Please Click here to browse the various admission tickets.
Highclere offers different tours throughout the year, which reflect the seasons, the history and of course Downton Abbey. Most of our tours require you to pre-book, so do check before travelling!
If you have booked tickets and would like to reserve a manual wheelchair, please email [email protected]. Pushchairs for babies and toddlers are most useful for the gardens and may be left at the Entrance Hall whilst you tour the Castle at which point, we would ask you to carry or hold fast to small childrens' hands!
Once again this year, we kindly ask that dogs are not brought onto the Castle grounds, with the exception of guide dogs. Picnics are not permitted within the gardens; however, you are welcome to return to your car should you wish to enjoy one there. We ask that all litter be taken home to help us preserve the beauty of the estate.
Please note that while backpacks are not prohibited in the Castle grounds, they may be left at Visitors Reception if you prefer.
Most importantly, we hope you have a truly wonderful visit with us!
Pushchairs are very useful and welcome around the Castle grounds and lawns, although they are not permitted inside of the Castle. You are welcome to leave it in the front hall of the Castle, space permitting (at your own risk).
On any tour, children under 4 are free of charge and do not require a ticket for entry.
Photography and videography are welcomed on the Castle grounds and lawns for personal use only.
However, any photography or videography is not permitted inside the Castle. Drones are strictly prohibited from the Castle, gardens, grounds, and wider estate.
Dogs are welcome on the public footpaths which run through part of the estate. Please do kindly ensure they always remain on leads due to our grazing livestock.
Dogs are not permitted in the Castle, exhibition or gardens with the exception of Guide Dogs. We respectfully ask you to let us know if you wish to bring a Guide Dog on site in advance and to bring the correct livery and any corresponding paperwork.
Please find a helpful link to find out more detailed access information: Access Guide.
Highclere Castle is of course a historic and listed building built in another era, but the main State Rooms & Exhibition are accessible for manual wheelchairs. Given the steep and long staircases, the upstairs gallery and bedrooms are only accessible for those able to walk at reasonable speed unaided, for their own safety.
We do however provide photographic albums of the bedrooms which are available to read in the Saloon.
Motorised wheelchairs are very useful to use around the Castle lawns should you choose to bring one.
Please note that large bags and backpacks are not permitted in the Castle grounds and we kindly ask that they are left in your car or coach.
We do have a small storage area at the Visitors Reception for those visiting via taxi who can leave any large bags there securely.
Baby Carriers are permitted for those who do not wish to bring a pushchair on site or for visiting inside the Castle.
We kindly ask that you do not bring any picnics inside the grounds; however, you are welcome to enjoy them by your car and ask that you dispose of any litter responsibly.
Tickets to all the tours, whether guided or during the general admission months of spring and summer include access to the Gardens and Garden walks.
Please note that an admission ticket is always required for entrance to the Castle, gardens and grounds. Whilst there are some gravel paths around the Castle lawns and some of the gardens, the woodland walks are rough grass paths, as are the paths through the flower meadow in the summer, and therefore may not be suitable for all.
Our gardens and grounds are enchanting and show some famous moments from ‘Downton Abbey’ such as the beloved Lady Mary’s bench and the secret garden.
The tearooms are open from 9:30am during public opening times for morning coffee, tea and pastries freshly prepared in the Castle kitchens. Throughout the day, the tearooms offer a delicious selection of handmade sandwiches, salads, wraps, cakes, scones and cookies. Hot takeaway food (from paninis to pasties, baguettes with local sausages) can be enjoyed in the middle of every day.
Please note that our menus may be subject to change. Highclere Castle is a responsible food provider and complies with the New Food Allergen labelling laws which were introduced in December 2014. Please note that we do not offer a Vegan menu, nor can we guarantee that our products are DAIRY FREE or NUT FREE. If you have any dietary concerns please speak to a member of staff.
Highclere’s “Josephine Van-Essa” is parked on the Castle lawns offering refreshments such as drinks, smoothies and ice cream. Luis’ famous cocktail bar serves a selection of delicious Highclere Castle Gin cocktails as well as Pimm’s, champagne and wine.
The Castle Gift Shop is open from 9:30 offering a wide selection of handpicked gifts from Lady Carnarvon’s books to homewares, Highclere Gin and other local produce. Find chocolates, biscuits, Highclere afternoon tea sets, hats, jewellery and wonderful memories of Highclere. You can also order online from the Castle Gift Shop here.
Please click here 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
Email: Please click here.
Highclere Castle is a trading name of Highclere Enterprises LLP, The Estate Office,
Highclere Park, Newbury RG20 9RN
Group booking for 2026 are now available. Please log in at the link below to request a booking. If you are not already registered as a group, please contact [email protected] to register for a group account.
As in 2025, we are again only able to offer one booking per company. The minimum number of adult visitors per group booking is 30 and the maximum is 53. This can be made up from any combination of visitor types for example adult, child, disabled, carer.
If you have a confirmed group booking, you can access your account at the link below. This is where you can update your passenger numbers and pay for your booking up until 30 days prior to the visit date. Please do ensure your account is kept up to date and you have familiarised yourself with the group policy and group information documents.
