About
Highclere Castle is one of England's most recognisable country houses, known worldwide as the principal filming location for the award-winning television series and films Downton Abbey. Set within 1,000 acres of sweeping parkland landscaped by Capability Brown, the castle is the ancestral seat of the Earls of Carnarvon and has been home to the Carnarvon family since 1679.
The present building is a grand Victorian Gothic mansion designed by Sir Charles Barry, the architect of the Houses of Parliament, who remodelled the earlier Georgian house between 1839 and 1842. Barry transformed the property into a dramatic composition of towers, turrets, and pinnacles in warm Bath stone, creating one of the finest examples of Elizabethan Revival architecture in England. The interiors are equally impressive, featuring a magnificent Saloon rising the full height of the house with elaborate Gothic vaulting, a richly decorated library, state bedrooms, and a series of reception rooms that showcase Victorian craftsmanship at its most ambitious.
Highclere's historical significance extends far beyond its architecture. The 5th Earl of Carnarvon was the financial backer and co-leader of the expedition that discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings in November 1922, working alongside the archaeologist Howard Carter. This extraordinary connection to one of archaeology's greatest discoveries is celebrated in a dedicated Egyptian Exhibition housed in the castle's cellars, displaying artefacts and replicas relating to the excavation and ancient Egyptian culture.
The parkland and gardens are a significant attraction in their own right. Capability Brown designed the landscape in the 1770s, creating the sweeping lawns, lake, and mature cedar trees that give Highclere its distinctive pastoral character. The Secret Garden, designed by the current Countess of Carnarvon, offers a tranquil walled garden with herbaceous borders, a monk's garden, and wildflower meadows.
Highclere operates a very limited seasonal opening schedule, with the castle open only on selected days throughout the year. Visitors must pre-book tickets, which regularly sell out months in advance. The combination of Downton Abbey fame, the Tutankhamun connection, Barry's architecture, and Brown's parkland makes Highclere one of England's most sought-after heritage destinations.
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Plan Your Visit
⏱️ Recommended Visit Duration
📅 Best Times to Visit
💡 Visitor Tips
- Book tickets as early as possible - they regularly sell out weeks or months in advance, especially for summer and Christmas openings
- Check the website frequently for newly released opening dates as additional days are sometimes added
- Plan to arrive at the start of your allocated time slot to make the most of your visit
- Visit the Egyptian Exhibition before or after the castle to avoid the busiest period in the state rooms
- The Secret Garden is a lovely retreat from the crowds and should not be missed
- Wear comfortable shoes as there is a walk from the car park to the castle through the grounds
- Bring a camera - the approach to the castle across Capability Brown's parkland is spectacular
Highlights
The Downton Abbey Connection
Highclere Castle achieved global fame as the filming location for the ITV series Downton Abbey (2010-2015) and subsequent feature films (2019, 2022). The Saloon, library, drawing room, and gallery served as the principal interiors of the fictional Crawley family home. Visitors can walk through the exact rooms seen on screen, recognising settings from memorable scenes.
The connection has made Highclere one of the most visited filming locations in England, drawing fans from around the world.
The Egyptian Exhibition
Housed in the castle cellars, the Egyptian Exhibition celebrates the extraordinary role of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon in the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb.
Lord Carnarvon financed Howard Carter's excavations in the Valley of the Kings for years before the spectacular breakthrough on 4 November 1922. The exhibition displays replica artefacts, original photographs, correspondence between Carnarvon and Carter, and contextual material about ancient Egyptian burial practices and the golden age of Egyptology.
Sir Charles Barry's Architecture
The castle was transformed between 1839 and 1842 by Sir Charles Barry, who was simultaneously working on the Houses of Parliament. Barry encased the earlier Georgian house in an elaborate Victorian Gothic exterior of warm Bath stone, creating a dramatic silhouette of towers and pinnacles. The architectural style is sometimes described as Elizabethan Revival or Jacobethan, blending Gothic and Renaissance elements.
The result is one of the grandest and most photogenic country houses in southern England.
The Saloon
The Saloon is the most spectacular room at Highclere, rising through the full height of the house to a magnificent Gothic vault ceiling. Designed by Thomas Allom in the 1860s for the 4th Earl of Carnarvon, the room features elaborately carved oak panelling, rich leather wall coverings, and a musicians' gallery.
The Gothic detailing is extraordinarily intricate, with every surface decorated.
Downton Abbey fans will recognise this as the great hall where the Crawley family gathered.
Collections
Highclere Castle contains collections assembled by the Carnarvon family over more than three centuries. The house displays fine paintings, period furniture, porcelain, and historical documents. The Egyptian Exhibition presents material related to the 5th Earl's archaeological work and the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb. The library holds an extensive collection of rare books and manuscripts.
The Castle State Rooms
A tour of the principal reception rooms including the Saloon, library, drawing room, dining room, and music room, all furnished with original Carnarvon family collections and recognisable from Downton Abbey.
The Egyptian Exhibition
Located in the castle cellars, this exhibition tells the story of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon and Howard Carter's discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb through replica artefacts, photographs, and original correspondence.
Themes
Time Periods
Current Exhibitions
No current exhibitions. Please check the museum website for updates.