Highclere Castle

Highclere Castle's History...

The first written records of the Devonshire House date back to 749 when an Anglo-Saxon King granted the estate to the Bishops of Winchester. The Bishop William of Wykeham built a beautiful medieval palace and gardens in the park. Later on, in 1679, the palace was rebuilt as Highclere Place House when it was purchased by Sir Robert Sawyer, the direct ancestor of the current Earl of Carnarvon. In 1842, Sir Charles Barry, who also designed the Houses of Parliament, transformed the Highclere House into the present-day Highclere Castle. Impressive right?

Kids tend to like the idea of castles built on castles…especially medieval ones! And older kids can tap into rich historical veins here ideal for supporting school work or extra credit projects.

This Castle was the seat, so to speak, a century ago of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, who famously discovered the Tomb of the Egyptian Boy Pharaoh, Tutankhamun, in 1922. No curses seem to have taken effect though so you're perfectly safe to visit, and today, the 8th Earl and Countess have opened up a new Egyptian Exhibition throughout the cellars of the Castle to celebrate the 5th Earl's heady achievements! You can find a long line of Egyptian antiquities if you've embarked on a castle tour.

It makes a visit here even better than before and again provides an excellent source of information ideal for bolstering research for school work. Plus you get to annoy the kids with mummy jokes all day and who doesn't love that?

Things to do

Castle Guided Tours are one of the best ways to explore this historical site. Expert guides will illuminate your experience of the home. You'll get to see all the stunning architecture and interiors of the castle too while familiarising yourself with the history and stories of the castle's inhabitants.

Don't forget to participate in a treasure hunt! Highclere Castle offers a fun and interactive treasure hunt for families. The treasure hunt takes visitors around the castle and gardens and challenges them to solve clues and puzzles to find the hidden treasure... Are you up to the challenge me' hearty?

Play a game of boules or croquet on the lawn in the Summer months or bring along your own family favourites!

Need some fresh air? Head beyond the castle doors and explore 1,000 acres of spectacular parkland. Highclere Castle has extensive gardens and grounds that are perfect for families to explore. The gardens include a beautiful rose garden, a parterre garden, and a wildflower meadow. Families can also take a walk around the lake and enjoy the picturesque views.

Did you know that the parkland was originally designed for the 1st Earl of Carnarvon? There are many idyllic spots to take a seat and watch the world go by. Weave through the pillars of Jackdaw's Castle on the East Lawns or relax with a picnic at the Etruscan Temple. Here you can sit and admire the charming trees on Siddown Hill. Another worthwhile haven to visit on site is the Temple of Diana which overlooks the lake. This vast outdoor space is framed by a collection of magnificent cedar trees which were first imported into this country in the 18th century - just look at how they've bloomed since then!

Your quest for history shouldn't end at the castle walls, with echoes of the Iron Age imprinted on the hills and farmland surrounding Highclere Castle, you can only begin to imagine all the life the land experienced. There was once an Iron Age fort, ancient trackway, lynchets and field systems within the estate. Grab your wellies and start uncovering what's left of 3000-year-old history.

Please note that these enchanting gardens and woods can be explored only when Highclere Castle is open to the general public! For public footpaths and other seasonal walks please see online timetabling through the link. However, the castle is a fun one so it's best to go when you can access everything you can! Booking tickets in advance is highly advised due to the limited opening availability.

Finish off your day out with a trip to the gift shop at Highclere Castle. There's a souvenir for every age and taste to Enjoy with a wide selection of books, postcards, and items inspired by Downton Abbey too.

Overall, visiting Highclere Castle with your family can be an unforgettable experience for all ages, as it offers a combination of history, culture, and entertainment.

Special events

Highclere Castle hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including concerts, open-air theatre shows, and seasonal events such as Christmas celebrations. These events offer a unique and exciting way for families to experience the castle.

Food & Drink

Have all those Castle Tours and archaeological findings got you working up a thirst?

Have a picnic at this beautiful Devonshire House! Families can bring a picnic and enjoy a relaxing lunch in the beautiful surroundings of the castle. There are also plenty of places for picnics that offer stunning views and spots on the castle grounds. Munch away on your favourite home-bought snacks while peering over the miraculous garden plants and ornamental flower gardens.

Planning a fancy occasion? This impressive manor house has a private dining experience on offer for luncheons and dinners of up to 120 guests! You'll be living as fancy as the Earls and Countesses of the Carnarvon Family.

Travel & Parking for Visitors

By car

Highclere Castle lies to the west of London, not far from the M4 and Newbury. Oxford and Birmingham are to the north, Winchester and Southampton to the south. Please do not use a “sat nav” when close to Highclere Castle as this will bring you to the wrong entrance, but simply follow the brown tourist signs from the A34. If you do wish to use sat nav, use the postcode RG20 9LE and then follow the brown tourist signs to the main entrance.

Please click here for a Google map to get directions.

By train

There is a good service from London Paddington to Newbury. Taxis can be found outside the station at Newbury. For details of railway timetables to Newbury Railway Station (NBY), please follow this link.

A taxi from Newbury Station to Highclere Castle takes approximately 15 minutes. Charges will vary on Sundays and over Bank Holidays. Alternatively, London Waterloo to Andover which is about 20 minutes away.

On your return to either station, you will need to book a taxi to come out to the Castle via telephone, taxis cannot be found waiting outside. See Taxi Companies below.

By taxi

• Cabco: 01635 33333 | www.cabco33333.co.uk
• Wheels Taxis: 01635 821444 | www.wheelstaxis.co.uk
• Go Green Taxis: 01635 800 990 | www.gogreentaxisltd.co.uk
• Ave Cabs, Newbury: 01635 31212 | www.ave-cabs.com
• Apex Cars (Andover): 01264 355555, 01264 356689

Accessibility

Wondering what accessibility this country house offers? Here's what we know...

• Wheelchairs are welcome around the Castle and in the Egyptian Exhibition (access to this is via the Courtyard at the back of the Castle). It is not possible to bring motorised wheelchairs into the Castle but they are welcome on the paths around the lawns.
• The Castle's bedrooms are not accessible.
• Lighting levels are moderate to good around the castle.
• There is a ramp to access the toilet block. You will find accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities within the toilet block.