Oxford University and Highclere Castle Day Tour

Explore Oxford University and Highclere Castle on a Full-Day Private Tour

This 10-hour private day trip offers a captivating blend of academic grandeur and aristocratic elegance, all from the comfort of your own group. For $868.81 per group (up to 4 people), you’ll visit the historic University of Oxford with a 2-hour walking tour and spend approximately 3 hours at Highclere Castle, the iconic filming location of Downton Abbey. The tour departs from any London accommodation, with flexible vehicle options, including luxury cars and vans, ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience.

The tour provides a seamless pick-up and drop-off service, allowing you to focus on enjoying the sights without logistical worries. With full freedom to choose your activities and pace, this experience is ideal for travelers seeking a private, flexible day exploring some of England’s most famous sites. Keep in mind that admission fees to attractions are not included, giving you the freedom to decide how much to explore inside each site.

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Key Points

• Private, customizable 10-hour tour from London with pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation.
• Visit Oxford University for around 2 hours, exploring historic colleges and landmarks.
• Spend approximately 3 hours at Highclere Castle, the famous Downton Abbey filming location.
• Choose your vehicle from a selection of luxury cars and vans for a tailored journey.
• Admission fees are not included, allowing flexibility in your visit.
• Full refund available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Starting from London to the Gates of Oxford University

The tour begins with a convenient pick-up from any London accommodation, saving you from the hassle of navigating public transport or crowded coach departures. The journey to Oxford typically takes around driving hours, during which you can relax in your personal vehicle, whether a luxury saloon or larger van depending on your group size.

Once in Oxford, the 2-hour walking tour guides you through the city’s beautiful streets and historic colleges. You’ll see renowned landmarks that have hosted scholars since 1196, making Oxford a true academic landmark. The walk allows you to appreciate the charming architecture and notable sites at a comfortable pace. This segment is designed to give a brief but thorough look into Oxford’s educational legacy.

Exploring Oxford’s Historic Colleges and City Streets

During the walking tour of Oxford, you encounter famous university buildings and scenic spots that are central to the city’s charm. While admission fees are not included, the exterior views alone reveal centuries-old architecture and a prestigious academic atmosphere. The tour also touches on landmarks that have become part of Oxford’s cultural fabric.

After the tour, you enjoy a leisurely lunch break, approximately 1 hour, at a local restaurant or café. Oxford offers many quaint eateries where you can sample traditional British fare or enjoy a light snack, depending on your preference.

A Royal Visit to Highclere Castle, the Iconic Downton Abbey Location

Following the lunch, your private vehicle takes you to Highclere Castle, located in Wiltshire. The drive lasts about 3 hours, giving you ample time to relax and take in the countryside views. Once there, you’ll explore the magnificent castle and its beautiful grounds for approximately 3 hours.

Highclere Castle is famous as Downton Abbey’s central location, and its aristocratic style offers a glimpse into the life of Lord and Lady Carnarvon. Inside, although admission fees are not included, you can admire the elegant rooms and historic interiors, while outside, the expansive gardens and estate grounds provide stunning vistas.

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Flexibility and Comfort with Vehicle and Timing Options

This tour’s main strength is the flexibility in both transportation and scheduling. You can select from a range of vehicles, from luxury sedans for a more intimate experience to larger vans if traveling with family or friends. The pick-up and drop-off at your London accommodation means no added stress about transportation.

The timing is designed to balance 6 hours of site exploration with 4 hours of driving, ensuring a relaxed pace rather than a rushed visit. If you desire more time at either location, extra charges may apply, but the default schedule aims to showcase the highlights comfortably.

Booking, Payment, and Cancellation Policies for Peace of Mind

Advance booking is highly recommended to ensure the tour can be tailored to your interests. The full payment is due at least 3 days prior to your scheduled pick-up date, offering peace of mind. The cancellation policy is flexible, allowing a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance. Last-minute cancellations or amendments within this window are not eligible for refunds, so planning ahead is advisable.

The Experience Provider and Additional Experiences

Operated by 247 Airport Transfer, this tour emphasizes privacy and customization for private groups. Similar experiences include Windsor, Stonehenge, and Bath tours from London, offering options for those wanting to explore other historic sites in the region.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience suits travelers seeking a private, flexible day trip with a focus on historic architecture and famous filming locations. It’s ideal for those who prefer personalized itineraries over guided group tours, as the driver is professional and punctual but does not provide guided commentary.

Final Thoughts on the Oxford and Highclere Castle Private Tour

This 10-hour private tour combines academic charm with royal elegance in a way that appeals to history enthusiasts and Downton Abbey fans alike. Its flexible vehicle options and customizable schedule make it a comfortable way to explore Oxford’s historic colleges and Highclere Castle’s grounds at your own pace.

While admission fees are not included, this setup allows you to choose how deeply you want to explore each site. The full-day experience provides a balanced mix of sightseeing, relaxation, and culture, perfect for those seeking an intimate, personalized journey through some of England’s most iconic landmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour guided?
No, this is a self-guided experience. The drivers are professional and punctual, but they do not provide commentary or guided insights.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, booking in advance allows for tailoring the experience, and you have the freedom to decide how long to spend at each location.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes vehicle hire, pick-up and drop-off, and a private group experience. Admission fees to attractions are not included.

How long is the drive between locations?
The drive from London to Oxford is part of the approximately 4 hours of driving time included in the total 10 hours, with the trip to Highclere Castle also factored in.

What vehicle options are available?
You can choose from saloon cars for small groups or larger vans for more passengers, ensuring a comfortable journey.

Is food included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but a lunch break of about 1 hour is scheduled, and you can choose to dine at local restaurants.

Are there any accessibility considerations?
The tour involves walking around Oxford’s historic streets and college grounds, which may involve some uneven terrain, so travelers should plan accordingly.

When should I book?
It’s recommended to book in advance to secure your preferred date and vehicle, especially during busy seasons.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled start for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not eligible for refunds.

Who operates this tour?
The experience is provided by 247 Airport Transfer, known for offering flexible private transport services across the UK.

Can I pay later?
Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, with full payment due 3 days before your scheduled pick-up.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby