Real Lives & Film Sets Castle Guided Tours 2026

Autumn Castle Guided Tours

Autumn 2026 

£145 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 season paints the landscape behind the Castle in golden shades of gold and amber and offers a spectacular backdrop for every guest. Enjoy a guided tour of both a much-loved real home – Highclere Castle – and a much-loved fictional home, Downton Abbey.

Our experienced tour guides will 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. Come and explore the Castle’s remarkable history, its works of art as well as finding out about behind-the-scenes anecdotes 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. 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 wander through the Gardens with autumn's gentle light. Before you leave, visit the Gift Shop to collect your gift bag, with a signed copy of Lady Carnarvon’s book. (Please remember to collect your book on the day, as we will not be able to post these after your visit).

These are special guided tours, where a smaller number of guests ensures an exclusive and unique experience.

Your ticket includes a selection of delicious seasonal refreshments chosen by our Head Chef, which you can collect from and enjoy in our Coach House Tearooms after your guided tour. This will, for example, include a selection of finger sandwiches, homemade soup, quiche, delicious mini cakes and traditional scones. Please select either standard, vegetarian or gluten-free below. (We cannot further personalise the food).

Tickets are £145 per person. Tickets are also available for Carers and Children (4-16 years) at £85.
 

The Castle and Exhibition tour will last approximately one and a half to two hours. We recommend allowing 30 to 45 minutes to enjoy your refreshments and another 45 minutes to wander the Gardens (weather dependent).

The colours in the Gardens are sure to be spectacular. Take your time to explore before you head home.

The Gift Shop is a"must" and that is where you will each find a signed book "A Year at Highclere", Secrets and Stories from the Real Downton Abbey.

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 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, ticket options and menu selection below.