Highclere Castle

Introduction

Highclere Castle, a magnificent stately home in Hampshire, England, has been the seat of the Carnarvon family since 1679. This Grade I listed country house stands on approximately 5,000 acres of land and boasts more than 200 rooms. The castle's history dates back to Anglo-Saxon times, with the first written records of the estate from 749 when it was granted to the Bishops of Winchester. After being confiscated from the church during the Protestant Reformation in 1551, the property passed through several owners before a manor house was built in the early 17th century. The most significant transformation came in 1838 when the 3rd Earl of Carnarvon commissioned architect Charles Barry to remodel the house in the Jacobethan style. Today, Highclere Castle is perhaps best known as the filming location for the popular television series 'Downton Abbey'. Visitors can explore the castle, its Egyptian exhibition (featuring antiquities from the 5th Earl's collection, who famously sponsored the expedition that discovered Tutankhamun's tomb), and the beautiful gardens designed by Capability Brown in the 18th century.

Interesting Facts about Highclere Castle

• Highclere Castle is a Grade I listed country house located in Hampshire, England, and is owned by the Earls of Carnarvon.
• The castle gained international fame as the primary filming location for the television series Downton Abbey.
• Designed by Sir Charles Barry, who also designed the Houses of Parliament, Highclere was remodelled in the Elizabethan style in the mid-19th century.
• The estate's grounds were landscaped by Lancelot "Capability" Brown, featuring Lebanon Cedars and remnants of a medieval village church.
• During World War I, Lady Almina Carnarvon transformed Highclere into a military hospital for wounded soldiers.
• Highclere Castle houses an Egyptian Exhibition showcasing artefacts from the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb, sponsored by the 5th Earl of Carnarvon.
• The castle has over 200 rooms and is surrounded by approximately 5,000 acres of parkland.
• Highclere Castle was first recorded in 749 when it was granted to the Bishops of Winchester and remained under their control for around 800 years.
• During World War II, Highclere served as a home for evacuee children and housed parts of downed Allied aircraft.
• A maple tree planted on the grounds commemorates the Fourth Earl’s role in drafting Canada’s British North America Act of 1867.

History

Highclere Castle's history dates back to 749 CE when the estate was granted to the Bishops of Winchester. For nearly 800 years, the bishops managed the land and constructed a medieval palace on the site. During the Protestant Reformation in 1551, King Edward VI confiscated the property, which passed through several owners before being purchased in 1679 by Sir Robert Sawyer, Attorney General to Charles II. His descendants transformed the estate over the centuries, with significant contributions from Henry Herbert, who became the 1st Earl of Carnarvon in 1793. The grounds were redesigned by famed landscape architect Capability Brown, and later, in the mid-19th century, Sir Charles Barry remodelled the manor into its iconic Jacobethan style.

The castle's opulent design reflects its Victorian-era transformation under the 3rd Earl of Carnarvon. Barry’s renovations included intricate Italianate motifs and luxurious interiors such as Spanish leather wall coverings in the Saloon and Italian embroideries in the Music Room. Beyond its architectural grandeur, Highclere Castle played a role in history as a military hospital during World War I under Lady Almina Herbert's management. It is also famously connected to Lord Carnarvon’s sponsorship of Howard Carter’s discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922. Today, visitors can explore an exhibition showcasing Egyptian artefacts collected by the 5th Earl.

Highclere Castle gained global recognition as the filming location for Downton Abbey, with its grand interiors and landscaped gardens serving as a perfect backdrop for the series. The estate now welcomes visitors to tour its state rooms, gardens, and Egyptian Exhibition while offering themed events throughout the year. Its enduring charm lies not only in its historical significance but also in its ability to bridge past and present as both a family home and a cultural landmark.

Description

Highclere Castle, the magnificent country house nestled in the heart of Hampshire, offers visitors a splendid journey through architectural grandeur and horticultural beauty. This stunning estate, renowned as the filming location for the beloved television series Downton Abbey, boasts an array of captivating sights both inside and out that will transport you to a bygone era of British aristocratic splendour.

The Castle Exterior

As you approach Highclere along the winding driveway, the castle gradually reveals itself in all its glory. The imposing Gothic Revival façade, masterfully designed by Sir Charles Barry (who also designed the Houses of Parliament), creates an unforgettable first impression. The castle's honey-coloured Bath stone exterior features intricate carvings, ornate pinnacles, and crenellations, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of 19th-century stonemasons.

The central tower, which dominates the skyline, adds to the castle's fairy-tale allure, while the symmetrical wings extend gracefully to either side. The main entrance, with its grand portico and ornamental stonework, beckons visitors inside. Take a moment to appreciate the castle from different angles as you approach—each perspective offers a new appreciation of its architectural harmony and imposing presence against the backdrop of the Hampshire countryside.

The Castle Interior

The Entrance Hall and Saloon

Upon entering Highclere, you're immediately greeted by the impressive Entrance Hall with its Gothic arches and intricate woodwork. This leads to the spectacular Saloon, the true heart of the house. This double-height space features an ornate coffered ceiling adorned with elaborate heraldic devices and family crests. The walls are lined with rich oak panelling, complemented by sumptuous red silk wall coverings that create an atmosphere of warmth and grandeur.

The State Rooms

The Drawing Room, with its exquisite Rococo ceiling and silk-covered walls in a delicate shade of green, houses an impressive collection of paintings and fine furniture. The Music Room, adorned with 16th-century Italian embroideries, features a magnificent grand piano and offers views across the lawns to the south.

The Smoking Room, with its dark wood panelling and leather furnishings, evokes the masculine atmosphere of Victorian gentlemen's retreats. The Morning Room, decorated in soft blues and creams, provides a more intimate setting with delightful views of the gardens.

The Library

The library is perhaps one of the most recognisable rooms in the castle. Lined with over 5,650 books, some dating back to the 16th century, this magnificent room features mahogany bookcases reaching from floor to ceiling. The room's leather-topped desks, comfortable seating, and ornate fireplace create an atmosphere of scholarly elegance. The crimson and gold colour scheme adds warmth to this impressive space, which has served as both a family retreat and a centre of estate management for generations.

The Dining Room

The formal Dining Room exemplifies Victorian opulence with its mahogany table that can seat up to 24 guests. The walls are adorned with family portraits in gilt frames, while the ceiling features intricate plasterwork. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the polished silver and fine china that grace the table, offering a glimpse into the formal dining traditions of the British aristocracy.

The Grand Staircase

The castle's main staircase is a masterpiece of design, with its sweeping curves and ornate balustrades. Family portraits line the walls, chronicling the lineage of the Earls of Carnarvon through the centuries. The stained-glass windows on the landing cast colourful patterns across the stairs, creating an ever-changing play of light throughout the day.

The Gardens and Grounds

The Formal Gardens

Stepping outside, you'll find yourself immersed in an arcadian landscape initially designed by the renowned Capability Brown in 1771 and later refined by various landscape architects. The formal gardens surrounding the castle feature meticulously manicured lawns, geometric flower beds, and perfectly clipped topiary.

The Monk's Garden, an original feature of the estate, offers a tranquil retreat with its medieval-inspired design. Enclosed by yew hedges, this secluded garden features a central fountain surrounded by herbaceous borders filled with traditional English cottage garden plants, including lavender, roses, and delphiniums.

The Secret Garden, hidden behind high stone walls, reveals itself only to those who seek it out. This enchanting space features a central sundial surrounded by a riot of colourful blooms, creating a sense of discovery and delight.

The White Border presents a stunning display of monochromatic blooms, including white roses, peonies, foxgloves, and clematis. This elegant garden feature is particularly magical in the evening light, when the white flowers seem to glow against the darkening landscape.

The Parkland

Beyond the formal gardens lies the expansive parkland, a Grade I listed site and a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. The rolling landscape, with its carefully positioned clumps of trees and sweeping vistas, exemplifies the English landscape garden tradition.

The estate is home to an impressive collection of cedar trees, some of which were first imported to Britain in the 18th century. These majestic specimens, with their distinctive horizontal branches and blue-green needles, provide a striking backdrop to the castle and contribute to the estate's timeless charm.

The Wood of Goodwill, planted to commemorate the millennium, offers a peaceful woodland area perfect for contemplation. As you wander along the dappled paths, you'll encounter native British tree species including oak, beech, and silver birch.

The Wild Flower Meadow, a more recent addition to the estate, showcases the beauty of native British flora. In spring and summer, this area bursts into life with cornflowers, poppies, ox-eye daisies, and buttercups, creating a haven for pollinators and nature enthusiasts alike.

The Rose Arbour and Walled Garden

The Rose Arbour, with its wooden pergolas covered in climbing roses, creates a romantic walkway fragrant with the scent of old English roses. Varieties such as 'Gertrude Jekyll', 'Graham Thomas', and 'Constance Spry' provide a spectacular display from June through September.

The Walled Kitchen Garden, though not always open to visitors, is worth seeking out if possible. This productive space supplies the castle with fresh fruit, vegetables, and cut flowers. Espaliered fruit trees line the sun-warmed brick walls, while neat rows of vegetables and herbs demonstrate traditional British kitchen garden techniques.

Follies and Viewpoints

Dotted throughout the grounds are six remaining 18th-century follies, each offering unique vistas of the surrounding landscape. These architectural curiosities not only add interest to the landscape but also offer visitors the opportunity to experience the grounds from various vantage points.

The Temple of Diana, overlooking the lake, provides a picturesque spot for reflection. This classical structure, with its Doric columns and domed roof, frames views of the water and creates perfect photo opportunities.

Heaven's Gate, standing at 60 feet tall on Sidown Hill, offers panoramic views of the estate and beyond to the rolling Hampshire countryside. On clear days, you can see as far as the distant hills of Berkshire.

Jackdaw's Castle, located on the East lawns, frames a charming view of the main house. This folly, with its classical columns and stone benches, provides a perfect resting spot during your exploration of the grounds.

The Etruscan Temple, a delightful place to sit and admire the trees on Siddown Hill, showcases the 18th-century fascination with classical antiquity. Its elegant proportions and simple design create a harmonious addition to the landscape.

The Arboretum and Woodland Walks

The estate's arboretum houses an impressive collection of specimen trees from around the world. Copper beeches, Japanese maples, and giant sequoias create a tapestry of textures and colours that change with the seasons.

Several marked woodland walks allow visitors to explore the more natural areas of the estate. The Beech Walk is particularly spectacular in autumn, when the leaves turn golden and create a cathedral-like canopy overhead. The Lime Avenue, planted in the early 19th century, creates a dramatic approach to the castle from the south.

Seasonal Highlights

Highclere's gardens offer different delights throughout the year. In spring, drifts of daffodils and narcissi carpet the lawns, while cherry and apple blossoms create clouds of pink and white. Summer brings the rose garden to its peak, with intoxicating scents and a riot of colour.

Autumn transforms the parkland into a tapestry of gold, russet, and bronze as the ancient trees prepare for winter. The berries on the holly and yew trees provide splashes of colour during the winter months, while the structural elements of the garden—the topiary, stone balustrades, and statuary—come into their own when stripped of summer's abundance.

As you wander through Highclere's grounds, you'll be transported back in time, experiencing the same vistas and natural beauty that have captivated visitors for centuries. The meticulously maintained gardens, with their perfectly clipped topiaries and trellised roses, evoke the timeless elegance of the Edwardian era. Whether you're a garden enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply seeking a taste of aristocratic splendour, Highclere Castle promises an unforgettable sightseeing experience that captures the essence of Britain's grand country house tradition.

Getting There

Highclere Castle is located west of London, near Newbury in Hampshire, with the postcode RG20 9RN. When approaching the castle, it's best to follow the brown tourist signs from the A34 rather than relying on satellite navigation, which may direct you to the wrong entrance. If you must use sat nav, enter postcode RG20 9LE and then follow the brown signs to the main entrance. For those travelling by train, there is a good service from London Paddington to Newbury, with the journey from the station to the castle taking approximately 15 minutes by taxi. Alternatively, you can travel from London Waterloo to either Andover (about 20 minutes from the castle) or Whitchurch in Hampshire (approximately 10 minutes away). Do note that for your return journey, you'll need to book a taxi in advance as there are no taxis waiting at the castle. Before travelling, it's advisable to call the 24-hour information line on 01635 253204 to confirm opening times, as the castle operates on a seasonal basis, typically opening during spring and summer months with limited availability.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Highclere Castle, the magnificent estate famously featured in Downton Abbey, is during its limited public opening periods in spring and summer. For 2025, the castle welcomes visitors from 12th to 16th April, 19th to 24th April, 2nd to 6th May, and 25th to 29th May during spring, followed by a longer summer opening from 6th July to 28th August (though closed on Fridays and Saturdays). Summer offers the opportunity to fully appreciate the spectacular 5,000-acre grounds with their themed gardens in full bloom, including the rose arbour and wildflower meadow designed by Capability Brown. Christmas events also provide a magical experience with festive decorations reminiscent of the Downton Abbey holiday episodes. Regardless of when you visit, it's essential to book tickets well in advance—ideally several months beforehand—as they sell out quickly due to the castle's limited opening schedule and popularity amongst Downton Abbey enthusiasts.