Ever since Downton Abbey first graced our television screens, Mum has been completely captivated by the Crawley family, their grand country estate and the fascinating lives that unfolded both upstairs and downstairs. So, when I was thinking of a birthday present she would genuinely treasure, there was only one place that came to mind: Highclere Castle.
Tucked away amongst rolling Hampshire countryside near Newbury, Highclere Castle is instantly recognisable as the iconic home of Downton Abbey. But beyond the television fame lies a remarkable family home with a rich history stretching back centuries, beautiful gardens designed by Capability Brown and even an unexpected connection to the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb.
On a warm July weekday, Mum and I set off for what we hoped would be a memorable day together. Despite a slower-than-planned journey thanks to traffic around Oxford, our excitement only grew as we finally turned into the estate. What followed was a day filled with beautiful gardens, fascinating history, a few unexpected surprises and plenty of moments where we found ourselves saying, “I remember this from Downton Abbey!”
If you’re wondering whether Highclere Castle is worth visiting, whether you’re a devoted Downton Abbey fan or simply love exploring Britain’s historic houses, here’s everything you need to know before you book.
Highclere Castle at a Glance
| Location | Highclere, near Newbury, Hampshire, England |
| Famous For | The filming location of Downton Abbey and the home of the Earls of Carnarvon |
| Visited | July 2026 |
| Our Visit | Castle, Gardens & Egyptian Exhibition |
| Time Needed | Allow at least 4–5 hours if you want to enjoy both the house and gardens without rushing. |
| Booking Required? | Yes. Tickets must be booked in advance and popular dates can sell out months ahead. |
| Parking | Free on-site parking with friendly parking attendants directing visitors. |
| Facilities | Toilets, cafés, gift shop, picnic areas and seating throughout the estate. |
| Photography | Permitted outside. Photography is not allowed inside the castle or Egyptian Exhibition. |
| Accessibility | Grounds are accessible in many areas, but the castle includes staircases and some uneven pathways in the gardens. |
| Family Friendly? | Best suited to families with older children who enjoy history and exploring. Younger children are likely to prefer the gardens to the castle interiors. |
| Our Favourite Rooms | The magnificent Entrance Hall and the beautiful Double Library. |
| Don’t Miss | The Secret Garden, the views from The Airman and the fascinating Egyptian Exhibition. |
| Top Tip | Book early, wear comfortable shoes and leave plenty of time to explore the gardens as well as the castle itself. |
About Highclere Castle
Set within approximately 5,000 acres of rolling parkland near Newbury, Highclere Castle is one of England’s most recognisable country houses. While millions of people now know it as the setting for Downton Abbey, its history stretches back centuries and is every bit as fascinating as the fictional stories brought to life on screen.
The present-day castle was remodelled during the 19th century by Sir Charles Barry, the celebrated architect best known for designing the Palace of Westminster, home to the Houses of Parliament in London. His distinctive Jacobethan design gave Highclere Castle the elegant appearance visitors admire today, blending grand architecture with the warmth of a family home.
The surrounding landscape is equally impressive. Much of the parkland was shaped by the renowned landscape designer Lancelot “Capability” Brown, whose sweeping lawns, carefully positioned woodland and far-reaching views were designed to look effortlessly natural while subtly enhancing the beauty of the house.
Highclere Castle remains the home of the Carnarvon family and is still a private residence today. Rather than feeling like a museum, it retains the atmosphere of a much-loved home, with family portraits, treasured collections and personal touches throughout the rooms.
The estate gained worldwide fame when it became the principal filming location for Downton Abbey, appearing in both the television series and the feature films. Many of the castle’s most famous rooms, including the Entrance Hall, Drawing Room, Library and Dining Room, feature prominently throughout the series, allowing visitors to step into locations that feel instantly familiar.
Beyond Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle has another remarkable claim to fame. The 5th Earl of Carnarvon worked alongside archaeologist Howard Carter in the expedition that led to the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in Egypt in 1922. That extraordinary chapter of the family’s history is explored in the fascinating Egyptian Exhibition, giving visitors another compelling reason to explore beyond the castle itself.
Planning Your Visit to Highclere Castle
One thing I would recommend is booking your visit as early as possible, especially if you’re planning a special occasion or hoping to visit during the summer holidays.
I booked our tickets directly through the Highclere Castle website after spotting a local coach trip that had completely sold out. Knowing how much Mum loves Downton Abbey, I decided to organise our own visit instead, and I’m so glad I did.
Even though I booked several months in advance (around March/April), the earliest available date I could secure was mid-July. Highclere Castle isn’t open to visitors every day of the year, and tickets for the most popular dates disappear surprisingly quickly, so it’s well worth planning ahead.
For our visit, I chose the Castle, Gardens and Egyptian Exhibition ticket, which gave us access to the house itself, the surrounding gardens and the fascinating exhibition housed in the castle’s basement.
Arriving at Highclere Castle
We arrived just after midday following a slower journey than expected due to traffic around Oxford. Despite arriving at one of the busier times of day, the experience was incredibly well organised.
Parking couldn’t have been easier. Friendly parking attendants directed cars into a huge grass parking area close to the entrance, with plenty of additional space available for coaches too. It immediately felt like the estate was well prepared for large numbers of visitors without it ever feeling chaotic.
One tip that worked brilliantly for us was arriving around lunchtime. While many visitors headed towards the cafés and picnic areas, we found the queues to enter the castle moved quickly. We only waited around ten minutes before being welcomed inside, making it a surprisingly relaxed start to the day.
Before You Go Inside
If you’re carrying a backpack, be aware that it won’t be allowed inside the castle. We’d encountered the same rule during our visit to Blenheim Palace, so we came prepared, but it’s something worth knowing before you arrive.
I’d also recommend making use of the toilets in the courtyard before entering the house. Once you’re inside, you’ll naturally want to take your time exploring the rooms, and it can be quite a while before you return outside again.
Finally, wear comfortable shoes. Although the castle itself is easy enough to explore, you’ll almost certainly find yourself walking much further than you expect once you begin discovering the beautiful gardens and wider estate.
First Impressions: Seeing the Real Downton Abbey
As we made our way through the estate, both Mum and I found ourselves peering through the trees, eager for our first glimpse of the house we’d seen so many times on television.
When Highclere Castle finally came into view, our first reaction wasn’t quite what we’d expected.
“It’s much smaller than I imagined!”
We both laughed because we’d said exactly the same thing.
After years of watching Downton Abbey, we’d somehow built an image of an enormous palace dominating the landscape. From the front, however, Highclere Castle feels surprisingly modest in scale. It’s undeniably impressive, but far more elegant than overwhelming.
That first impression didn’t last for long.
Standing at the foot of the main entrance, we began to appreciate the incredible craftsmanship of Sir Charles Barry’s design. The warm honey-coloured stone, intricate carvings and symmetrical towers are beautiful up close, and as the afternoon sun gradually broke through the clouds, the entire façade seemed to glow against the rich green lawns.
It quickly became clear why Highclere Castle has become one of the most recognisable stately homes in the world.
More Than Just a Television Location
For many visitors, myself included, it’s impossible not to arrive with Downton Abbey in mind. You almost expect Lady Mary to appear at one of the upstairs windows or Carson to open the front door.
Yet one of the things that surprised me most was how quickly the house establishes its own identity.
Although it’s forever linked with the television series, Highclere doesn’t feel like a film set. It feels exactly what it is—a much-loved family home that has evolved over centuries. The portraits, furniture and personal touches remind you that generations of the Carnarvon family have lived here long before television cameras ever arrived.
That balance between television icon and historic home is one of Highclere Castle’s greatest strengths.
Don’t Rush Inside
It’s tempting to head straight through the front doors as soon as your entry time arrives, but I’d encourage you to pause for a moment first.
Take in the sweeping lawns stretching away from the house, admire the architecture from different angles and simply enjoy the anticipation. Once you step inside, photography is no longer permitted, so those few moments outside are the perfect opportunity to capture the castle bathed in natural light.
Looking back now, I’m glad we took our time. Some of my favourite photographs from the entire day were taken before we’d even crossed the threshold.
Inside Highclere Castle
Stepping through the front doors of Highclere Castle feels strangely familiar, even if you’ve never visited before.
If you’ve watched Downton Abbey, you’ll instantly recognise the magnificent entrance hall where so many memorable scenes unfolded. Seeing it in person is a completely different experience, though. Television simply can’t prepare you for the sheer height of the vaulted ceiling or the way light pours into the room, drawing your eyes upwards to the incredible stonework and intricate architectural details.
It was, without doubt, one of our favourite spaces in the entire house.
No Photography Allowed – And That’s Actually a Good Thing
I’ll admit that I was disappointed to discover that photography isn’t allowed inside the castle.
Like many bloggers, I love capturing beautiful interiors and there were countless views I’d have loved to photograph. However, it didn’t take long for my perspective to change.
Without a camera in my hands, I found myself slowing down and really looking at each room instead of thinking about the next photograph. Rather than viewing Highclere Castle through a screen, I noticed the craftsmanship, the colours, the artwork and the tiny details that make it feel like a lived-in family home rather than simply another tourist attraction.
In hindsight, I think it made the experience far more memorable.
The Rooms That Stayed With Us
The magnificent Double Library was one of the highlights of our visit. Elegant, peaceful and filled with thousands of books, it’s easy to understand why it became one of the most recognisable rooms in Downton Abbey. Standing there, it was impossible not to picture Lady Mary deep in conversation or Lord Grantham discussing estate matters.
The entrance hall left an equally lasting impression. Its soaring vaulted ceiling creates an incredible sense of space, yet it still feels warm and welcoming rather than intimidating.
Something else that genuinely surprised us was the size of the bedrooms.
Television never quite conveys just how spacious they are. Several occupy the corners of the castle, with generous en-suite bathrooms tucked away beyond the main sleeping area. One bedroom, in particular, featured a large alcove that perfectly framed the bed, leaving the rest of the room feeling almost like a private sitting room. It was such an elegant use of space and one of those little details we’ll both remember.
A Surprise for Downton Abbey Fans
One of the most interesting things we learned during our visit was that the servants’ quarters and kitchens featured in Downton Abbey weren’t actually filmed at Highclere Castle at all.
Because the original kitchens at Highclere had been modernised many years ago, those famous downstairs scenes were recreated at Ealing Studios instead.
It’s one of those fascinating behind-the-scenes facts that even devoted fans of the series may not already know, and it certainly surprised both Mum and me.
Looking Beyond the Television Series
While there are plenty of opportunities to recognise famous filming locations, I found myself becoming just as fascinated by the castle’s own history.
Old photographs displayed throughout the house revealed how Highclere has evolved over the years. We noticed images showing external window blinds that no longer exist today, and we spent time discussing architectural details that caught our attention, from the unusual wall coverings in the main hall to decorative stone features on the exterior that left us wondering about their original purpose.
Those quiet moments of curiosity became just as enjoyable as recognising scenes from Downton Abbey, reminding us that Highclere Castle has an extraordinary story of its own that stretches far beyond television.
Exploring the Gardens at Highclere Castle
As impressive as Highclere Castle is, don’t make the mistake of thinking the house is the whole experience.
In fact, by the time we’d finished exploring the gardens, I realised they had become one of my favourite parts of the day.
From the front of the castle, it’s difficult to appreciate just how extensive the estate really is. It isn’t until you begin following the winding pathways that the landscape gradually reveals itself, with every turn offering a completely different perspective of the house.
Earlier in the day, Mum and I had both commented that the castle looked smaller than we’d imagined. Ironically, it was only after walking through the grounds and looking back from various viewpoints that we truly appreciated its scale. Framed by mature trees and sweeping lawns, Highclere suddenly felt every bit as grand as we’d expected.
A Garden to Wander, Not Rush
One of the things I loved most was that there was no set route.
Instead, we found ourselves wandering wherever the paths took us, discovering hidden corners and stopping whenever a particular view caught our eye. It felt wonderfully relaxed and encouraged us to slow down rather than race from one attraction to the next.
During our visit we explored Jackdaw’s Castle, wandered through the beautifully kept Monk’s Garden, admired the colourful planting in the Secret Garden and spent time around the greenhouses before making our way up to The Airman.
Although we’d hoped to find the Etruscan Temple and Ice House, somehow we managed to miss them entirely. It’s perhaps a testament to just how much there is to explore that even after spending several hours on the estate, we still left feeling there was more to discover.
The Secret Garden
If I had to choose a favourite area, it would be the Secret Garden.
Although some of the flowers had passed their peak by the time we visited in July, there was still an abundance of colour and fragrance filling the air. The scent drifting through the borders made it a lovely place to pause for a while, and I found myself imagining how spectacular it must look earlier in the summer when everything is in full bloom.
It’s one of those spaces that invites you to linger rather than simply pass through.
The Beautiful Order of Monk’s Garden
In complete contrast, Monk’s Garden appealed to me for entirely different reasons.
Where the Secret Garden felt romantic and overflowing with colour, Monk’s Garden was beautifully structured and immaculately maintained. Every hedge, border and pathway seemed perfectly considered, creating a wonderfully peaceful place to wander.
The contrast between the two gardens meant each offered something completely different, and I wouldn’t have wanted to miss either.
The View from The Airman
Perhaps the most memorable moment of the afternoon came when we reached The Airman.
Looking back across the valley towards Highclere Castle, the view was breathtaking.
The castle stood proudly in the distance, surrounded by rolling parkland, while woodland stretched across the hills beyond. The mature trees looked almost as though they’d been painted onto the landscape, creating one of those scenes that photographs never quite manage to do justice.
Standing there, it was easy to forget how close we were to modern life. Apart from birdsong and the gentle breeze, everything felt wonderfully peaceful.
It was also from this viewpoint that the true scale of the estate became apparent. The long drive back out later that afternoon seemed to go on forever, reinforcing just how vast the grounds really are.
Don’t Skip the Gardens
If you’re visiting purely because you love Downton Abbey, it might be tempting to spend most of your time inside the house.
I’d encourage you not to.
For me, the gardens transformed what would already have been an enjoyable visit into a truly memorable day out. Whether you’re admiring the carefully designed planting, discovering hidden corners or simply finding a bench to soak up the views, they provide the perfect opportunity to slow down and appreciate the beauty of Highclere beyond its television fame.
Looking back, I think some of my favourite photographs from the entire day weren’t of the castle itself, but of the gardens that surround it.
The Egyptian Exhibition: An Unexpected Highlight
One part of our visit that genuinely surprised us was the Egyptian Exhibition, tucked away in the castle’s basement.
I’ll admit, I hadn’t realised quite how important Highclere Castle was to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in history. The 5th Earl of Carnarvon famously worked alongside Howard Carter in the search that led to the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, and the exhibition tells that remarkable story through photographs, information panels and fascinating artefacts.
Even if history isn’t usually your thing, it’s well worth taking the time to explore.
For me, it was particularly nostalgic. Before we had children, I was lucky enough to visit Luxor, the Valley of the Kings and Cairo, so seeing the exhibition brought back wonderful memories of standing amongst some of Egypt’s most extraordinary ancient sites.
It’s easy to think of Highclere Castle purely as the home of Downton Abbey, but the exhibition is a reminder that its real history is every bit as fascinating as its television fame.
A Helpful Tip
The Egyptian Exhibition is included with the Castle, Gardens and Egyptian Exhibition ticket, but if you’ve chosen not to visit it, don’t worry. The exhibition is located in the basement, and members of staff are on hand to guide visitors directly to the exit without needing to walk through it.
It’s another example of how well organised the visitor experience is throughout the estate.
Picnicking at Highclere Castle
Although Highclere Castle has cafés where you can stop for refreshments, Mum and I decided to bring our own picnic.
It’s something we’ve always enjoyed doing on days out, especially when the weather is kind, and it gave us the flexibility to eat whenever we felt ready rather than planning our day around lunch.
After exploring the castle and gardens, we returned to the car, spread out a picnic rug and enjoyed a relaxed lunch together before heading home. It was a lovely way to round off our visit and gave us time to chat about our favourite rooms, the beautiful gardens and, of course, all the Downton Abbey scenes we’d recognised throughout the day.
If you’re travelling on a budget or simply enjoy a picnic as much as we do, it’s certainly an option worth considering.
Don’t Miss the Gift Shop
Before leaving, we couldn’t resist a browse around the gift shop.
There was an impressive range of souvenirs, books, homeware, Christmas decorations and gifts, with prices to suit most budgets. One thing I particularly appreciated was that there were plenty of smaller keepsakes available alongside the more luxurious items, making it easy to find something meaningful without feeling pressured to spend a fortune.
Our family has a tradition of buying a Christmas tree decoration everywhere we travel, so I chose a beautiful Highclere Castle decoration to add to our tree this December. At just ÂŁ3.95, it felt like a lovely reminder of such a special day with Mum.
The shop itself was extremely warm when we visited, so we didn’t linger for too long, but it was well stocked and definitely worth a look before heading home.
Is Highclere Castle Suitable for Children?
As a family travel blog, this is always one of the questions I ask myself whenever we visit somewhere new.
The honest answer is yes – but it depends very much on your children’s ages and interests.
Our children have visited plenty of stately homes and castles over the years and, if I’m honest, they’ve never been their favourite type of day out. When they were younger, they often saw them simply as places full of “old stuff”. As they’ve grown older, they’ve become much more interested in the history, architecture and stories behind the places we visit, so I think they would appreciate Highclere Castle far more now than they would have done a few years ago.
Inside the Castle
The castle itself is best explored at a gentle pace, taking time to admire the rooms, artwork and fascinating history.
Because many of the furnishings and antiques are original and incredibly valuable, younger children will need close supervision throughout your visit. This probably isn’t somewhere I’d choose if I were entertaining energetic toddlers who love to run ahead and touch everything they see.
There are also several staircases, including carpeted stairs leading to the first floor and down to the basement for the Egyptian Exhibition. During our visit, I noticed a few visitors finding these quite challenging, so it’s something worth bearing in mind if anyone in your group has limited mobility.
The Gardens Are a Different Story
While the house naturally encourages a quieter pace, the gardens offer a completely different experience.
There are winding paths to follow, wide open lawns, colourful flowers, woodland views and plenty of places for children to explore. They’re ideal for letting little legs stretch after walking through the castle, and there are lots of benches where parents can stop for a rest while soaking up the scenery.
Even if younger visitors aren’t especially interested in Downton Abbey, I think many would still enjoy the outdoor spaces simply because they’re so beautiful and peaceful.
Our Verdict for Families
If your children enjoy history, period dramas, grand houses or beautiful gardens, Highclere Castle makes a wonderful family day out.
If they’re very young or looking for climbing frames, adventure playgrounds and hands-on activities, they may find somewhere like Blenheim Palace a better fit, thanks to its adventure play areas and more child-focused attractions.
For families with older children, teenagers or young adults, however, Highclere offers a fascinating glimpse into British history, architecture and one of television’s most iconic filming locations. It’s the sort of place that becomes more rewarding with age, and one that’s well worth visiting together.
10 Things That Surprised Us About Highclere Castle
Even though Mum has watched Downton Abbey countless times and we’d both done plenty of research before our visit, Highclere Castle still managed to surprise us in several ways.
Here are a few things we didn’t expect.
1. It Looks Smaller Than You Imagine
After seeing Highclere Castle on television for so many years, we both expected it to be absolutely enormous.
Our first reaction when it came into view was actually, “It’s much smaller than I imagined!”
It wasn’t until we’d explored the estate and looked back at the castle from various viewpoints that we truly appreciated its scale.
2. The Estate Is Vast
The castle may feel surprisingly intimate from the front, but the wider estate is anything but.
Even driving back towards the exit, we commented on just how long it seemed to take to leave the grounds. Highclere is far bigger than it first appears.
3. The Kitchens Aren’t Really Downton Abbey’s Kitchens
One of our biggest surprises was discovering that the famous servants’ quarters and kitchens weren’t filmed at Highclere Castle.
Because the original kitchens had been modernised, those scenes were recreated at Ealing Studios instead.
4. The Egyptian Connection Is Fascinating
Before visiting, I hadn’t appreciated just how closely Highclere Castle is linked to one of history’s greatest archaeological discoveries.
Learning about the 5th Earl of Carnarvon’s role in discovering Tutankhamun’s tomb added another fascinating layer to the visit.
5. The Bedrooms Are Huge
Television really doesn’t do justice to the size of some of the bedrooms.
Several are cleverly designed with alcoves, seating areas and spacious en-suite bathrooms that make them feel more like elegant private apartments than bedrooms.
6. Every View of the Castle Feels Different
Some of my favourite photographs weren’t taken from the front of the house at all.
As you wander through the gardens, every path reveals another beautiful angle, each one making you appreciate the architecture a little more.
7. The Afternoon Sunshine Completely Changed the Experience
We arrived beneath grey skies, wrapped in a chilly breeze.
By the afternoon, the sun had broken through and transformed the castle completely. The honey-coloured stone seemed to glow against the deep green lawns, making it look even more spectacular than we’d imagined.
8. There Are Little Details Everywhere
One of the things we enjoyed most was spotting the features that many visitors probably walk straight past.
We found ourselves discussing old photographs showing external window blinds that no longer exist, admiring what appeared to be leather-covered walls in the main hall and wondering about the mysterious circular stone features decorating the outside of the building.
Sometimes it’s those unanswered questions that make a historic house even more intriguing.
9. You Could Easily Spend Longer Than You Planned
We spent around three to four hours exploring Highclere Castle and its gardens, but we still left feeling there was more to discover.
We completely missed the Etruscan Temple and the Ice House, giving us the perfect excuse to return one day.
10. It’s Much More Than Downton Abbey
While the television series may be what first draws many visitors through the gates, it’s the castle’s own history, architecture and beautiful setting that stay with you long after you’ve gone home.
By the end of the day, Highclere Castle had become much more than simply “the house from Downton Abbey”. It had become one of the most memorable historic houses we’ve visited.
Our Top Tips for Visiting Highclere Castle
If you’re planning a visit to Highclere Castle, here are a few things we learned from our day that I hope will help you make the most of yours.
Book Much Earlier Than You Think
If you’re visiting for a birthday, anniversary or another special occasion, don’t leave it until the last minute.
I booked our tickets in March/April, and the earliest date available was already mid-July. As Highclere Castle only opens to visitors on selected dates throughout the year, tickets can disappear surprisingly quickly.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
This is definitely not a day for sandals that rub or smart shoes that aren’t designed for walking.
The house itself is easy enough to explore, but once you start wandering through the gardens and grounds, you’ll soon realise you’re covering much more distance than you expected.
Arriving Around Lunchtime Worked Well for Us
Although it might seem logical to book an early morning slot, arriving just after midday turned out to be a pleasant surprise.
Many visitors appeared to be stopping for lunch when we arrived, meaning the queue to enter the castle moved quickly. We waited around ten minutes before going inside, and it never felt overcrowded during our visit.
Visit the Courtyard Toilets First
This is such a small thing, but it saved us time later.
The toilets are located in the courtyard behind the castle, and I’d recommend using them before you begin exploring the house. Once you’re inside, it’s easy to lose track of time as you move from room to room.
Leave Your Backpack in the Car
Large backpacks aren’t permitted inside the castle, so it’s worth travelling light if you can.
We already knew this from visiting other historic houses, but it’s something that could catch first-time visitors out.
Don’t Rush Through the Gardens
It would be easy to spend most of your time inside the castle, especially if you’re a huge Downton Abbey fan.
For us, though, the gardens became one of the highlights of the entire visit. Make time to wander without watching the clock, stop at the viewpoints and enjoy seeing the castle from completely different angles.
Take Time to Browse the Gift Shop
Whether you’re looking for a small keepsake or something more substantial, the gift shop has a fantastic selection.
Our £3.95 Christmas decoration will always remind us of this special day together, and I love that each decoration on our family tree tells the story of somewhere we’ve explored.
Sometimes it’s those little traditions that make a day out even more memorable.
Final Thoughts: Is Highclere Castle Worth Visiting?
Without question, yes.
Highclere Castle exceeded our expectations—not because it was bigger, grander or more extravagant than we’d imagined, but because it offered something much more meaningful.
Of course, seeing the real Downton Abbey was incredibly special. Walking through rooms we’d watched on television for years, standing beneath the magnificent vaulted ceiling and exploring the elegant Double Library felt almost surreal.
But what stayed with me long after we left wasn’t just the filming locations.
It was the peaceful gardens filled with summer fragrance, the fascinating connection to Ancient Egypt, the changing light as the afternoon sunshine transformed the castle’s honey-coloured stone, and the simple pleasure of spending an unhurried day exploring somewhere so beautiful with my mum.
Buying this visit as Mum’s birthday present turned out to be one of the best gifts I could have chosen. We laughed about how much smaller the castle looked than we’d expected, marvelled at the incredible craftsmanship inside, and spent hours chatting about everything we’d discovered as we wandered through the gardens.
If you’re a Downton Abbey fan, visiting Highclere Castle is an experience you’ll treasure. Even if you’ve never watched the series, the castle’s history, architecture and beautifully landscaped grounds make it one of England’s most rewarding historic houses to explore.
And who knows? Like us, you may already be planning a return visit before you’ve even reached the end of the drive.
Would we visit again?
Absolutely. We left feeling there was still more to explore, having somehow missed the Etruscan Temple and the Ice House. We’d happily return in another season to see the gardens looking completely different and to spend even longer exploring the estate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Highclere Castle
Is Highclere Castle really the house used in Downton Abbey?
Yes. Highclere Castle is the real-life filming location for the exterior and many of the principal rooms featured throughout the Downton Abbey television series and films. Walking through the Entrance Hall and Double Library feels instantly familiar to fans of the show.
Can you go inside Highclere Castle?
Yes, but only on selected open days and with a pre-booked ticket. Visitors can explore many of the state rooms featured in Downton Abbey, as well as the Egyptian Exhibition if it’s included in their ticket.
Do you need to book Highclere Castle in advance?
Absolutely. I booked our tickets several months ahead and even then the earliest available date was mid-July. If you’re planning to visit during school holidays or for a special occasion, I’d recommend booking as early as possible.
How long should you allow for a visit?
We spent around three to four hours exploring the castle and gardens, but we could easily have stayed longer. I’d recommend allowing at least four to five hours if you want to enjoy the gardens without feeling rushed.
Can you take photographs inside Highclere Castle?
No. Photography isn’t permitted inside the castle or the Egyptian Exhibition. However, you’re free to take photographs throughout the gardens and around the exterior of the house.
Is Highclere Castle suitable for children?
Yes, although I’d say it’s best suited to older children and teenagers who enjoy history, architecture or Downton Abbey. Younger children will probably get much more enjoyment from exploring the gardens than the castle interiors.
Is there free parking at Highclere Castle?
Yes. Parking was well organised during our visit, with attendants directing visitors into a large grass parking area close to the entrance.
Is the Egyptian Exhibition worth visiting?
Definitely. Even if you’re not particularly interested in Ancient Egypt, it’s fascinating to learn about the 5th Earl of Carnarvon’s role in discovering Tutankhamun’s tomb. I found it added a completely different dimension to the visit.
Can you take a picnic?
Yes. We brought our own picnic and enjoyed it after our visit, although there are cafés on site if you’d prefer to buy food and drinks.
What should I wear to Highclere Castle?
Comfortable footwear is essential. You’ll walk much further than you expect once you start exploring the gardens and grounds, so sensible shoes will make your visit much more enjoyable.
Is Highclere Castle accessible?
Many of the outdoor areas are accessible, but visitors should be aware that the castle includes staircases and some uneven pathways in the gardens. If accessibility is important for your visit, it’s worth checking the latest guidance on the official Highclere Castle website before booking.
Editor’s Note
This review is based on our own visit to Highclere Castle in July 2026. Opening dates, ticket prices and visitor information may change over time, so I always recommend checking the official Highclere Castle website before planning your trip.