Abbey. Stroll through the grand rooms where Lady Mary, Lord Grantham, and the Dowager Countess shaped the Crawleys’ legacy. The surrounding parkland, designed by Capability Brown, is as cinematic in person as it is on screen.  

Basildon Park – Grantham House  
Step inside the Crawleys’ London life at Basildon Park, used as Grantham House in the series. Its Georgian interiors offer a glimpse into the family’s more glamorous, city-based existence.  

London – A Modern Aristocratic Finale  
End your journey at The Chesterfield Mayfair, a quintessentially British hotel in the heart of London. From here, you can explore royal landmarks like Kensington Palace and Westminster Abbey or enjoy quintessentially English pastimes such as afternoon tea. Just as the Crawleys balanced tradition with modernity, so too does London offer both heritage and cosmopolitan flair.  

Why Now Is the Perfect Time  

As Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale takes fans back into the Crawleys’ world for one last chapter, this tour allows travelers to live the story for themselves. From standing in filming locations to savoring aristocratic comforts, this vacation offers a step into the world that captivated millions worldwide.  

Traveling with CIE Tours’ Private Driver offers freedom, authenticity, and thoughtful service. No two journeys are alike - guests choose whether to follow a curated itinerary or craft every detail themselves, assisted by experts who know every back road, hidden gem, and must-see site. This experience combines the comfort of luxury travel with the insight and warmth of a local, transforming each destination into a personal story and every moment into a cherished memory. All you need to do is enjoy the journey. Let CIE Tours and your private driver create an unforgettable Downton Abbey adventure at your pace, your way. 

Have you watched the Crawleys’ final bow in theaters yet —and perhaps planning a Downton-inspired journey with your own Private Driver?