Living with a Film Crew

Castle Guided Tours & Talks
7th - 12th May 2027

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

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’.

England is full of magical locations that have provided the backdrop for historical events and imagined entertainment for our screens. Join us at Highclere Castle, the Real Downton Abbey, to learn about what it really takes to open the doors of some of our most treasured historical locations to film crews from the teams that make it happen at the National Trust, English Heritage and privately owned properties and parks. 

Gather in the Saloon for a talk by one of our guest speakers followed by a guided tour of the Castle State Rooms and Gallery Bedrooms lead by one of our knowledgeable guides, so familiar from the Downton Abbey series and films. The week is curated by Lady Carnarvon who brings together friends and experts for your enjoyment.

Please check back for our confirmed speakers as we approach May.

For now, we are delighted to confirm our first speaker, Christina Pascoe, who will be joining us on 8th and 9th May. Christina Pascoe is the CEO & Founder of the Heritage Filming Alliance as well as being Filming & Hires Lead for English Heritage and Trustee of The Bowes Museum.

She has supported many heritage properties over the past 5 years in delivering filming hires from working on "Bridgerton", "Citadel" and "Practical Magic 2" to supporting locations in attracting hires such as "Peaky Blinders" and "28 years later".

From anecdotes about filming (the guides were present throughout) to the history of Highclere, it’s works of art and furniture, we hope you’ll enjoy a fascinating time.

Guests 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 5000 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 is also 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 here at Highclere. 

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 £89 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.