Heritage Britain

Places to Visit in Newbury, Berkshire

Highclere Castle, Newbury

Highclere Castle

Highclere Castle
Highclere,
Newbury
Berkshire
RG20 9RN
Tel: +44(0)1635 253210

Email: click here
Highclere Castle online: information and bookings

HIGHCLERE CASTLE, is the home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon. It is recognised around the world as the fictional home of the Grantham family in Downton Abbey. Originally owned by the Bishops of Winchester for 800 years, it has been transformed from Medieval palace to Tudor house, Georgian house and finally a Victorian castle.

In 1842 the 3rd Earl of Carnarvon, commissioned Sir Charles Barry, the architect of the Houses of parliament, to transform the Georgian house into the Italianate Castle familiar today. The interiors of the house and works of art reflect the family’s interest in collecting all that is best over the centuries.

EGYPTIAN EXHIBITION
The 5th Earl of Carnarvon and Howard Carter spent 16 years excavating in and around the Valley of the Kings. In 1922 they discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun; the only royal tomb of a Pharaoh ever found intact. The Castle cellars have been redeveloped; firstly, to display the family’s collection of Egyptian artefacts and secondly to take visitors on a ‘journey of discovery’ with views into the antechamber and over 60 incredible replicas of objects found in the tomb

PARK AND GARDENS: The magnificent parkland with its massive cedars was laid out by ‘Capability’ Brown. The gardens include the Monks’ Garden, the Secret Garden, the Wood of Goodwill, a wild flower meadow and rose arbour amongst the winding walks.

Highclere Castle, Newbury

Facilities
Historic House, Gardens, Tea Room, Film Locations, Highclere Castle, 65 miles west of London. The Castle has also been the location for the films; Eyes Wide Shut, Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, Tarzan and the Jeeves and Wooster series. The Cafés, Tea Rooms and Gift Shop are open when the Castle is open.

Please read the website carefully for opening dates as admission is by pre-booked tickets only. There are various guided tours every week throughout the year as well as general admission over Easter and in July and August.

PRIVATE EVENTS
From time to time, Highclere is delighted to offer private events from receptions to small dinners, vow renewals or bespoke weddings.

LOCATION
Highclere is 65 miles West of London. There are many local pubs and hotels at which to stay in order to explore the surrounding area for example Winchester, Oxford or Stonehenge.

Best local Pubs/Inns
Places to stay nearby https://www.highclerecastle.co.uk/where-stay

In case of alteration, please check prices, opening times and any specific important information before booking or visiting

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