“Summer afternoon - summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language." – commented the American author Henry James, who spent several weekends staying with the 4^th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon at Highclere Castle 130 years ago.

Join us to experience a Mid Summer Special Guided Tour of Highclere Castle. Highclere Castle has been part of the Carnarvon family since the late seventeenth century. Whilst rich in treasure and steeped in history, Highclere retains the warmth and welcome of a much-loved family home. It is, of course, also the fictional home of the Grantham family in “Downton Abbey”.

We are also delighted to announce that we will be hosting a Summer Garden Party for our Friends of Highclere on Saturday 21^st June. Please click HERE for more information about Friends of Highclere.

During your tour, the guides will lead you through the real and film worlds of ‘upstairs’ before exploring downstairs which, today, is our Egyptian Exhibition. It tells the story of, and presents antiquities from another civilisation, whilst recreating the discovery and tomb of Tutankhamun discovered by the 5^th Earl of Carnarvon and Howard Carter 100 years ago.

We very much hope you will also visit both the Gift Shop and explore the Gardens, from the White Border, to the Secret Garden and Rose Arbour.  It is a beautiful time of year to enjoy the trees and nature around the Castle. 

The number of visitors on these tours are very limited and tickets include complimentary refreshments and as a signed copy of Lady Carnarvon’s beautiful book “Seasons at Highclere”.

Tickets are £140 per person which includes a Guided Tour of the Castle with plenty of time to view the Egyptian Exhibition, Grounds and Gardens.

Tickets are also available for Carers and Children (4-16 years) at £85.

Please note, we cannot guarantee that refreshments served are either Dairy-Free or Nut-Free.  We are able to offer Vegetarian or Gluten-Free options for these tours. Please email [email protected] in advance of your visit to reserve.

Your tour will commence promptly at the time stated on your tickets.  Please make your way to the Front Door of the Castle as follows:

Morning Guided Tours begin at 10:30am   (please gather by the Castle Front Door at 10:20am)

Afternoon Guided Tours begin at 1:30pm  (please gather by the Castle Front Door at 1:20pm)

If you choose the afternoon tour, please do arrive an hour early to walk around the Gardens.  If you choose the morning tour, please do take the time to enjoy the Gardens after your tour.

The Gates and Grounds open from 9:30am for morning visitors.  Afternoon visitors are welcome onsite from 12noon, the Grounds will close at 5:00pm.

Dress code for the event is smart/casual, please wear sensible footwear for the Gardens.

If you are a Friend of Highclere, we reserve a number of tickets on dates that have sold out, for priority access where possible. Please email [email protected] to find out more.

To find out more about becoming a member of ‘Friends of Highclere’, please click HERE