Tales from the Castle:
A Celebration of Reading, Writing and Story Telling 

Talks and Guided Tours

“After all there is no enjoyment like reading. How much sooner one tires of anything than of a book”
Jane Austen

Join us for mornings at the Highclere Castle Literary Festival with exclusive talks and tours in the Castle. Gather in the Saloon for a talk by one of our guest speakers followed by an intimate guided tour of the Castle State Rooms and Gallery Bedrooms led by our knowledgeable guides. 

Guests are then invited to descend to the cellars, exploring at your leisure the fascinating Egyptian Exhibition and the story of the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun. The Exhibition contains antiquities from 5,000 years ago and replicates the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamen.

Following your tour, you are welcome to enjoy the talks, performances take part in the workshops, chat about your favourite books and explore the Gardens at your leisure.

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 is also open with a wonderful selection of homeware, plant pots, books and gifts.

The ticket includes a talk, a guided tour of the Castle State Rooms, the Galleried Bedrooms, the Egyptian Exhibition and a signed copy of Lady Carnarvon’s book ‘Lady Almina and The Real Downton Abbey’.

Please do not forget to collect your book from the Gift Shop before you depart.

Numbers are limited and we ask you to pre-book tickets. These talks are for over 16s only.

There is a choice of two talk times: 

9.30am: We welcome you into the Castle to take your seats in the Saloon from 9.15am with the talk starting at 9.30am.
11.30am: We welcome you into the Castle to take your seats in the Saloon from 11.20am with the talk starting at 11.30am.

Please select your preferred date and time slot from the selector below.