Highclere Castle
The real Downton Abbey: a thousand years of history, Egyptian treasures, and aristocratic grandeur in the Hampshire countryside.
Highclere Castle is the iconic real-life setting of the television series Downton Abbey, nestled in the rolling Hampshire countryside near Newbury. This magnificent Victorian mansion, transformed in 1842, features 250–300 rooms and sits within arcadian parkland designed by Capability Brown. Visitors can explore the grand State Rooms, including the Library and Main Hall, discover the fascinating Egyptian Exhibition in the castle cellars, and wander through beautifully landscaped gardens. Open on limited dates throughout the year, Highclere offers guided tours, afternoon tea experiences, and special seasonal events that celebrate both its cinematic fame and its rich 1000-year history as the ancestral home of the Earls of Carnarvon.
A brief summary to Highclere Castle
- Highclere Park, Newbury, Highclere, RG20 9RN, GB
- +441635253210
- Visit website
- Duration: 2.5 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Book tickets well in advance as Highclere opens only on limited dates and sells out quickly. Opening dates are announced approximately five to six months ahead, so plan accordingly and check the official website regularly.
- Visit in the morning during spring or early summer for the calmest experience and to see the gardens at their best. Mornings are noticeably quieter than afternoons, allowing you to move through the Library and State Rooms without crowds.
- Don't miss the Egyptian Exhibition in the castle cellars—the replicas of Tutankhamun's treasures and the story of the 5th Earl's archaeological discoveries provide a fascinating counterpoint to the Downton Abbey experience.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring layers. The grounds feature mixed terrain including gravel paths and rough grass woodland walks, and Hampshire weather is changeable year-round.
- Allow time for afternoon tea in the Coach House or refreshments at the tea rooms. The experience of enjoying Champagne and cakes while overlooking the grounds completes the aristocratic immersion.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train from London
From London Waterloo, take a direct train to Newbury (approximately 50–70 minutes). From Newbury station, arrange a taxi or use a ride-sharing service for the 8-mile journey to Highclere Castle (approximately 15–20 minutes by car). Alternatively, book a guided tour from London that includes coach transport and castle admission; these typically depart from central London locations and take 3–4 hours each way.
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Coach tour from London
Multiple tour operators offer full-day coach tours departing from central London, Oxford, or Southampton. These typically include pickup and drop-off at your accommodation, guided commentary en route, admission to Highclere Castle, and sometimes visits to nearby Downton Abbey filming locations in Bampton village. Journey time from London is approximately 2–3 hours. Prices range from £80–£155 per person depending on the tour operator and inclusions. Tours operate on designated castle opening dates only.
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Self-drive by car
From London, drive northwest via the M4 motorway toward Reading, then continue to Newbury (approximately 60–75 minutes depending on traffic). Follow signs to Highclere, near the village of Highclere in Hampshire. Ample parking is available at the castle. Note that the castle is located in rural countryside, so a sat-nav or GPS is essential. Petrol costs vary; budget approximately £15–£25 for fuel from central London.
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Taxi or ride-sharing from Newbury
If arriving by train at Newbury station, book a taxi or use a ride-sharing app for the 8-mile journey to Highclere Castle (approximately 15–20 minutes). Costs typically range from £20–£35 depending on demand and time of day. This option is convenient if you prefer not to drive or rent a car.
Highclere Castle location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Highclere Castle
A Castle Steeped in History and Hollywood Magic
Highclere Castle stands as one of England's most captivating destinations, renowned worldwide as the filming location for the beloved television series Downton Abbey. Yet beyond its silver-screen fame lies a genuine aristocratic residence with a thousand years of history woven into its very stones. Built in its present form in 1842 through a dramatic Victorian transformation, the castle contains between 250 and 300 rooms, each telling stories of the families who have called it home. The castle remains the private residence of the current Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, making it a living, breathing piece of British heritage rather than a museum frozen in time.Exploring the Grand Interiors and State Rooms
Walking through Highclere's doors transports visitors into the world of the Crawley family and the servants who kept the household running. The magnificent Main Hall, with its soaring ceilings and intricate architectural details, immediately captures the grandeur of Edwardian aristocratic life. The Library, instantly recognizable to Downton Abbey enthusiasts, showcases floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and period furnishings that perfectly evoke the intellectual pursuits of the era. The Saloon, the State Rooms, and the galleried bedrooms reveal the opulence and intimate spaces where the drama of both the fictional and real Carnarvon families unfolded. Period costumes and authentic decor from the television series are displayed throughout, creating an immersive experience that blurs the line between historical reality and dramatic storytelling. The castle's interiors feature remarkable artworks, including a fabulous Joshua Reynolds painting of Charles I and the unexpected desk of Napoleon Bonaparte, adding layers of intrigue to each room.The Egyptian Exhibition: A Pharaoh's Legacy
Descending into the castle cellars reveals one of Highclere's most extraordinary treasures: the Egyptian Exhibition. This collection celebrates the remarkable achievements of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, who played a pivotal role in one of archaeology's greatest discoveries. In 1922, Lord Carnarvon and the legendary Egyptologist Howard Carter uncovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of Kings—the richest Egyptian burial ever found. The exhibition displays exact and beautiful replicas of the Shrine, the Middle Coffin, the Mummy, and the Death Mask of Tutankhamun, alongside artifacts and documentation from the excavations that captivated the world's imagination. This section transforms the castle into a gateway to ancient Egypt, offering visitors a tangible connection to one of history's most thrilling archaeological moments.Gardens and Parkland Designed by Nature and Genius
Highclere's grounds are as remarkable as its interiors. The castle sits within arcadian parkland designed by the legendary landscape architect Capability Brown in 1771, creating a harmonious blend of open lawns, woodland, and water features that exemplify 18th-century aesthetic ideals. Six remaining 18th-century follies punctuate the landscape, each framing distinctive views: Jackdaw's Castle on the East lawns provides a charming perspective of the main building, the Etruscan Temple offers a serene vantage point over Siddown Hill, and the Temple of Diana overlooks the lake. Magnificent cedar trees, first imported to England in the 18th century, frame the parkland and gardens, their towering forms creating a sense of timeless grandeur. The gardens themselves have been developed over centuries, with flower meadows, woodland walks, and cultivated areas that showcase the changing seasons. In spring and early summer, when the gardens are at their most vibrant, the grounds become a photographer's paradise and a peaceful refuge for contemplation.Seasonal Experiences and Special Events
Highclere Castle operates on a carefully curated schedule, opening on limited dates throughout the year to preserve its character as a private residence while welcoming visitors. Spring and summer months offer the most frequent opening dates, with general admission available when gardens are in full bloom. Autumn brings spectacular foliage and rolling landscapes, while winter features special Christmas tours and festive afternoon teas that capture the castle adorned in holiday splendor. Throughout the year, special events and guided tours celebrate different aspects of the castle's heritage—from "Real Lives and Film Sets" tours in autumn to exclusive "Living with a Film Crew" experiences that explore how Downton Abbey was brought to life. Champagne afternoon tea served in the Coach House offers an elegant way to experience the castle, complete with finger sandwiches, cakes, scones, and a glass of Joseph Perrier Champagne. The tea rooms remain open during public hours for cream teas, light lunches, and hot food, ensuring visitors can refresh themselves while exploring the grounds.Practical Considerations for Your Visit
Visitors should note that Highclere operates differently from conventional tourist attractions. Tickets are available only on designated opening dates, which are announced approximately five to six months in advance, and they sell out quickly due to the castle's limited capacity and immense popularity. Advance booking is essential. Children under four enter free and do not require a ticket. Photography and videography are permitted on the castle grounds and lawns for personal use, but are strictly prohibited inside the castle itself to protect the privacy of the current residents and their personal possessions. Backpacks and picnics are not allowed. The castle's historic architecture means that while the main State Rooms and Egyptian Exhibition are accessible for manual wheelchairs, the upstairs galleries and bedrooms are only accessible to those able to walk at a reasonable pace unaided. The grounds feature a mix of surfaces: some gravel paths around the castle lawns, but woodland walks and flower meadow paths are rough grass and may not suit all visitors. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended, and the weather in Hampshire can be changeable, so layering and a light rain jacket are advisable.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Essential places to dine
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Parkway Shopping Centre
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Bonmarché
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Peach's Stores
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B&M Store
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Unique
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Victorian Styles
- Vintage Styles
- Historic
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Myth & Legends
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
