London
Price £165
Min age 3
Rating 4.61 / 5 [637 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Travel bucket list idea:
Newbury, Berkshire, United Kingdom (UK)
Credit Shutterstock.com/Ion Mes
Perhaps best known as the setting for the hugely popular drama series Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle sits amidst 1,000 acres of greenery and is a paragon of aristocratic heritage. This marvel of Victorian architecture boasts majestic staterooms complete with baroque ceilings, Italian embroideries and an exhibition of Egyptian antiquities.
The castle’s imposing beauty is best viewed from the glorious parkland that surrounds it, dotted with fruit-laden trees, exotic topiary and six 18th century follies.
In 1922, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon famously discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun and uncovered one of the most extraordinary ancient Egyptian collections.
The current owner of Highclere, the 8th Earl of Carnarvon, has created an exhibition at Highclere displaying the remaining fascinating antiquities that escaped sale to museums worldwide.
Highclere Castle lies in Hampshire, about 67 miles west of London. Trains from London Paddington to Newbury takes less than an hour, followed by a 15-minute taxi ride to the castle.
Booking in advance is recommended, although there are some ‘walk-in’ tickets available each day after 2pm. Tickets are divided into morning and afternoon sessions, granting entry according to the assigned 2.5-hour time frame.
You are free to wander unguided within this time slot, and informative stewards are on hand to answer questions. Admission tickets for the gardens have no time limit. There’s a café on-site, or take a picnic – there are picnic areas with views of the castle.
Only open on specific days from July to September (with occasional other events throughout the year), generally Sundays to Thursdays but check the website for available dates.
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