Highclere Castle

Highclere Castle is a Grade 1 listed country house that was built back in 1679 and renovated in the 1840s with parkland that was designed by Capability Brown. The 5,000-acre estate is in Highclere near Newbury in Hampshire.

Things to do at Highclere Castle

Highclere is famous for being the on-site location for the filming of the ever-popular period drama Downton Abbey. You can book guided tours and enjoy special events, throughout the year. There are almost 300 tooms in the castle and although the tour can’t take in all of these you will explore the main staterooms, especially those familiar from Downton Abbey.

Another reason Highclere Castle is famous is that in November 1922 the 5th Earl of Carnarvon and Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun. The Carnarvon family have lived in Highclere since 1679.

To celebrate their discovery Highclere is now home at an Egyptian exhibition within the cellars of the castle. This explores the path to the discovery of this most famous of tombs with six exhibition rooms including some of the Earl’s own collection of antiquities.

Gardens you can explore include the Monk’s Garden, the White border, the Wood of Goodwill, the Rose Arbour, Wildflower meadow and the herb garden. There are 18th-century follies with wonderful views. The gardens and grounds are only open when the castle is open. Although there are a number of public footpaths that are open throughout the year.

Further Information

Is there food and drink available?

There is a tea room serving hot and cold food and drinks.

What are the main things to do?

Enormous castle with guided tours, an Egyptian exhibition and extensive grounds and gardens that you can explore. There are toilets on-site and a tea room.

What are the ticket prices?

There is a range of tours you can book on and also a variation on price. An adult castle, exhibition and garden ticket in the spring costs £24, children are £14 and a family ticket is £66.
Prices are subject to change and/or discounts online.