Thrifty Thinking: Downtown Abbey Tour on a Budget

Ever wondered what it might be like to be right there living a Lord and Lady life Downton Abbey style with butlers, maids and all things “high tea” nice?

While a trip to London might at first appear Lord and Lady pricey at $2,795 per participant, Sterling Silver Tour founder Suzanne Lacey has found a high-end, but low budget way to travel like the show’s “Upstairs” Granthams -- even if budgets are more in keeping with the “Downstairs” staff.

Tip #1           Five Star Accommodations

The “Downton Abbey” denizens are particular about where they lay their heads. Four- and five- star hotels with breakfast, and sometimes even dinner or afternoon tea, can be found for up to 50 percent off at www.LuxuryLink.com

Tip #2           High Tea for Two

A visit to London is not a visit without afternoon tea. London's 5-star Mayfair Hotel offers its signature afternoon tea at a discount during certain times of the year, as do many of the city’s other most sought-after tea tables. The place to find two-for-one offers is www.afternoontea.co.uk

Tip #3           High End Style

Want to rival “Downton Abbey’s” stylish Lady Mary? There are two times a year when all of London is on sale: January and July. Shoppers can find deals at the famed Harrods' for 60 percent off on designer wares.

Tip #5           Fine Dining

“Downton Abbey’s” Mrs. Padmore would insist that you indulge in a hearty meal. If you are willing to eat your dinner before, say, 7:30pm, you can have your pick of sought-after places to eat. Most of London's top eateries offer an early fixed menu. A list of some popular dining establishments can be found at http://www.restaurant-guide.com/uk+l20-to-l30-meal-deals.htm

Tip #6           Front Row Seats

Before becoming the distinguished butler of “Downton Abbey,” Mr. Carson let loose as a stage performer. To see a show from the best seat in the house for a fraction of the price, spend a little time in line over at the Leicester Square location where tickets go on sale half the price.

Tip #7           A Day at the Races

Dress to impress the Dowager Countess at the city’s most stylish sporting event by taking in a race or two at The Royal Ascot race park. Simply bring your own food and watch a race or two on a big screen TV in a location near the racetrack, which is known as a Silver Ring ticket.

Tip #8           The High Mile Club

The Granthams always arrive in style and so can you. Three or four times a year major airlines like British Airways drop prices on their business class seats--even in the summer. Many times these sales are not publicized. Savings alerts are best discovered via Twitter travel posts.

Visit Sterling Silver Tours for more information.