Real Lives & Film Sets Guided Tours 2024

Autumn Castle Guided Tours

September - November 2024 

£140 per Adult/Disabled Ticket
£85 per Carer (of a disabled ticketholder)
£85 per Child (4-16 years old)

“Season of mist and mellow fruitfulness” – Autumn at Highclere offers a spectacular backdrop for every guest, as you enjoy a tour of both a much-loved real home – Highclere Castle – and a much-loved fictional home, Downton Abbey.

Our guided tour takes you through the State Rooms, the Gallery and Castle Bedrooms.  Our guides will share their knowledge of the history and works of art in an extraordinary home, as well as behind the scenes stories from the filming of your favourite drama series and films.

Guests are then invited to descend to the cellars to explore the Egyptian Exhibition. The discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun was the first global world media event, and 2023 marks its centenary year. The 5^th Earl of Carnarvon, perhaps the most famous ‘real life’ figure ever to live at Highclere Castle, spent some 16 years working in Egypt with Howard Carter before discovering the sealed door to an extraordinary 3,500-year-old royal tomb.

Afterwards, enjoy selection of delicious refreshments chosen by our Head Chef, which you can collect from and enjoy in our Coach House Tearooms. This will include a selection of finger sandwiches, homemade soup, quiche, delicious mini cakes and traditional scones. 

These are special guided tours, where a smaller number of guests ensures an exclusive and unique experience. Tickets are £140 per person, and include the guided tour, Egyptian Exhibition, refreshments, and time to explore the Gardens and visit the irresistible Gift Shop. Here, you can collect your signed copy of Lady Carnarvon’s latest book "The Earl and the Pharaoh". Please do remember to collect your book on the day as we will not be able to post these after your visit. Tickets are also available for Carers and Children (4-16 years) at £85.

The Castle and Exhibition tour will last approximately one and a half hours to two hours. We recommend allowing 30 to 45 minutes to enjoy your refreshments, and another 45 minutes to wander the Gardens (weather dependent).

To quote Albert Camus, “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower” . The colours in the Gardens are sure to be spectacular – take your time to explore before you head home.

Morning Guided Tours begin at 10:30am (The gates will open from 10:00am. Please gather by the Castle Front Door at 10:20am).

Afternoon Guided Tours begin at 1:30pm (Afternoon visitors are welcome to arrive onsite from 12noon to explore the Gardens before their Castle tour. Please gather by the Castle Front Door at 1:20pm).

The Grounds will close promptly at 5.00pm.

Dress code for the event is smart/casual; please wear sensible footwear for the Gardens.

Please note, we cannot guarantee that refreshments served are either Dairy-Free or Nut-Free.  We are able to offer a Vegetarian or Gluten-Free options for these tours. Please email theoffice@highclerecastle.co.uk in advance of your visit to reserve.

If you are a Friend of Highclere, we reserve a number of tickets on dates that have sold out, for priority access where possible. Please email theoffice@highclerecastle.co.uk to enquire.

To find out more about becoming a member of ‘Friends of Highclere’, please click HERE 

Please select your preferred date and ticket options below.