Going Solo on a Rick Steves' Tour

Don't dream your life, live your dreams...

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I booked this day tour through Brit Movie Tours, as recommended by Rick in his guidebook. Six of us, in a van, were taken on a short guided tour of Bampton Village (the filming location for the village in Downton Abbey) before heading to Highclere Castle.  I asked our guide which country did most of the tourist to the castle come from?  He said, "Hands down, America."  Hmm, that's strange...I was the only one in the van from the U.S.

We arrived at the castle and were left to explore it on our own.  Seeing Highclere Castle in real life was very exciting - I'd say even better than visiting Hobbiton, aka the Shire! Seriously, all six of us had huge, silly grins on our faces as we walked up the path towards Highclere Castle.  The interior, such as the entrance hall and the library, seemed smaller than it appeared on the TV show.  I especially loved the gardens and grounds.  I just wanted to lie down in the field, look up at the sky, and be at one with nature.  Even the late afternoon downpour couldn't dampen my experience there.