Useful information

Pushchairs are not permitted in the Castle, but can be left in the front hall, space permitting (at your own risk).

During our Public Open dates in the Spring and Summer, children under 4 are free of charge and do not require a ticket.

Due to the Castle being a private family home dogs are not permitted in the Castle, Exhibition or Gardens with the exception of assistance dogs. Please note that if you wish to bring an assistance dog on site, we respectfully ask you to let us know in advance and to bring the correct livery and any corresponding paperwork. Dogs are welcome on the public footpaths which run through part of the estate but please do ensure they are kept on a lead at all times due to our grazing livestock.

(Please note when the Castle is open to the public none of the public footpaths are accessible from the car parking area. Any visitors wishing to walk before or after visiting the Castle need to park off of the estate).

Photography is not permitted within the Castle but it is allowed outside for personal use only. Drones, however, are not permitted anywhere on the Estate.

Highclere Castle is a historic building but disabled access is possible for most areas. There is no lift, however, we provide photographic albums to enable visitors to look at some of the bedrooms on the first floor , given it is not possible to take walkers or wheelchairs upstairs by reason of fire regulations. 

Wheelchairs are welcome around the Castle and in the Egyptian Exhibition (access to this 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. We would advise pre-booking with the Castle Office due to limited supply.

For more detailed information about our disabled access, please click HERE.

The Gardens and Grounds are open to the visiting public during public opening times (i.e Spring and Summer). Whilst there are some gravel paths around the Castle 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. Please note that an admission ticket is always required for entrance to the Castle, Gardens, and Grounds.

The Tearooms are open from 9:30am during public opening times for morning cappuccinos, teas and croissants made in the Castle kitchens. Throughout the day, the Tea Rooms and Cafes offer a delicious selection of sandwiches, salads, wraps, cakes and scones. Hot takeaway food (from paninis to pasties, baguettes with local sausages) can be enjoyed in the middle of every day. Highclere's Citroen van is  parked on the Castle lawns offering ice creams and smoothies, whilst Luis' Cocktail bar offers Highclere Castle Gin cocktails, Pimms. Champagne and wine are available as well. 

Please note that our menus may be subject to change. Highclere Castle is a responsible food provider which 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.

We kindly ask that if you bring a picnic with you, to enjoy it by your car and to be responsible to take away all litter with you. 

The Castle Gift Shop is also open from 9.30am and offers a wide selection of gifts including stationery, bath products, chocolates, tea and biscuits, china mugs, books and souvenirs. You can also order online form the Castle Gift Shop here. You will find plant stalls both at the car park and by the tearooms, do browse the plant pots and garden ornaments and we hope you will find a good selection of Highclere's plants to buy to take home with you.

Highclere Castle is pleased to be associated with the Historic Houses and welcomes HH members during Spring and Summer Admission dates, which can be found here. Please note HH members enjoy these privileges on Public Opening dates only, and not during our other events.   

Walk up tickets are available from 3pm  onwards. We are doing our best  to accommodate all visitors and, whilst we cannot guarantee HH members admission this time and a mid week date in April or August  should work very well.

Upon arrival, please present your membership card to the staff at the ticket office. They will then print you a ticket for entry to the Castle and Gardens. The Egyptian Exhibition is not included. 

We look forward to welcoming you to Highclere Castle.

Smoking is not permitted within the vicinity of any building at any time.

Please click here to view a map of our grounds