Living with a Film Crew

Castle Guided Tours & Talks
8th - 14th May 2026

Adult Ticket £95
Disabled Ticket £95
Carer Ticket £55

What is it like to live in Castle? What is it like to live with a film crew? Downton Abbey has been an extraordinary journey. In fact, film locations are as enticing a prospect as heritage and history.
 
This week of tours and talks explores Highclere and other film locations, as well as offering a guided tour of the Castle State Rooms, the Galleried Bedrooms, the Egyptian Exhibition and a signed copy of Lady Carnarvon’s book ‘A Year at Highclere’.

Gather first of all in the Saloon for a talk by one of our guest speakers, followed by the guided tour led by one of our knowledgeable guides. Whether you would love to hear anecdotes about filming (the guides were present throughout) or the history of Highclere, it’s works of art and furniture, we hope you’ll enjoy a fascinating day out.

You are then invited to descend to the cellars, to explore 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 Tutankhamun.

Following your tour, you are welcome to enjoy 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 will also be open with a wonderful selection of homeware, plant pots, books and gifts.

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. There is a choice of three arrival times:
•    10.00am Arrival – We welcome you into the Castle to take your seats in the Saloon from 10.20am with the talk starting at 10:30am.
•    12.00pm Arrival - We welcome you into the Castle to take your seats in the Saloon from 12.20pm with the talk starting at 12:30pm.
•    2:00pm Arrival - We welcome you into the Castle to take your seats in the Saloon from 2.20pm with the talk starting at 2:30pm.

Each “time” has a structured programme for you but, overall, please do allow four to five hours to enjoy your day. 

Picnic Afternoon Tea for Two

We are pleased to offer the 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 all served in a beautiful box.

We offer Standard, Vegetarian and Gluten-free menus.  These menu options apply to the entire Picnic Box, we are unable to offer mixed menus within one box.  We do not offer a Vegan menu. We cannot guarantee that our products are either dairy-free or nut-free.  For details of our menus, please click HERE.

If you wish to add a “Picnic Afternoon tea for Two” to your order, you can select this add-on option below.  Please note, this is subject to availability. Our Picnic Boxes are £79 for two people.

If you choose later arrival times, please feel free to arrive from an hour before tour arrival time to enjoy the Gardens and Gift Shop.

Dress code: Sensible outdoor wear should you wish to explore the Gardens.

The Gardens and Grounds will close promptly at 5.00pm.