Planning Your Visit
Getting to Highclere Castle
Highclere Castle lies to the west of London, not far from the M4 and Newbury. Oxford and Birmingham are to the north, Winchester and Southampton to the south.
By car, or by train and taxi
Please do not use a sat nav but simply follow the brown signs from the A34
We have a one way traffic system for cars when we are open, approaching from the brown tourist signs off the A34 and leaving the Castle past a beautiful folly and along a drive from where the A34 or the A343 is signposted for you.
Please click here for a Google map to get directions.
Coming by train, there is a good service from London, Paddington, to Newbury, (taxis are usually to be found at Newbury Station to reach Highclere Castle). For details of railway timetables to Newbury Railway Station, please follow this link.
Or from London, Waterloo, to Whitchurch (Hampshire) where taxis usually need to be pre-booked.
National Express Coaches also leave London Victoria for Newbury on a regular basis.
Babies and Toddlers
Pushchairs are not permitted in the Castle, but can be left in the front hall, space permitting (at your own risk).
Dogs
Dogs are not permitted in the Castle and Gardens with the exception of guide dogs. They are welcome on the public footpath which runs through the Park but please do ensure they are kept on a lead at all times.
Photographic Policy
Photography is not permitted within the Castle but it is allowed outside for personal use only.
Disabled Access
Highclere Castle is a historic building but disabled access is possible for most areas. There is no lift, however, so we provide photographic albums to look at some of the bedrooms on the first floor. Wheelchairs are welcome around the Castle and then in the Egyptian Exhibition (access to that is via the Courtyard at the back of the Castle). It is not possible to bring motorised wheelchairs into the Castle but they are welcome on the paths around the lawns. A limited number of manual wheelchairs are available for use by disabled members of the public within the Castle.
Castle Gardens and Grounds
The Gardens and Grounds are open to the visiting public from 10:00am during public opening times. Whilst there are some gravel paths around the lawns and through some of the Gardens, the Woodland Walks are rougher grass paths as are the paths through the Flower Meadow in the summer.
Gift Shop and Tea Rooms
The Tearooms are open from 10:00am to 5:00pm during public opening times for morning coffee and afternoon teas made in the Castle kitchens. (Please note that the Castle Doors open to the visiting public from 10:30am). The Tea Rooms are also open for light lunches from 12noon until 2pm.
The Castle Gift Shop opens from 10.30am to 5:00pm and offers an interesting selection of gifts and souvenirs.
HHA Members
Highclere Castle is pleased to be associated with the HHA and welcomes HHA members into the Castle free of charge. HHA members do not need to pre-book their tickets. However, whilst we do our best to accommodate all visitors we cannot guarantee HHA members admission at a specific time. We strongly advise that to avoid queuing HHA members arrive after 2pm. Members of the HHA who wish to visit the Egyptian Exhibition, must purchase a separate ticket available from Visitor Reception at the Castle Main Gate or at the Castle Front Door. Please ensure to bring your HHA membership card with you when you visit.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in the Castle, Tea Rooms, Marquees or Gift Shop at any time.
Site plan
Please click on this link to view a map of our grounds
This information is correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
Please call our 24-hour telephone information line on 01635 253204 to confirm before travelling.
Highclere Castle, Newbury RG20 9RN
Tel: 01635 253210 Fax: 01635 255315
E-mail: theoffice@highclerecastle.co.uk
Highclere Castle is a trading name of Highclere Enterprises LLP, The Estate Office, Highclere Park, Newbury RG20 9RN
