Highclere Castle
The real-life Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle offers a glimpse into Victorian grandeur with opulent rooms, beautiful gardens, and a fascinating Egypti...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highclere Castle
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The real-life Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle offers a glimpse into Victorian grandeur with opulent rooms, beautiful gardens, and a fascinating Egyptian exhibition.
"A truly magnificent estate that transports you to another era, especially for Downton Abbey fans."
🎯 Arrive early for castle entry
If visiting during peak times, queue for the castle first before exploring the gardens to maximize your time. :ticket:
☕ Enjoy the picnic tea
The picnic tea is generous and can easily serve 3-4 people, offering good value for money. :coffee:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The State Rooms
Inside the Castle
Explore the opulent rooms that served as the backdrop for Downton Abbey, from the grand library to the drawing-room.
Egyptian Exhibition
Basement of the Castle
Discover fascinating artifacts and a reproduction of Tutankhamun's treasures, offering a glimpse into ancient history.
The Gardens and Grounds
Castle Exterior
Wander through beautifully maintained gardens and Capability Brown landscapes, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Secret Passages
Various locations within the Castle
Uncover hidden doors and secret passages, adding an element of mystery and intrigue to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Accessibility Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive early for castle entry
If visiting during peak times, queue for the castle first before exploring the gardens to maximize your time. :ticket:
☕ Enjoy the picnic tea
The picnic tea is generous and can easily serve 3-4 people, offering good value for money. :coffee:
🚫 No photos inside the castle
Be present and enjoy the moment; photography is not allowed inside the castle.
🐾 Dog-friendly grounds
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the grounds, but not inside the castle or tea rooms. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive early for castle entry
If visiting during peak times, queue for the castle first before exploring the gardens to maximize your time. :ticket:
☕ Enjoy the picnic tea
The picnic tea is generous and can easily serve 3-4 people, offering good value for money. :coffee:
🚫 No photos inside the castle
Be present and enjoy the moment; photography is not allowed inside the castle.
🐾 Dog-friendly grounds
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the grounds, but not inside the castle or tea rooms. :dog:
🚶♀️ Explore the parkland
Take time to wander through the expansive parkland and enjoy the scenic views. :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Highclere Castle for its stunning beauty, rich history, and the immersive experience it offers, especially for Downton Abbey fans. The gardens and the Egyptian Exhibition are frequently highlighted as major attractions. However, some guests find the afternoon tea service to be disorganized and lacking in quality for the price, and the lack of a lift inside the castle can be a challenge for those with mobility issues.
"Today, we visited Highclere Castle, the place most famous for being the setting of Downton Abbey.
I highly recommend this place for adults, but there isn’t much for children to do.
The gardens are beautiful and well kept, considering the dry weather we have had.
We purchased online the tour of the house, the Egyptian exhibition, and afternoon tea.
The house is beautiful, but since there are only stairs and no lift, it can be difficult for people with mobility issues.
Our hosts and guides were well informed and friendly. Letting people in small groups was a great idea, as some rooms and corridors are a bit cramped but still wonderful to see. It was nice to see all the pictures of our late Queen Elizabeth and her family on the sideboards and furniture around the house.
The Egyptian exhibition was fantastic, and the artifacts are fascinating to see, as was the reproduction of Tutankhamun's treasures.
Now for afternoon tea. The staff in the tea room are just wonderful, polite and very helpful, even taking pictures of those seated for Tea. The food was as I would expect in a stately home, rich, tasty, and more than enough.
We had a fantastic day. Thank you!"
wayne roff
"We enjoyed our time at Highclere immensely. The staff was very helpful and friendly, answered all our questions and we even walked down the beautiful staircase. Unfortunately you are not able to take photos inside but it was lovely to be in the moment taking it all in and enjoying it. Do go and take the picnic tea, however note that it could easily work for 3-4 people not just 2! Wonderful day. 5 stars."
Pita Keeney
"This was an great stop on our way to Heathrow after disembarking from our cruise ship in Southampton. We enjoyed the gardens however suggest if you get to castle at 9:30 to 10:00 am cue up for the castle first then do the gardens. Oh, and if you already have tickets printed, don't get in the cue, go to the right and scan for direct entrance. Thanks to the lovely women who mentioned that to us. The self guided tour of the castle and gardens is great. We purchased the Tea lunch which was super fun. More than enough for for two...we were three and could have easily fed four. Overall a nice way to cap a great 10 days of cruising before a 16 hour journey home back to Seattle/Tacoma."
Curt Archambault
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Highclere Castle is about an hour's drive from London. You can take a train from London Paddington to Newbury, then a taxi to the castle.
Yes, there is ample parking available on the estate. Follow the signs upon arrival.
Absolutely! Highclere Castle makes for a fantastic day trip from London, offering a glimpse into the world of Downton Abbey and beautiful English countryside.
If you don't have a car, taking a train to Newbury and then a taxi is a common and convenient option. Some organized tours also depart from London.
While there isn't a dedicated shuttle service, local taxi companies operate in the Newbury area and can take you to the castle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on what you wish to see (castle, grounds, exhibitions). General admission to the castle and grounds typically costs around £22.50, but it's best to check the official website for current pricing and package options.
Yes, booking your tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak visiting times, to guarantee entry.
Opening hours vary seasonally. It's essential to check the official Highclere Castle website for the most up-to-date opening times and dates before your visit.
While it might be possible, it's strongly advised to book tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment, as entry is not guaranteed on the day.
Discounts may be available for children, seniors, or group bookings. Check the official website for details on any concessionary rates.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can tour the magnificent rooms of the castle, explore the Egyptian Exhibition, wander through the beautiful gardens and parkland, and enjoy afternoon tea.
No, photography is not permitted inside the castle to preserve the interiors and allow visitors to be present in the moment.
While children can enjoy the grounds and some exhibitions, the castle interior may be less engaging for younger visitors. The Egyptian exhibition can be fascinating for older children.
Dogs are welcome in the parkland and gardens on a lead, but they are not permitted inside the castle or the tea rooms.
It's a fascinating exhibition located in the castle's basement, showcasing artifacts and a reproduction of Tutankhamun's treasures, offering a deep dive into ancient Egyptian history.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Highclere Castle offers an afternoon tea service and a tea room with light refreshments. The picnic tea is also a popular option.
Afternoon tea can be a significant expense, with some reviews mentioning prices around £85 per person, though this may vary.
Reviews are mixed, with some finding it a delightful experience and others feeling it lacks the traditional etiquette and quality expected for the price.
Visitors are generally welcome to bring their own picnics to enjoy on the grounds, especially if you opt for the picnic tea option.
The tea room typically offers scones, cakes, sandwiches, and other light refreshments.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the castle, the gardens, and the surrounding parkland offer stunning photographic opportunities.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historic estates like Highclere Castle. It's best to check their specific policies before flying.
While you can't photograph inside, you can capture iconic exterior shots that fans will recognize from the show and films.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, can offer beautiful lighting for exterior shots of the castle and grounds.
Yes, the resident dogs are often seen on the grounds and are a popular subject for photos, especially for Downton Abbey fans. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic to enjoy on the grounds, which can be a more relaxed and budget-friendly dining option for families.
🏰 Downton Abbey Enthusiasts
+1 Imagine yourself as Lord or Lady Grantham as you explore the opulent interiors. Don't miss the opportunity to see the Egyptian Exhibition, which adds another layer of historical intrigue to your visit.
Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak season, but the experience of being at the real Downton Abbey is often worth it.🚶♀️ History Buffs & Architecture Lovers
The connection to Capability Brown's landscape design adds another layer of historical significance to the grounds. Beyond its Downton Abbey fame, the castle has a long and varied history, with roots stretching back centuries. The Egyptian Exhibition provides a fascinating glimpse into ancient history, complementing the castle's own historical narrative.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Downton Abbey Connection
While the exterior is instantly recognizable, many of the iconic interior scenes were also filmed within Highclere's walls. Visitors can explore these very rooms, imagining the drama and elegance that unfolded there. The connection to Downton Abbey is a primary draw for many, making it a pilgrimage site for fans seeking to relive their favorite moments.
Beyond the filming aspect, Highclere Castle boasts a rich history dating back to the 8th century. It has been the home of the Carnarvon family for generations, with the current Earl and Countess residing there. This living history adds another layer of depth to the visitor experience, offering a glimpse into aristocratic life beyond the fictional narrative.
+1Exploring the Castle Interiors
The Library, filled with thousands of books and comfortable seating, offers a sense of quiet contemplation, much like it would have been for the characters in the show. Other notable rooms include the Drawing Room and the Dining Room, each showcasing the refined taste and lifestyle of the Carnarvon family. Keep an eye out for the numerous family portraits and historical memorabilia that tell the story of the estate.
It's important to note that photography is not permitted inside the castle. This policy encourages visitors to immerse themselves in the experience and appreciate the surroundings without the distraction of capturing every moment on camera.
The guided tours, often led by knowledgeable staff, provide fascinating insights into the history and architecture of each room, making the visit both educational and engaging. The Gardens and Parkland
Visitors can explore the formal gardens, which are particularly stunning during the spring and summer months, bursting with colorful blooms. The parkland provides ample space for walking, picnicking, and enjoying the serene countryside views. The estate is also home to a variety of trees, some of which are centuries old, adding to the natural beauty of the surroundings.
For those with dogs, the parkland and gardens are a fantastic place to let them roam (on a lead), making it a pleasant outing for the whole family.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit