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Highclere Castle

📍 Hampshire, England

4.6 ★★★★½ 8,000 reviews

About

Highclere Castle is a Grade I listed country house built in 1679 and largely renovated during the 1840s, with a park designed by Capability Brown in the 18th century. The 5,000-acre (2,000-hectare) estate is in Highclere, Hampshire, England, about five miles south of Newbury, Berkshire, and 9+1⁄2 miles north of Andover, Hampshire. The 19th-century renovation is in a Jacobethan and Italianate style produced by architect Charles Barry. It is the country seat of the Earls of Carnarvon, a branch of the Anglo-Welsh Herbert family.

The seat of the Carnarvon family since 1679. The current Jacobethan mansion was designed by Sir Charles Barry (architect of the Houses of Parliament) in the 1840s, transforming an earlier Georgian house. The 5th Earl of Carnarvon famously co-discovered Tutankhamun's tomb with Howard Carter in 1922 — an Egyptian exhibition is housed in the cellars. Became world-famous as the filming location for Downton Abbey (2010-2015).

Getting There

🚂 Newbury Station

GWR from London Paddington (55 min). Castle is 5 miles south — taxi needed (no public transport).

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🅿️ Castle Parking

Free parking in the castle grounds on open days.

🚗 By Car

Signed from the A34. Between Newbury and Whitchurch in Hampshire.

Terrain & Accessibility

♿ Ground Floor Accessible🚶 Gardens: Good Paths💺 Seating Available🏛️ Stairs to Upper Floors

Famous as the real Downton Abbey. Open on limited dates — booking essential. Ground floor State Rooms are accessible. The Egyptian Exhibition in the cellar has step-free access. Gardens are mostly accessible. Upper floors involve stairs.