Visiting Us
Please note that the Castle, Egyptian Exhibition and Grounds are closed to the general public during May and June, except for the Spring Bank Holiday weekend: Sunday, 26th May, Monday, 27th May and Tuesday, 28th May. The Castle, Egyptian Exhibition and Grounds then re-open to the general public on Sunday, 14th July and are open from Sunday to Thursday each week until Thursday, 12th September.
Visit Highclere and discover an inspiring Castle set amidst Lawns and Gardens of tranquillity and beauty.
It has been home to the Carnarvon Family since 1679 and the present Earl and Countess still live here. A soaring building of architectual confidence, it was designed by the pre-eminent Victorian architect Sir Charles Barry, and is filled with stunning paintings, tapestries and furniture.
The House and Grounds are generally open to the public during the Easter and Summer holidays as well as the Bank holidays and at some other times of year for special events. However please check our opening times in detail to confirm when you wish to come to visit us and follow this link.
Visitors follow a route through the Castle though rooms with guides in each State room happy to share anecdotes and information. Visitors can then go up the Red Stairs to view some of the Bedrooms and the Gallery before walking down the Oak staircase to the Saloon in the heart of the Castle.
Visitors are welcome to explore the Egyptian Exhibition in the Castle cellars, to enjoy the Gardens and Woodland walks or to find the tearooms for some cappuccinos, or cream teas or hot food at lunchtime. The Highclere Castle Gift shop also lies in the courtyard behind the Castle near the tearooms.
We have now sold out of pre-bookable tickets for our 2013 Summer Season. There are, however, some walk-up tickets available each day, subject to capacity in the Castle. We suggest that the best time to arrive for these walk-up tickets is from 2pm onwards. Please keep an eye on our Special Events page for additional upcoming events.
