Escape to Highclere Castle for a weekend of Talks and Tours to inspire story lovers.
“Books may well be the only true magic.”  
Alice Hoffman

Step into a world of imagination at Highclere Castle’s first ever Literary Festival. This family friendly Event includes riveting performances and talks on all of your favourite genres.

From talks and guided tours in the morning, to activities for children to encourage young readers and writers as well as finding stories hidden along our garden trails, join us to celebrate curiosity at Highclere Castle.

The day will include: 
•    Family friendly play performances 
•    Readings and talks from beloved authors 
•    Quintessentially British teas and cakes 
•    Waterstones Book shop 
•    Fun workshops to interact and meet authors 
•    Speaker’s corner and book club
And more … 

Confirmed speakers and performers include: 
•    Lizzie Dunford (Jane Austen’s House)
•    Gerald Dickens (the great, great grandson of Charles Dickens)
•    This is My Theatre – Alice in Wonderland 

And don’t forget to complete your perfect day with a traditional English tea, reminding us of a time when many of our favourite novels were created. 

Join us for the Event only, with access to the Grounds, Gardens and Tea Rooms, or upgrade your visit to explore the Castle and Egyptian Exhibition as well. 

Explore the State Rooms and Gallery Bedrooms in the Castle before descending the staircase to our cellars and journey to learn about the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun discovered by the 5^th Earl of Carnarvon and Howard Carter over 100 years ago.

Tours of the Castle and Egyptian Exhibition are on a self-guided basis, with our knowledgeable guides available throughout to provide information and assistance.

We are able to offer four ticket types for the weekend:

• Tales from the Castle: A Celebration of Reading, Writing and Story Telling (Morning Talks and Guided Tours with Event access). To book tickets click HERE. 
• Scones and Stories: Event access, Castle Tours, Egyptian Exhibition and Champagne Afternoon Tea. To book tickets click HERE. 
• Event Access and Castle Tours: Gates open from 9.00am with free flow admission to the Castle and Egyptian Exhibition Admission in the afternoon (choose from two time slots). Please book below. 
• Event Access Only: This ticket gives you the chance to explore and enjoy the various activities and entertainment taking place in the grounds but please note that it does not give access to the inside of the Castle or Egyptian Exhibition. Please book below.

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  The Event and entertainment in the Grounds will be scheduled throughout the day. All ticketholders, irrespective of Castle entry time, are welcome onsite between 9.00am and 5.30pm. 
  Numbers are limited and we ask you to pre-book tickets. 
  Dress code: Sensible outdoor wear should you wish to explore the Gardens. The Grounds will open at 9.00am. The Gardens and Grounds will close promptly at 5.30pm.

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  	Castle, Exhibition & Event	Event Only
  Adult (16+)	£42	£15
  Carer (A necessary carer of a paying, registered disabled ticket holder)	£42	£15
  Disabled	£22	£7.50
  Children (0-15)	Free	Free

  
  If you are under 16 and have read a book over the summer, come with your books or a short review to gain free entry to the Event (guided tour excepted – adult only tickets). 

  The Tearooms are open throughout the day for all guests offering a selection of food, including sandwiches, cakes, scones, teas and coffees to purchase as you wish. The Gift Shop will also be open with a wonderful selection of homeware, plant pots, books and gifts. The Tearooms and Gift Shop are open between 9.00am and 5.00pm. 

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  PICNIC AFTERNOON TEAS

  We are pleased to offer an opportunity to combine your visit to Highclere Castle with our "Picnic Afternoon Tea for Two" - a selection of delicious cakes, scones and sandwiches with a Half Bottle of Joseph Perrier Champagne served in a beautiful box.

  We offer a Standard Menu, Vegetarian Menu and a Gluten-Free Menu. These menu options apply to the entire Picnic Box. We are unable to offer mixed menus within one Box. We cannot guarantee that our products are either dairy free or nut free. For details on our Menus for "Picnic Afternoon Tea", please click  HERE.

  If you wish to add a "Picnic Afternoon Tea for Two" box to your order, you can select this add-on option below.
  Our Picnic Afternoon Tea Boxes are £79 for two people.

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  There are two admission times available. You are welcome to enter the Castle at any time within your booked window.  
  •    Early Afternoon Admission: Castle Entry between 1.30pm – 3.00pm
  •    Late Afternoon Admission: Castle Entry between 3.00pm – 4.30pm
  Last admission to the Castle is 4:30pm. Regardless of your ticket timing, you are welcome to visit the Gardens, Tearooms and Gift Shop throughout the day. The Tearooms and Gift Shop will all close at 5:00pm and the park gates at 5.30pm.
  
  Tours of the Castle and Egyptian Exhibition are on a self-guided basis, with our knowledgeable guides available throughout to provide information and assistance.

  In order to book, please choose a date on the selector below followed by a type of ticket, then your admission time to the Castle.