Savile Row

Explore the city of London like a lord or a lady and follow the footsteps of your favourite characters on this Downton Abbey Filming Locations half-day tour.

Even though Yorkshire and Highclere Castle are the main Downton Abbey filming sites for the earlier episodes, central London started to hog the limelight as the show clocked its later innings, and on this tour, you will flashback to the popular scenes set in the city’s iconic landmarks.

Play guessing games to jog your memory as you see: 

• Buckingham Palace, while not a regular setting, references are made throughout the series due to its importance as the residence of the British monarch;
• Lancaster House, a neo-classical mansion used for filming historical dramas due to its opulent interiors;
• Bridgewater House, a privately owned home symbol the exclusivity and wealth of its owner, reflecting the lifestyle of the elite during that era;
• Belgrave Square, an affluent area in London;
• Criterion Restaurant, the historic restaurant in Piccadilly Circus;
• The Ritz London Hotel, built in 1906, 
• Hyde Park and the Albert Memorial, one of London's largest parks served as a backdrop for strolls and social events;
• Astor House, 
• St. Pancras Station is used in many scenes boarding trains or meeting others in London;
• and these are just for starters. How many could you spot?

Be bowled over by a few secret filming locations, including Lord Grantham’s London stately home shared by your Professional Private Driver Guide who happens to be a Downton Abbey fanatic as well. Brace for non-stop peppy conversation, not crisp commentary.

DISCLAIMER: This tour is an unlicensed and unauthorised tour of sites featured in the television series ‘Downton Abbey’ produced by Carnival Film and Television and NBCUniversal International Limited. Travel Curious Ltd. and this tour does not have any association with, or connection to, the television series ‘Downton Abbey’, Carnival Film and Television or NBC Universal International Limited.

London’s streets, landmarks, and lively neighbourhoods have served as the backdrop for countless films, from classic black-and-white masterpieces to modern blockbusters. They’ve also provided inspiration for scores of talented musicians who have called the city home over the years. Based on some of the most requested stops on our Premier Classic London tour, our jam-packed movies, magic and music route offers an exhilarating ride through London with a charismatic cabbie-guide that knows the streets like the back of their hand, showing you intriguing corners of the city related to the Beatles, Harry Potter, and other great British icons.

On this half-day private taxi tour, you will:

• Travel in the comfort of a private and iconic London Taxi;
• Enjoy convenient hotel pick up and drop off from central London;
• See a carefully curated selection of emblematic London landmarks, with a few surprises thrown in;
• Make your way to Abbey Road, where the Beatles recorded some of their biggest hits, and recreate the famous photo at the zebra crossing;
• Pass by the London homes of Paul McCartney and John Lennon;
• Head into Central London, where the streets are seeped in history, from the prestigious Pall Mall to the sophisticated Savile Row;
• Take in picture-perfect London locations like the Mall, Buckingham Palace and the City of Westminster and learn how they have been immortalised on the silver screen;
• Stop by Leicester Square, the heart of London’s cinema district, where many glamorous film premieres take place;
• Discover key Harry Potter filming locations at real London buildings that double as Gringotts and Diagon Alley;
• Hear fascinating stories from your passionate cabbie-guide at every turn.
  

Set out on a dazzling journey through the sights, sounds and spellbinding stories of London on this private half-day adventure in an iconic London Cab. With a licensed cabbie as your personal guide, a local who knows every shortcut, side street and star-studded secret of the city, you’ll be collected straight from your central London hotel and whisked into a world where legendary music, blockbuster cinema and British magic come vividly to life.

While the exact order of your itinerary can vary depending on your driver and the location of your hotel, you'll soon find yourself in the place every music lover dreams of: Abbey Road in St John’s Wood. You’ll have the opportunity to stand on the famous zebra crossing where the Beatles made history and soak up the atmosphere of the studios where the band recorded their greatest hits. Nearby, you’ll pass the former London homes of Paul McCartney and John Lennon, glimpsing the quiet neighbourhood streets that once echoed with the footsteps of rock ’n’ roll royalty. You will also spend time in the heart of the capital, where some of London’s most renowned streets unfold before you. You’ll glide along posh Pall Mall, soak in the pomp and circumstance of the Mall (with views of Buckingham Palace), and roll through the grand avenues of Westminster, places that have starred in countless films and remain at the centre of British pageantry. You'll pause at Savile Row, the elegant home of bespoke tailoring, where your guide will reveal yet another chapter of Beatles lore: the site of the group’s final public performance.

Heading into the buzzing West End, you’ll pass through Leicester Square, the glamorous gateway to London’s cinema district. This is where film premieres light up the night, crowds gather to spot stars on the red carpet, and movie history is made again and again. Then it is time to step into another realm entirely, the world of Harry Potter. Visit real London locations that have transformed into some of the wizarding world’s most recognisable settings, from the grand Australia House (Gringotts Bank), to the sleek curves of the Millennium Bridge, to the atmospheric arcades of Leadenhall Market, which inspired Diagon Alley. Fans young and old will feel the magic in every moment.

Throughout the journey, your cabbie-guide brings the stories to life with an infectious passion for London’s cultural tapestry, mixing insider knowledge, film trivia, musical legends and a few delightful surprises tailored to your interests. Combining must-see landmarks, unforgettable movie moments and musical milestones, this exhilarating taxi tour is a fun and immersive way to experience London at its finest.

Please note that the sites listed are the main highlights typically included on this route; however, the exact stops may vary depending on traffic conditions, road closures, and events taking place in the city on the day of your tour. Distances between locations can be considerable, which may affect the order, inclusions and duration of each stop. If you have any specific preferences or requirements, please inform your driver at the start of the tour—they will do their best to tailor the experience accordingly.