Highclere Castle Tours and Activities

Highclere Castle which includes landscape views and heritage architecture
Highclere Castle featuring art, interior views and heritage elements
Highclere Castle showing a house, heritage elements and art
Highclere Castle showing interior views and heritage elements
Highclere Castle which includes a park and heritage elements


Visit this stately home which is also the setting of the acclaimed BBC drama Downtown Abbey. Appreciate its grandeur, beauty and expansive grounds.

The impressive Highclere Castle is among the country’s most famous castles and stately homes, mainly due to it being the setting for the acclaimed period drama Downton Abbey. Take a step not just back in time, but into a movie set and see its ornate décor and beautiful rolling grounds. The house is the family seat of the Carnavon family.

Highclere Castle is first and foremost a home, although much of it has been opened to the public in recent years. The 8th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon proudly show off their family’s heritage through a series of events ranging from open days to specialist guided tours and charity galas. Book early to take part in any of these memorable events.

The castle is undoubtedly impressive in its décor. The saloon, at the heart of the house, is adorned in a Gothic style, with rich decoration and leather wall hangings from Cordoba, Spain, which date back to 1631.

Wander through the state dining room to see Van Dyck's great equestrian portrait of Charles I, and then continue on into the library. The library played an important role in Downton Abbey, and fans of the show will feel a familiarity with the house as they explore.

The bedrooms, too, featured in the hit drama. Some, such as the Arundel bedroom, were also used as an operating room during World War I when the castle became a military hospital. It would later serve as a home for evacuee children from London.

It is the great hall and two grand staircases, however, that are the castle’s true showstoppers. Walk slowly down the staircases and enjoy the feeling of being aristocratic.

Highclere Castle is in the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a short distance from Newbury. Try to drive here, as access by public transportation is limited. There is a vast car park for ticketholders.

The castle is open on specific days only and tickets must be purchased well in advance from the website.

Plan a trip to see Highclere Castle

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Things to do near Highclere Castle

While visiting Highclere Castle, enjoy a range of activities including spa treatments, swimming, and golf. For an enriching experience, consider taking a private or audio tour to delve into the castle's fascinating history, or join a guided castle tour to explore its stunning architecture and gardens. Highclere offers a delightful blend of relaxation and cultural exploration for every visitor.

Shopping

For shopping near Highclere Castle, check out Festival Place, 20.9km away, offering a variety of shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, visit Bakers Yard, 29.0km away, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and local businesses.

Recreation

Madejski Stadium, 29.0km from Highclere Castle, offers a vibrant sports atmosphere perfect for fitness enthusiasts. Donnington Grove Country Club, 9.7km away, provides a luxurious retreat with spa facilities. For outdoor lovers, Newbury and Crookham Golf Club, located 8.0km from the castle, features beautiful golf courses amidst nature.

Adventure

At Thruxton Motorsport Centre, 22.5km from Highclere Castle, feel the adrenaline rush of motor racing. Bedlam Paintball, 12.9km away, offers an exhilarating paintball experience. For water sports enthusiasts, Lagoona Park, 27.4km distant, provides thrilling outdoor adventures in a scenic setting.

Nightlife

Experience an enchanting evening at the Watermill Theatre, just 11.3km from Highclere Castle, offering a mix of culture and family entertainment. Alternatively, for thrilling fun, visit the 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park, located 8.0km away, perfect for family adventures and excitement under the stars.

Find the best attractions near Highclere Castle

When visiting Highclere Castle, immerse yourself in the rich history of this iconic historic house. Explore the beautiful grounds and nearby attractions like Donnington Castle and the fascinating history museum. For those seeking outdoor adventures and family-friendly experiences, the surrounding nature reserves offer plenty of opportunities to connect with the stunning English countryside. Don't forget to appreciate the connection to Downton Abbey, which adds a unique cultural touch to your visit.

  • Winchester Cathedral: Located 30.6km from Highclere Castle, this stunning cathedral features magnificent Gothic architecture and a rich history. Visitors can explore its beautiful stained glass, intricate stonework, and tranquil gardens, making it a perfect spot for those seeking a cultural experience.
  • Silchester Roman City Walls and Amphitheatre: Situated 19.3km away, these ancient ruins offer a glimpse into Roman Britain. Walk along the impressive city walls and imagine the vibrant life that once thrived here, all while surrounded by lush greenery.
  • Sparsholt College: Just 27.4km from Highclere Castle, this historic college is known for its stunning campus and commitment to education. Enjoy the serene environment and explore its beautiful gardens, making it a peaceful stop on your journey.

Best time to go to Highclere Castle

Visitor numbers around Highclere Castle is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Highclere Castle is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February40.5°F (4.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
March43.3°F (6.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
April47.5°F (8.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
May52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
July62.6°F (17.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August61.9°F (16.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
September58.1°F (14.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
November45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Highclere Castle

To save on your visit to Highclere Castle, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January or October to November, when accommodation rates are lower. Mondays typically offer the best hotel deals, while Saturdays are the priciest. Explore free attractions nearby, such as Donnington Castle and North Wessex Downs. Use Expedia's search tool to compare rates, filter for eco-friendly options, and bundle your hotel with flights and activities for additional savings. Walking is also a great way to navigate the area without spending on transport.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Highclere Castle are January and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Highclere Castle is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Highclere Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your travel options according to your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Highclere Castle hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.