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Highclere Castle

The real Downton Abbey — a Charles Barry mansion in 1,000 acres of Capability Brown parkland.

Where
Newbury
Tickets
$32 castle, gardens & exhibition
Jacobethan south front of Highclere Castle across the parkland Jacobethan south front of Highclere Castle across the parkland

What to expect at Highclere Castle

Home to the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon since 1679 and rebuilt by Sir Charles Barry — architect of the Houses of Parliament — in the 1840s, Highclere doubles as Downton Abbey in the ITV series and film. Tours cover the Saloon, library, State Dining Room, and the bedrooms used on screen, plus an Egyptian Exhibition celebrating the 5th Earl's discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb with Howard Carter in 1922. The gardens include the Monks' Garden and the Wood of Goodwill.

Highclere only opens for about 60-70 days a year, mostly in July, August, September, and around Easter and Christmas. Tickets go on sale in February and the summer dates sell out within days. From Reading, take the train to Newbury (30 min) then a $25 taxi — there is no public bus to the estate. If you’re building a Downton itinerary, pair with Bampton village in Oxfordshire the next day.

Plan your visit Tickets$32 castle, gardens & exhibition WhereNewbury Opening hours Sun-Thu 10:00-17:00 (selected weeks Jul-Sep, Easter, Christmas) Last entry 15:30 Closed Fri and Sat outside private events Hotels near Highclere Castle

Questions about Highclere Castle

How much are Highclere Castle tickets?

$32 for castle, gardens and Egyptian Exhibition; $22 castle and gardens; $15 gardens only; children 4-13 half price.

Are there free entry times?

No free entry. The village of Highclere itself is free to walk through if you just want the setting.

How long should I plan?

3-4 hours: 75 minutes inside the castle, 45 minutes for the Egyptian Exhibition, and an hour in the gardens.

When is Highclere closed?

Closed most of the year. Open roughly 60 days: July-September, Easter week, and select December dates. Always Fri-Sat closed.

Do I need to book ahead?

Yes, mandatory. Timed-entry tickets go on sale in February at highclerecastle.co.uk and sell out fast.

Nearest station from Reading?

Newbury (30 min by GWR), then a 7-mile taxi ride costing around $25 each way. No shuttle bus.

Where to stay

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