Real Lives & Film Sets Guided Tours 2025

Autumn Castle Guided Tours

September - November 2025 

£140 per Adult/Disabled Ticket
£85 per Carer (of a disabled ticketholder)
£85 per Child (4-16 years old)

For many of us “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower”. The golden hued hills behind the Castle offer a spectacular backdrop to enjoy a guided tour of both a much-loved real home – Highclere Castle – and a much-loved fictional home, Downton Abbey. The first Downton film was made in the autumn before being such a box office success the next year. Once more in the autumn of 2025 we can all enjoy going to the cinema for the latest film! Across the season, join our experienced guides for an exclusive tour as they share their knowledge of the history and works of art in an extraordinary home, as well as behind the scenes stories from the filming of your favourite drama series and films.

Guests are then invited to descend to the cellars to explore the Egyptian Exhibition. The discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun was the first global world media event, and 2022 marked its centenary year. The 5^th Earl of Carnarvon, perhaps the most famous ‘real life’ figure ever to live at Highclere Castle, spent some 16 years working in Egypt with Howard Carter before discovering the sealed door to an extraordinary 3,500-year-old royal tomb.

Given it is a “Season of mist and mellow fruitfulness” we do hope you will find time to explore the Gardens. And don’t miss our irresistible Gift Shop! Here you can collect your gift bag, with a signed copy of a Lady Carnarvon’s latest book. (Please remember to collect your book on the day, as we will not be able to post these after your visit). 

Afterwards, enjoy a selection of delicious refreshments chosen by our Head Chef, which you can collect from and enjoy in our Coach House Tearooms. This will include a selection of finger sandwiches, homemade soup, quiche, delicious mini cakes and traditional scones. Please note, we do not offer a vegan menu and we cannot guarantee that refreshments served are either Dairy-Free or Nut-Free. 

These are special guided tours, where a smaller number of guests ensures an exclusive and unique experience. Tickets are £140 per person, and include the guided tour, Egyptian Exhibition, refreshments and a signed copy of a Lady Carnarvon’s latest book. Tickets are also available for Carers and Children (4-16 years) at £85.

The Castle and Exhibition tour lasts just over one hour, followed by time to explore the Egyptian Exhibition at your leisure. We recommend allowing 30 to 45 minutes to enjoy your refreshments following your tour. The colours in the Gardens are sure to be spectacular at this time of year. We suggest leaving 45 minutes to 1 hour to explore before you head home.

Morning Guided Tours begin at 10:30am (The gates will open from 10:00am. Please gather by the Castle Front Door at 10:20am).

Afternoon Guided Tours begin at 1:30pm (Afternoon visitors are welcome to arrive onsite from 12noon to explore the Gardens before their Castle tour. Please gather by the Castle Front Door at 1:20pm).

The Grounds will close promptly at 5.00pm.

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

Please note, we cannot guarantee that refreshments served are either Dairy-Free or Nut-Free. The refreshments are provided buffet-style in the Coach House Tearooms. We are able to offer Standard, Vegetarian or Gluten-Free options for these tours only. Please confirm your preference using the selectors below.

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 enquire.

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

Please select your preferred date and ticket options below.