Highclere Castle

Highclere Castle tours are a popular day trip from London. You can go as part of a group tour of the castle by bus, in a small-group tour by minivan, or on a private guided tour by luxury vehicle or even black cab. Afternoon tea is offered in the castle's tea rooms in the coach house, though you must book in advance. 

Some full-day tours from London incorporate stops at other filming locations of the TV series Downton Abbey, such as the charming Cotswolds village of Bampton, which is used to portray Downton in the show. Other tours include non-Downton destinations such as Oxford, home to the esteemed university.

• Day trips from London typically last between 8 and 11 hours.

• Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothes.

• Most organized tours include guided visits around the house.

• Most areas of the castle—namely the ground floor and the Egyptian Exhibition—are accessible to wheelchair users.

Trains from London Paddington station depart approximately every hour and bring passengers to Newbury station, situated about 5 miles (8 kilometers) north of the castle. From Newbury, it's a 15-minute taxi ride to Highclere Castle. Newbury-bound National Express buses depart from London Victoria.

Highclere Castle is open to the public for about 65 days a year: for two weeks around Easter, during the two May bank holiday weekends, and from early July to early September. Entry is ticketed, with morning and afternoon time slots available. Tickets sell out quickly so be sure to book well in advance. Walk-up tickets are also sold at Highclere; arrive early to ensure you get one.

Highclere Castle hosts various seasonal events throughout the year including special castle tours, concerts, and parties. During the holiday season, the estate is the setting for festive fairs and carol services. In summer, the castle's events program includes garden parties, during which guests don period dress and enjoy picnics and Pimm's on the grounds.

Plan an hour to tour Downton Abbey’s Highclere Castle and another hour to browse the Egyptian Exhibition and gardens. If you spend a half-day, your visit will feel less rushed and allow time for café dining or afternoon tea (adults only) and relaxing on the grounds.

Tours start with the state rooms of the castle, where many scenes from Downton Abbey were filmed. After exploring “upstairs,” the tours lead down the stairs to the Egyptian Exhibition. The tours include access to the gardens and grounds, where highlights like the rose arbor awaits.

No, the grounds are not free. You must buy Highclere Castle tickets to enter the building, gardens, and grounds. However, you can view the castle from a distance via the public footpaths that cut through the wider Highclere estate. The Highclere Park and Beacon Hill public walks offer stately views.

Booking ahead is recommended. While you don’t have to book to visit, Highclere Castle has limited public opening dates; and it’s quite popular, given its Downton Abbey fame. In summer, entry can’t be guaranteed without a prebooked admission ticket. For tours and special events, tickets must be bought in advance.

Highclere Castle is a private estate with limited public open dates, usually between July and early September. There are special events such as Christmas tours with Champagne and canapés and film set tours that take place in the fall. Advance booking is essential.

No, the castle is a private family home so photography is not allowed inside or in the Egyptian Exhibition. You can take outdoor snaps—as long as they are for personal use only—drones are not permitted anywhere on the Highclere estate.