Highclere Castle Tours

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


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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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Highclere Castle

When visiting Highclere Castle, enjoy a variety of activities including castle tours led by expert guides, as well as golf at the nearby golf club. Don't forget to relax with spa services and swimming options in the area. Be sure to read reviews of Highclere Castle to enhance your experience and make the most of your visit.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Highclere Castle, visit Viables Crafts Centre and Festival Place, both located 13 miles away, offering a variety of shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, check out Bakers Yard, located 18 miles away, featuring family-friendly and business vibes.

Recreation

At Donnington Grove Country Club, indulge in luxury with its serene ambiance and wellness facilities, just 6 miles from Highclere Castle. Alternatively, enjoy outdoor sports at Newbury and Crookham Golf Club, located 5 miles away, perfect for golf enthusiasts looking to unwind in nature.

Adventure

At Bedlam Paintball in Newbury, located 8 miles from Highclere Castle, experience thrilling paintball battles in an adventure-filled setting. For motorsport enthusiasts, the Thruxton Motorsport Centre, 14 miles away, offers exhilarating racing experiences. Lagoona Park, 17 miles from Highclere, provides exciting water sports for outdoor adventure seekers.

Nightlife

While staying at Highclere Castle, enjoy a night out at the Watermill Theatre for captivating performances, or head to the 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park for some family-friendly fun. The Anvil offers an array of cultural events just a short drive away, ensuring a memorable evening.

Find the best attractions near Highclere Castle

Highclere Castle offers a rich array of attractions for visitors, including the historic house itself, surrounding estate, and scenic Highclere Park. Fans of "Downton Abbey" will appreciate the connection to the series, while history enthusiasts can explore the local history museum. Whether you're seeking cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, or family-friendly activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy around Highclere Castle.

  • Donnington Castle: Located 6 miles from Highclere Castle, this romantic medieval fortress invites you to explore its impressive ruins and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The castle’s rich history and picturesque setting make it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.
  • Greenham Common: Just 5 miles away, this historic site is known for its cultural significance and beautiful landscapes. Once a military base, it now offers expansive walking trails and serene picnic spots, ideal for immersing yourself in nature.
  • West Berkshire Museum: Situated 5 miles from Highclere Castle, this engaging history museum showcases the local heritage through fascinating exhibits and artifacts, providing a deeper understanding of the region's past.

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 can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Highclere Castle falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Highclere Castle falls in January, 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 traveling in January or October to November when prices are lower, especially on Mondays. Use Expedia to compare hotel rates and find eco-friendly options that fit your budget. Booking a package deal that combines flights, hotel stays, and activities can also lead to savings. Additionally, join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and cash back on future bookings. Explore public transport options or enjoy walking to experience the area without added costs.

  • 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: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can easily arrange your results by price, starting with the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Highclere Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.