[2025 Newbury Attraction] Travel Guide for Highclere Castle (Updated Jun)

We spent a brilliant day at Highclere Castle recently, and it honestly couldn’t have been more perfect. We went during one of their festivals, which brought a proper buzz to the place — loads of stalls, exhibitions, and local food and drink dotted around the grounds. One of the best surprises? We got to see the castle’s helicopter in action — quite the sight against the backdrop of that iconic building! The gardens were absolutely picture-perfect — bursting with colour and beautifully kept, the kind of place you could happily sit with a coffee and just take it all in. And the cherry on top? We had the chance to speak with Lady Carnarvon herself — such a warm and engaging host. You can really feel how much love and care she puts into looking after the estate. Of course, being Downton Abbey fans, we had to make the most of exploring all the famous filming spots. My personal favourite was the Drawing Room — proper old-school glamour, rich tones, and that unmistakable English charm. You can almost hear the Dowager Countess chiming in from the corner. Whether you’re a die-hard Downton buff or just enjoy a bit of history and countryside air, Highclere’s well worth the trip. Grand, graceful, and full of character. #HighclereCastle #DowntonAbbey #GrandDayOut #EnglishHeritage #LadyOfTheCastle #HelicopterSighting #DrawingRoomGoals #GardenWanderings #BritishCharm #PeriodDramaLocation #UKDaysOut #StatelyHomes #FestivalVibes #HistoricEngland #CountrysideEscape #MustSeeBritain #CastleLife

Great news for fans of 'Downton Abbey'! Highclere Castle is opening its doors to the public again this summer. Don't miss the chance to visit this iconic estate! Located in Hampshire, England, Highclere Castle is a historic and picturesque castle that serves as the primary filming location for 'Downton Abbey' and a dream destination for many visitors. Owned by the Earl of Carnarvon, the castle is lavishly decorated and exudes the aristocratic charm of the 19th century. 🌟 Highlights of the Visit 🏰 The Hall and Staircase: Stepping into the hall feels like entering a classic scene from 'Downton Abbey'. The grand staircase is reminiscent of the show's memorable moments. 📕 The Library: Home to an extensive collection of books, the library is both a private collection of the Carnarvon family and a significant filming location in the series. 🍴 The Dining Room: With its classic ambiance, every detail of the dining room showcases the elegance of British aristocratic life. ❀ The Gardens: The expansive and beautiful gardens are perfect for strolling and photography. In spring and summer, they are a riot of color and beauty. 📅 Opening Times: 7th July 2024 – Thursday 5th September 2024 ⏰ Three Admission Times: • Morning Admission: between 10:00am – 12:30pm • Midday Admission: between 12:30pm – 2:30pm • Afternoon Admission: between 2:30pm – 3.45pm. 🎫🔍 Remember to book your tickets in advance for Highclere Castle! #WeekendGetaway #DowntonAbbey #UKTravel #HighclereCastle #BritishHeritage #SummerTravel

Highclere Castle, famously known as the setting for the acclaimed British series 'Downton Abbey,' is a stunning example of Georgian architecture located in Hampshire, Southeast England. The series, set in the late 19th to early 20th century, explores the intricate lives and relationships between the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants, with the castle serving as a magnificent backdrop. The castle's exterior, built in the 17th century, showcases the typical features of Georgian architecture, such as symmetry, balance, and elegant proportions. Constructed from yellow Bath stone, it exudes a warm and grandiose aura. The expansive lawn at the front enhances its majestic presence. Highclere Castle is vast, with 11 bedrooms on the ground floor and 40-50 more upstairs, totaling over 300 rooms. It features 356 crystal chandeliers. Traditional British homes often had semi-basements, with masters and servants residing on different levels, symbolizing the 'upstairs-downstairs' dynamic of the era. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a grand hall with a high ceiling and walls adorned with opulent murals, creating a noble and luxurious atmosphere. The living room is decorated in a Rococo style, with bright colors and intricate furnishings. The walls are covered in expensive silk, a wedding gift to Lady Almina, the fifth Countess, from her banker father. The estate also boasts a beautifully landscaped garden with a variety of flowers, plants, fountains, and garden pavilions, adding a touch of romance and tranquility. Overall, Highclere Castle embodies the unique charm and luxury of Georgian aristocratic estates. It is not just a backdrop for the series but a symbol of noble life and an entire era. Through the architecture of Downton Abbey, viewers can glimpse the opulence and intricacy of aristocratic life and experience the allure of history. #Architecture #Design #Travel #UK #UKTravel #DowntonAbbey #Rococo #BritishSeries #Film #Wallpaper #Scenery

Visiting Highclere Castle after watching all six seasons of Downton Abbey is a unique experience. As you enter the gates, the theme song automatically plays in your mind, and every scene inside the castle brings back memories from the show. The most iconic spot is the red sofa in the library, where you can almost picture the old butler and Mrs. Hughes sitting when the owners were away. Unfortunately, Mary’s room isn’t part of the castle tour as it was filmed in a London studio. The Egyptian exhibition was surprisingly impressive, and the garden is so relaxing that you might spend an entire afternoon there without realizing it. For any Downton Abbey fan, a visit to Highclere Castle is a must! Remember to book your tickets well in advance, as slots are hard to come by. I booked mine two to three months ahead. #DowntonAbbey #HighclereCastle #TravelTips

As a fan of the series for over a decade, visiting Highclere Castle, the real-life setting of Downton Abbey, felt like a dream come true. Although photography is not allowed inside due to it being private property, the experience of walking through the rooms felt like reliving the series. Most of the rooms and interiors are open for viewing, and each spot brings back memories of specific scenes from the show. I highly recommend sitting on the grass next to the castle to enjoy the sun, and we even had an ice cream there. For visiting arrangements, you can check the Highclere Castle website for different ticket types. We booked late (tickets were sold out two months in advance), so we opted for a day tour from Ctrip that included Oxford and Downton Abbey. It was an English-speaking tour on a double-decker bus, and surprisingly, we were the only two Asians. Alternatively, you can take a train. Timing: It's best to leave London early in the morning for a day trip. #DowntonAbbey #UK #HighclereCastle #BritishMansion #TVSeries #StudyAbroad #FilmingLocation

Since middle school, Downton Abbey has been my introduction to British dramas, accompanying me through the seasons as I experienced the joys and sorrows of its characters and the grandeur of the estate. Today, I finally got to see it in person. Tips: The real name of Downton Abbey is Highclere Castle. I booked my tickets two months in advance on the castle's official website. The castle is only open for two to three months during the summer. To get there from London, you can take a train from Paddington Station to Newbury Station, which takes about an hour. From the station, you can take a taxi (or share one with others) for about 20 minutes to reach Downton, costing around 20 pounds. Keep the driver's number handy to call for a pick-up when you're almost done touring. Photography is not allowed inside the castle as the current owners still reside there, dining and sleeping in the castle, making it a home rather than a museum, as the staff mentioned. It's a must-visit for any Downton Abbey fan traveling to the UK. #DowntonAbbey #UK

For fans of Downton Abbey, visiting Highclere Castle is a dream come true. Located just over an hour's drive from London, this iconic filming location is a must-see. The castle was originally commissioned by the 3rd Earl of Carnarvon in 1839 and later remodeled into a Gothic-style building over twelve years. It was designated a Grade I listed building in 1953. Owned by the Herbert family for generations, it is currently under the care of the 8th Earl of Carnarvon, George Herbert. The castle once required £1.8 million for repairs due to dampness and decay. The lady of the house, much like her on-screen counterpart, is American and has creatively raised funds through ticket sales, merchandise, books, gin sales, running a B&B, and hosting weddings (costing £15,000). The family still resides there, and the castle is open to visitors during Easter and the spring and summer seasons. Approaching the castle, a winding path leads you through a landscape framed by two giant cedar trees, revealing the orange-hued castle like a painting. The image of Downton Abbey's lord walking his dog, accompanied by the show's familiar music, plays vividly in one's mind, stirring excitement. Inside, the castle is opulently decorated with Spanish leather, skylights, massive chandeliers, an oak spiral staircase, portraits (including one of Charles I), sculptures, furnishings, and antiques, all reminiscent of the series. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside, but visitors can share interpretive diagrams of the main rooms and exhibits. Unexpectedly, there is an Egyptian archaeological exhibit, as the 5th Earl funded archaeologist Howard Carter's expedition to discover the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. In 1922, Carter was among the first to enter the tomb. The Earl and Countess later transformed the basement into a museum, replicating the layout of a pyramid's burial chamber to display treasures Carter found in Egypt. These treasures, including mummies, are replicas, as the originals have been returned to the Egyptian Museum. Be sure to explore the secret garden, with its horticultural arches, blooming flowers, and velvety lawns, offering an unforgettable experience. Visitors are often in high spirits, polite, and feel like nobility, genuinely complimenting each other's attire. Staff mentioned that the third Downton Abbey film is soon to be released, adding to the sense of pride. The gift shop offers creatively designed hats, tote bags, tea, and biscuits. #HighclereCastle #DowntonAbbey #BritishHeritage

I was incredibly fortunate to secure tickets to Highclere Castle, the filming location of 'Downton Abbey,' which is only open for a limited time each summer and has restricted entry. Located in the quaint town of Newbury, not far from London, every photo taken here is unedited, capturing the castle's natural beauty. Stepping inside feels like entering a painting. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside, but the basement, which served as the servants' quarters in the series, now houses the Earl's collection of Egyptian mummies, which is a must-see. Interestingly, the current Earl's great-grandfather was one of the discoverers and tomb raiders of the famous Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun's mummy, and he reportedly fell victim to the 'Pharaoh's Curse.' The family has a fascinating history as a noble lineage. #DowntonAbbey #HighclereCastle #Tutankhamun

As I stepped into Highclere Castle, I felt a deep sense of regret... regret for not having visited this iconic filming location of "Downton Abbey" sooner! The grandeur of the castle, the elegance of the gardens, and the Edwardian-era afternoon tea were all captivating! Walking around the castle, I felt like a noble character from the show, experiencing the aristocratic lifestyle. It was truly wonderful! 🏰[Must-visit spots at the castle]: 1. Highclere Castle interior tour ❤️Correct way to visit Book tickets online in advance to avoid queuing on-site Follow a professional guide to learn about the castle's history and family stories 😫Incorrect way to visit Avoid visiting during the rainy season, as the castle grounds may be slippery and affect your experience Do not visit on non-open days to avoid disappointment 2. Stroll through the castle gardens ❤️Correct way to visit Enjoy the flowers in spring, cool off in summer, admire the leaves in autumn, and watch the snow in winter - each season has its charm Wear comfortable clothing for long walks and photo-taking in the gardens 😫Incorrect way to visit Avoid wearing high heels in the gardens to prevent damaging the grass or twisting your ankle Do not make loud noises in the gardens, respect the tranquility and beauty 3. Afternoon tea experience ❤️Correct way to visit Book afternoon tea in the castle in advance to enjoy authentic English tea and exquisite pastries 😫Incorrect way to visit Avoid having afternoon tea on an empty stomach to prevent discomfort Do not be late for afternoon tea to avoid missing your time slot 🎗️[Tips]: For travelers planning an in-depth multi-day visit or traveling in groups, we recommend choosing a customized tour service. No need to research or book on your own, a professional tour planner will create a personalized itinerary for you, from castle tours to garden strolls to afternoon tea experiences, providing attentive service throughout your Highclere Castle journey for a flawless experience.

🎉Basingstoke Adventure🌈 - Unlock the Hidden Charm of the Town🌟 📍Set off for the unknown beauty: In the arms of Hampshire, UK, there is a town called Basingstoke. It is like a gem💎 that has not been fully discovered, exuding unique charm. Today, let's embark on this journey full of surprises and discoveries and explore every corner of Basingstoke. 🚗Transportation tips: Whether you are taking a train🚂 or driving🚗 from London, you can easily reach this quiet and charming town. Train travel allows you to leisurely enjoy the scenery along the way, while driving gives you more freedom and space to explore. 🏨Accommodation: Stay in a local boutique B&B🏠 and experience authentic English life. Whether it is a cozy family inn or an artistic boutique hotel, you can feel the warmth and comfort of home. 🏞️Symphony of nature and history: 🌳Take a walk on the country roads of Basingstoke and feel the tranquility and harmony of nature. Every inch of land here exudes the fragrance of nature, which is refreshing. 🏰Visit Highclere Castle, the filming location of Downton Abbey, as if you have traveled back to that era full of aristocratic atmosphere and etiquette. Every detail of the castle reveals the weight of history and the connotation of culture. 🍽️Temptation of food: 🍔At Festival Street Kitchen, taste authentic English fast food and snacks, and feel the delicious and surprising taste. 🍣At Yamazaki Sushi Bar, enjoy a delicate Japanese meal, and let the fresh ingredients and superb cooking skills satisfy your taste buds. 🍴Don't forget to go to the local farm restaurant, taste fresh farm products and special dishes, and feel the gift of nature and the ingenuity of the chef. 🛍️Shopping and leisure: 🛍️In the commercial district of Basingstoke, look for those unique souvenirs and handicrafts. Whether it is retro decorations or fashionable clothing, you can return with a full load. 🎭In the local theater or concert hall, watch a wonderful performance and feel the charm of art and the influence of culture. 🎭Cultural immersion: 📚Visit Milestones Museum to learn about the history and culture of Basingstoke and feel the unique charm and changes of the town. 🎨Participate in local art exhibitions or workshops to experience the fun of creation and the charm of art. 🎉Travel tips: 📅Plan your itinerary in advance, understand the local weather and traffic conditions, and avoid unnecessary troubles. 💳Prepare cash and credit cards for emergencies. At the same time, pay attention to the safety of personal belongings.