Downtown Abbey Village in The Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace & Lunch
4.5
Downtown Abbey Village in The Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace & Lunch
By Golden Tours
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About
Discover the British countryside on a full-day tour from London to picturesque villages in the Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace, and Oxford. Take a guided tour of the opulent palace’s state rooms and gardens. Then continue to Burford village, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Bampton, where you'll see traditional homes, markets, and "Downton Abbey" filming locations. You'll also enjoy a traditional pub lunch.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 3-99, max of 53 per group
Duration: 10h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: Chinese, English
More
Highlights
- Hear live commentary from your guide
- Skip a long day of driving with a comprehensive bus tour
- Includes box lunch and admission to Blenheim Palace
- See the best of the scenic Cotswolds
- Admission to Blenheim Palace and access to The Churchill Exhibition
- Stop at the Cotswolds village of Bampton
- A 2-course lunch in a traditional British pub (if selected)
- Transport in air-conditioned coach
- Professional expert guide
- Entry to St Mary's Church and Downtown Abbey 'behind the scenes' exhibition at Bampton Library
- Drive through Burford and stop at Bourton-on-the-Water
- Entry/Admission - Blenheim Palace
What's not included- Gratuities
- Additional refreshments
- Lunch (if option not selected)
- Start:
- Bulleid Way, London SW1, UKMeeting point & Departure point: Bus Stop 1, Bulleid Way, Victoria, London SW1W 9SR Meeting time: 8:15am Departure time: 8:30am
End:- Gloucester Road, Gloucester Rd, South Kensington, London SW7, UKReturn time: approximately 6:30pm Gloucester Road (Kensington) and 7pm approx. in Victoria* Please note that the actual arrival time in Gloucester road and Victoria is subject to traffic conditions, and the only drop-off location may be at Gloucester Road in certain circumstances.
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5461P32- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Please show this e-ticket to gain entry to this tour.
- *During peak periods, vehicles without Wi-Fi may be used.
- Due to on-going roadworks between Gloucester Road and Victoria, your tour will end within a 3 minute walk to Gloucester Road Underground Station. This station is in Zone 1 and is three stops Eastbound on the Circle Line or the District Line to Victoria. The Piccadilly Line also runs through Gloucester Road and is 5 stops to Piccadilly Circus.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 53 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5461P32
From
£112.00
per adult
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Itinerary
- Bulleid Way, London SW1, UKMeeting point & Departure point: Bus Stop 1, Bulleid Way, Victoria, London SW1W 9SR Meeting time: 8:15am Departure time: 8:30am
- 1
- 2
- 3Pass byBourton-on-the-Water
- 4
- Gloucester Rd, South Kensington, London SW7, UKReturn time: approximately 6:30pm Gloucester Road (Kensington) and 7pm approx. in Victoria* Please note that the actual arrival time in Gloucester road and Victoria is subject to traffic conditions, and the only drop-off location may be at Gloucester Road in certain circumstances.
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- ShannonH9260 contributionsVery helpful staff but boring bus tour (when no live guide)We were delighted to find out we could receive an additional 24 hours free in September. We bought our tickets the first day and had just one hour left to use. We enjoyed the live guide who was very witty and informative. So we looked forward to the same the following day. However, every bus we boarded the next day did not have a live guide. So we listened to the audio headphones. I feel like the audio didn't give much info at all. And we had to sit in lots of slow traffic, where all we could listen to was a loop of three melodies that played over and over and over. The trip would have been so much better if there was audio info during the time we sat in traffic. Preferably, having a live guide would have been best. I must say, though, that we were grateful that the Golden Tours Team was really helpful. We were not initially in the right spot to buy tickets that first day, but the driver drove us for free to the closest spot he could get to, and told us where to walk from there to meet the ticket guy. He called ahead to the ticket guy, who was watching out for us. After getting our tickets, we went to the bus stop to find out the last bus had just left. But a Golden Tours guide called that bus, asked him to wait for us, and led us to the bus! We were so appreciative. Our favorite part was the river tour, which did have a live guide.Written 15 September 2024
- karensG568KK0 contributionsGood tourI spent 2 days touring London via this service. Overall it was a good experience. One live guide really stood out, Emma was funny, knowledgeable, and helpful. Blue line is the best, I used the red and orange lines mostly for getting from one place to another.Written 15 September 2024
- mkennedy_870 contributionsFantastic tour, sublime guideWonderful open top bus tour at night seeing the main sights London has to offer. Can’t speak highly enough of our tour guide Jack, perfect blend of knowledge with incredible humour. Would highly recommend to anyoneWritten 15 September 2024
- A8898CFrobertof0 contributionsPablo and Eddie great peopleNice tour trip, Pablo was very gentle and explained everything very well, it made a long trip look almosh short, also Eddie was very kind to usWritten 15 September 2024
- kathywK1861UD0 contributionsSee the majority of London's iconic sights in comfortHad a great time on a 2 hour open top tour of our capital city with the host and guide, Emma. She provided knowledgeable, insightful and comedic commentary as well as giving us ample warning of the best photo opportunities. Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves on this value for money excursion.Written 15 September 2024
- mauricebW20VH0 contributionsGreat tour!Tour was great and the bus driver, Ashley, was very knowledgeable and entertaining. I highly recommend this tour. Stonehenge was very interesting. The audio guide was very informative.Written 14 September 2024
- 495olufemia0 contributionsExcellent live guide!Absolutely loved this tour! Our guide, Jack, was exceptional - it was great seeing central London with such a knowledgeable and funny tour guide. This was my Aunt's first time in London and the guided tour was definitely the kind of experience she looked forward to. Would highly recommend booking this tour!Written 14 September 2024
- C6367IFnickl0 contributionsRussell - Yorkshire’s Peter KayWhat a brilliant way to see and learn about the history of York. Russell was our driver and he kept us informed and amused throughout the tour. His commentary led us from Vikings to Dick Turpin and Julian Clary’s association with the City 😂Written 14 September 2024
- 676manalis0 contributionsAwesomeVery amazing sight seeing and brushlie sir , you have entertained us a lot never got bored and each and every point was beautiful thank you so much Manali shah & shah familyWritten 14 September 2024
- S9100SXalexr0 contributionsLovely tourWe had a great time on our tour around London today and were fortunate enough to be joined by a live guide - Andrew. He was superb. He was a natural at the job and kept us thoroughly entertained, even when we were stuck in traffic! If you’re reading this Andrew, we hope that you find a better microphone next time lolWritten 14 September 2024
- HerrDocktor967500 contributionsMore Emma please!Emma was awesome! Informative, interesting and humorous. She’s worth much more than whatever she’s being paid! I’d tour again with her anyo!Written 14 September 2024
- alexispZ7455UH0 contributionsAbsolutely fantastic & informative.Our guide was very informative & friendly. Andrew made us laugh whilst keeping us very informed full of fun facts about London & the landmarks. I would most definitely recommend golden tours with Andrew as my guide.Written 14 September 2024
- 728dalej0 contributionsGreat jobAshley was a great driver, knew some amazing fact and kept our interest during the entire trip. Would definitely recommend!Written 14 September 2024
- 538geoffreyw0 contributionsA Night with a view!With Golden Tours and sights so grandly planned. We hopped on a bus, a double-decker delight, An open-top wonder for a London night. Emma was our guide, a gem to behold, With knowledge of London, both new and old. Her stories were lively, her facts so precise, Her local flair made the tour extra nice. But here’s a small tip for those who might dare, For this evening adventure, dress with great care! Wear warm, cozy layers, from head to your toes— Gloves, beanies, and scarves in delightful rows. So if London by night is your travel quest, Golden Tours and Emma will give you the best!Written 14 September 2024
- hazela5730 contributionsExcellent way to see london by nightExcellent tour. Andy was very funny and very informative. George the driver dealt with traffic and divisions like a pro. Thank you both for a lovely eveningWritten 13 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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4.5
30 reviews
Excellent
21
Very good
5
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
3
Barbara S
3 contributions
May 2024 • Family
This tour is advertised as a tour of Blenheim Palace—which accounts for perhaps a quarter of the day. Much of the time is spent in two villages—Bampton and Burton-on-the-Water. We started with an aimless walk around Bampton, visiting a Downton Abbey filming site, followed by a lengthy wait for the bus to return. The lunch in Burton was good, and the village is charming, although we learned nothing about it from our guide, Jeff. Another company employee accompanied Jeff and pointed out places where the tour goes, once commenting that we usually go “here,” so it’s possible this was Jeff’s first time leading this tour. If so, one would think he would have notes or other documentation to assist with the effort. No such luck. Instead, little information of importance or depth was provided. Furthermore, English wasn’t Jeff’s first language, and it was sometimes challenging to understand him.
At the first stop, the bus left without counting to ensure that all tour participants had boarded the bus. It’s standard procedure to count the numbers in a group, and it was concerning that this step wasn’t taken to ensure no one was left behind. After lunch, Jeff left with the group while my husband and I were still inside the restrooms. Had I not come outside in time to see the group walking about a block away, I wouldn’t have known where they had gone. Jeff wasn’t even aware that we were missing when we finally caught up with the group. This completely unprofessional behavior is inexcusable.
The final straw was the tour company's miscommunication regarding the tour's ending point in London. We made arrangements based on the company's communication with us, which turned out to be incorrect. Those arrangements had to be altered because of the change in the ending location.
I would not book a tour with this company again.
At the first stop, the bus left without counting to ensure that all tour participants had boarded the bus. It’s standard procedure to count the numbers in a group, and it was concerning that this step wasn’t taken to ensure no one was left behind. After lunch, Jeff left with the group while my husband and I were still inside the restrooms. Had I not come outside in time to see the group walking about a block away, I wouldn’t have known where they had gone. Jeff wasn’t even aware that we were missing when we finally caught up with the group. This completely unprofessional behavior is inexcusable.
The final straw was the tour company's miscommunication regarding the tour's ending point in London. We made arrangements based on the company's communication with us, which turned out to be incorrect. Those arrangements had to be altered because of the change in the ending location.
I would not book a tour with this company again.
Written 3 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mariana
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
Booked a tour to Costwalds,on 25.08.2023.
After visiting Bleheim Palace,meeting time was 12.30.
At exactely 12.29 I saw the coach leaving.I waved to them but they didn't even look.
At 12.31 I called customers service.
Very poor service!
I was lucky to find another coach to take me to the next point.
Shame on you Cedric,the tour guide!
Shame on you Golden Tour!
According to the people in the couch, the guide didn't know I was not there,he didn't count the tourists and didn't tell that someone is missing!
Very unprofesional!
I was lucky to find another couch, otherwise I would need to pay for my return to London.
Tour guide didn't even say sorry,or show some remorse!
Definitely I will not use them.
Date of experience: 25 August 2023
After visiting Bleheim Palace,meeting time was 12.30.
At exactely 12.29 I saw the coach leaving.I waved to them but they didn't even look.
At 12.31 I called customers service.
Very poor service!
I was lucky to find another coach to take me to the next point.
Shame on you Cedric,the tour guide!
Shame on you Golden Tour!
According to the people in the couch, the guide didn't know I was not there,he didn't count the tourists and didn't tell that someone is missing!
Very unprofesional!
I was lucky to find another couch, otherwise I would need to pay for my return to London.
Tour guide didn't even say sorry,or show some remorse!
Definitely I will not use them.
Date of experience: 25 August 2023
Written 27 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jdnbev
Bradenton, FL10 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
International Friends & director Catherine Cooper have the best small group tour. Catherine made sure to check with each one of us to make sure we were have the best possible experience. Catherine was knowledgeable, entertaining & so very congenial. We didn’t want our time with Catherine to end. International has the best tours, guides/directors, drivers and more.
Written 5 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review :)
We appreciate your feedback and hearing about your great experience.
We hope we get to host you again very soon!
Written 6 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Subee
Atlanta, GA7 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Our guide Regina and driver Jag worked as a team getting us out of a traffic snafu leaving London for the Cotswolds. Regina was sympathetic and kind to every visitor while conducting the tour in English and Mandarin. Lovely sites, superior lunch, and plenty of time to wander around for a lingering look. Beautiful addition to our time in London.
Written 31 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pioneer502452
La Crescenta, CA36 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We really enjoyed our tour to Blenheim Palace and especially Bourton-on-the-water with Saundra and Peter. Saundra was the best tour guide ever and was so great at her job. I would do it all again! She was knowledgable, well spoken and very endearing. I loved how she referred to our group as "my darlings". If there are other tours she does I would like to be on them. Peter was a great driver and got on well with Saundra. Great team. Loved our experience. Nice group of people on the tour.
Written 20 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dawn
Boston, MA6 contributions
We took the Blenheim, Cotswolds tour with Golden Tours. Martin, our tour guide was informative and very pleasant. The driver was great too. We learned and saw enough to get a good taste of the area. I'm really glad we took this tour.
Written 12 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
npsNewOrleans
New Orleans, Louisiana19 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
Our Golden Tour guide was Tony Randall. He was delightful, helpful and full of knowledge. The 3 stops in the Cotswolds were delightful and Blenheim was awesome. It would have been nice to have had a Blenheim tour guide escort us through the palace as Tony was not allowed to do so according to Blenheim policy.
Written 26 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chibiandlemar
1 contribution
Jul 2019
We booked this Cotswolds trip 3-4 months prior to going on the tour. The date we attended was on 7/31/19. At the time of booking this trip didn't mention anything about visiting Oxford. When the tour changed, Golden didn't bother contacting us so we could cancel.
We WASTED 1-2 hours walking around Oxford campus. Yeah, it's a nice campus, but Our interest was spending time in the Cotswold towns. The tour guide didn't seem very interested in the stop either. WASTE.
Then... Once we finally got to the Cotswolds, we drove through them quickly, and didn't stop at the town that was promised on the posting (Stow-in-the-Wold). The driver and guide were worried about parking and traffic so they stopped at another town. The other town was OK, but we only had one our. I have to say, we PAY for a tour so your company can worry about traffic and parking. MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT. We did go to Blenheim Palace as promised but we spend WAY TOO MUCH TIME THERE. Two hours. This whole day was a waste and wasn't what was promised to us.
We WASTED 1-2 hours walking around Oxford campus. Yeah, it's a nice campus, but Our interest was spending time in the Cotswold towns. The tour guide didn't seem very interested in the stop either. WASTE.
Then... Once we finally got to the Cotswolds, we drove through them quickly, and didn't stop at the town that was promised on the posting (Stow-in-the-Wold). The driver and guide were worried about parking and traffic so they stopped at another town. The other town was OK, but we only had one our. I have to say, we PAY for a tour so your company can worry about traffic and parking. MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT. We did go to Blenheim Palace as promised but we spend WAY TOO MUCH TIME THERE. Two hours. This whole day was a waste and wasn't what was promised to us.
Written 13 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Geetika P
54 contributions
Took the trip from London to Cotswold and Blenheim palace during my trip in November 2017. Boarded the bus from designated spot though it was a bit difficult to find. It was a comfortable journey from then on. We started early morning and stopped for breakfast in the first village. We then proceeded to see 2 other villages before reaching Blenheim palace. Bourton on the water was the best among the villages. I feel we could have a avoided one of the other two villages to have more time for Blenheim palace and the surrounding grounds. It was a great trip overall and exploring the countryside was a lovely experience.
Written 1 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ron B
Brisbane Region, Australia2 contributions
Sept 2018 • Couples
We enjoyed a great day visiting the Cotswolds and Blenheim Palace. While always wanting more time to explore all the beautiful sites on the tour, it was a great way to get a good taste of the three villages visited and the Palace.the bus was comfortable and the lunch provided was more than adequate. Ellis, the driver and Sue, the guide were excellent companions on the jiourney. We enjoyed their knowledge and sense of humour. This is a trip well worth doing for a pleasant day in the English countryside.
Written 1 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am interested in all parts of the tour: Blenheim Palace (I am a Winston Churchill devotee), Oxford and Cotswolds villages. However I am puzzled that the itinerary does not mention Oxford??
Also, is there a visit to Bladon and Churchills' grave? And a tour of sites in the Palace grounds?
Glenda. NZ
Written 17 October 2019
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