A day at Highclere Castle: 'the real Downton Abbey'

AN EXCLUSIVE PRE-PUBLIC TOUR FOR HISTORIC HOUSES MEMBERS

Highclere Castle is the much-loved family home of the Earl & Countess of Carnarvon. Once a mediaeval bishop’s palace, it was transformed by the Carnarvon family into a Georgian mansion in the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1838, the 3rd Earl of Carnarvon instructed Sir Charles Barry to carry out major building work and turn Highclere Castle into a spectacular Victorian castle. The sumptuous interior rooms, as seen in Downton Abbey, are by Thomas Allom who worked alongside Barry. The 5th Earl of Carnarvon financed and led Howard Carter’s Tutankhamun expedition in 1923.

Our private visit to the state rooms will take place before the Castle opens to the public, hence the early start, and will be followed by coffee and croissants. Tickets include access to the Egyptian Exhibition, and afterwards visitors are welcome to enjoy the beautiful gardens and spectacular parkland, designed by 'Capability' Brown, for as long as they choose. The Castle's tearooms and cafés offer a selection of hot and cold lunches (or bring a picnic) and visitors can browse the shop and plant stalls before leaving. 

Please wear sensible clothing/footwear for the gardens.

Tickets £39.50 including coffee and croissants and entry to the Egyptian Exhibition, gardens and grounds.