We are delighted to offer a variety of tours throughout the year. There are two periods of general admission; Easter Holidays, and Summer Holidays. During the other seasons of the year, we offer differently themed guided tours. Each autumn we create a history weekend festival whilst Christmas at Highclere has become a much-loved time to visit. When you go to the ticket page, the boxes are arranged in calendar order and we hope you find a tour that suits you. Furthermore, we are delighted to offer private tours, private receptions, small weddings, conservation tours and private garden tours.
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JUNE 2024
“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea" — Henry James. Join us for Guided Castle tours and afternoon tea as our guests at a beautiful Garden Party..
JULY AND AUGUST (SUNDAY TO THURSDAY)
Look forward to exploring the Castle and Gardens this summer. From Sunday July 7th to Thursday September 5th we hope the sun will be shining. Please do pre-book a day and time to suit you. There are three cafes serving a selection of hot and cold food. Do have a look at the picnic afternoon tea boxes (pre book your choice of menu) and enjoy them at a table on the lawns or some quiet spot in the Secret Garden, as well as Luis's famous cocktail bar.
SATURDAY 27TH APRIL 2024
We have sadly had to make the decision to postpone our Easter Trail due to the ongoing wet weather. This event will now be taking place on Saturday 27th April, and we hope you will join us for a lovely family day out!
SATURDAY 5TH & SUNDAY 6TH OCTOBER 2024
Please join us at Highclere Castle to explore life at the Castle between 1939 and 1945. Activities include; Castle Tours, Egyptian Exhibition, Specialist ‘Pop-Up’ Talks, Live Vintage Music, Vintage Cars, Swing Dancing, Living History Reenactors, Croquet and Badminton on the Castle Lawns, Vintage Costume Display, Children’s Storytelling and Activities Come along to listen to a variety of speakers, learn to dance swing, sing along to the 1940s singers and tap your toes to the music. There will be vintage car displays, lawn games and a 'History of Flight' tent detailing the planes and crew which crashed at Highclere. The Castle will be open for you to tour and explore at your leisure, should you wish, as well as enjoying reenactments from the Second World War on the Castle lawns, including activities for children.
SATURDAY 3RD OF AUGUST
A summer spectacular with live music, Spitfire display, mounted cavalry, The Red Devils Army Parachute Team, 200 live cannons and breath-taking fireworks! Pack a picnic, chill the fizz and join us for the 23rd annual Battle Proms Concert. Enjoy an uplifting programme of well-known classics from The New English Concert Orchestra plus iconic modern pieces including The Downton Abbey Theme, then of course the traditional ‘last night of the proms’ favourites with dazzling fireworks!
NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2024
"I'm dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones I used to know. Where the treetops glisten, and children listen to hear sleigh bells in the snow." Although Highclere cannot promise snow, we look forward to welcoming guests for a variety of tours, teas, carols, and book talks this festive season. We are working on yet another exciting new theme for our guests this Christmas, and very much hope you will join us to marvel at the beautiful decorations. I am also delighted to welcome Friends of Highclere for guided Castle Tours and Afternoon Tea with Father Christmas and myself on Saturday 14th December! "May you never be too grown up to search the skies on Christmas Eve."
SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2024
Highclere Castle and Downton Abbey have become merged into one much loved family home, which is, in fact, in Hampshire rather than Yorkshire as in the fictional drama. There is no better way to spend a morning or afternoon than here, enjoying a guided tour led by our team who have exceptional knowledge of the building, works of art and furniture as well as plenty of anecdotes from behind the scenes to share with you. Walk down the Great Oak Staircase step into the Dining Room... and do explore the gardens: in autumn Highclere such a spectacular backdrop and is indeed a world apart.
JUNE - JULY 2024
The Earl and Countess of Carnarvon are opening their home this year on selected dates through June and into early July. We are also delighted to announce that we will be hosting a Summer Garden Party for our Friends of Highclere on Saturday 15th of June.
APRIL 2024
From the Real Downtown Abbey to the discovery of Tutankhamun. Join us for a guided tour of Highclere Castle, familiar to those who love Downton Abbey with the opportunity to explore the Egyptian Exhibition in the Castle cellars.
This month’s podcast is all about decorating a castle. Where do you start, it’s a fascinating look inside the challenges a castle presents.
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