Highclere Castle and Gardens

About

Highclere Castle has been home to the Carnarvon family since 1679. Built on an ancient site, the original house was recorded in the Domesday Book. The present day Castle was designed in 1842 by Sir Charles Barry, the architect also responsible for building the Houses of Parliament in Westminster.

The history of Highclere Castle

The Castle’s history also includes a fascinating connection with ancient Egypt, as the 5th Earl, with Howard Carter, discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings in 1922. The Castle now houses an exhibition that commemorates this historic event, including some rare antiquities from the 5th Earl's earlier Egyptian excavations.

Highclere Castle as Downton Abbey

In more recent history, Highclere Castle has become the location of Downton Abbey. The hugely successful drama series and subsequent film has had over 11 million viewers in the UK and is now shown in over 100 countries around the world. From the pen of Oscar-winning ('Gosford Park') screenwriter Lord Fellowes, it has an all-star cast led by Dame Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Jim Carter, Elizabeth McGovern, Penelope Wilton and many other leading actors and actresses.

Visiting Highclere Castle

Highclere Castle are delighted to welcome many visitors each year to view the Castle, the Egyptian Exhibition and the surrounding Grounds and Gardens. Pre-booking of tickets is strongly advised. 

Highclere Castle is also available for private events, corporate events and film locations. They welcome individual enquiries regarding weddings, parties and other celebrations.