Belmond · Luxury train day excursion

Highclere Castle

Day excursion by vintage train to Highclere Castle, the real Downton Abbey

Highclere Castle, a rail journey with Belmond

Belmond runs this one-day excursion aboard the British Pullman, its fleet of vintage 1920s art deco carriages, from London Victoria to Highclere Castle in Hampshire, the real-life filming location for Downton Abbey. The train travels first to Newbury, where guests board a coach for the short transfer to the castle, then rejoins the train later at Andover for the journey home. Onboard, the day includes a welcome Bellini and a three-course brunch heading out, followed by a private guided tour of the castle arranged exclusively for British Pullman guests, with time afterward to see the Egyptian exhibition marking the 5th Earl of Carnarvon's discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb, plus the castle gardens and gift shop. The return journey brings a three-course dinner with the sommelier's choice of wine. The trip suits history lovers and travellers who want a full day of fine dining and vintage rail travel built around a single, well-known destination.

What to know before you look closer

  • Guests leave the train at Newbury for a coach transfer to Highclere Castle and rejoin it later at Andover, so part of the day is spent off the train.
  • This evidence pack does not include a price or scheduled departure dates for this excursion; confirm both with Belmond.

Day by day

  1. Day 1rail

    Highclere Castle

    Embark on a journey into nostalgia and opulence aboard British Pullman. Visit Highclere Castle, the real-life Downton Abbey, and discover a magnificent country estate brimming with storied treasures, much like our lovingly restored train. Enjoy a fascinating tour and time to explore, together with exquisite fine dining and service on board. Set in 5,000 acres of rolling Hampshire parkland, Highclere Castle is the country seat of the Earls of Carnarvon. Fans of Downton Abbey will know it as the grand location for the television series and films. Your day begins as you board the art deco train at London Victoria Station for brunch and a sparkling Bellini as the train makes its way towards Newbury. On arrival at Newbury Station, board a private coach to Highclere Castle, open exclusively for British Pullman guests on this occasion, for a private guided tour of the country house and time at leisure to explore the Egyptian exhibition, gardens and gift shop. Return by coach to Andover Station to rejoin the train, where a glass of chilled champagne is served ahead of a three-course dinner with the sommelier's choice of wine and coffee before arrival back at London Victoria. Photography is not permitted inside Highclere Castle.

Included

  • Round-trip travel aboard the British Pullman luxury train
  • Welcome sparkling Bellini
  • Delicious three-course brunch on the outward journey
  • Enjoy a private guided tour of Highclere Castle, open exclusively for British Pullman guests on this occasion
  • Time at leisure to explore the Egyptian Exhibition, enchanting gardens and gift shop
  • A three-course dinner on your journey home, including our sommelier's choice of wine
  • Coffee, tea and petits fours

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes, the day is a round trip aboard the British Pullman from London Victoria, with the guided castle visit reached by a short coach transfer.
Which train is this?
The British Pullman, Belmond's vintage art deco train, traveling London Victoria to Newbury, then by coach to Highclere Castle, and rejoining the train at Andover for the return to London Victoria.
Is the tour guided?
Yes. Highclere Castle is toured on a private guided visit arranged exclusively for British Pullman guests, and liveried stewards are on board throughout.
What is included?
A welcome Bellini, a three-course brunch on the outward journey, the private guided tour of Highclere Castle with time to see the Egyptian exhibition and gardens, and a three-course dinner with sommelier's wine on the return.
How much walking is involved?
There is a coach transfer to and from the castle and time to explore the castle, Egyptian exhibition and gardens on foot; nothing in the evidence suggests strenuous walking.

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