A Weekend to Remember VIP Experience 

Saturday 6^th and Sunday 7^th September 2025

We are delighted to invite a small number of exclusive VIP tickets holders to enjoy a specialist talk in our vintage marquee at 9:30am and priority fast track access to the Castle anytime between 10am and 4pm on the day of your visit. In addition, each VIP ticket holder will receive a signed copy of “Lady Catherine and the Real Downton Abbey” written by Lady Carnarvon.

Lord and Lady Carnarvon look forward to welcoming our VIP guests at 9:30am to our Vintage Marquee.

Enjoy a glass of Bucks Fizz and a selection of delicious breakfast pastries whilst you listen to Lady Carnarvon’s illustrated talk about life at Highclere during the Second World War.

Following the talk, travel back in time and immerse yourself in life in the 1940s, from re-enactors, to vintage cars, costumes and music. You can even learn how to dance or play croquet on the lawns in front of the Castle.

VIP ticket holders will be given a priority access to enter the Castle at any time during the day between 10:00am and 4:00pm (last entry). Admire the State Rooms and the Gallery Bedrooms, iconic to lovers of Downton Abbey. Explore the history of Highclere Castle as a home for evacuees in World War II as well as the Egyptian Exhibition detailing the 5^th Earl’s discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun.

Tours of the Castle and the Egyptian Exhibition are on a self-guided basis, with our knowledgeable guides available throughout to provide information and assistance.

Tickets for the Morning VIP Talk and Event Admission are £120.  Please note, we are not able to offer reduced rate tickets for concessions for this event option.

The Grounds will open at 9:00am for Morning VIP Ticketholders and the event will end at 5pm. VIP passes will be available to collect following the talk by Lady Carnarvon. 

PICNIC AFTERNOON TEA FOR TWO

We are pleased to offer an opportunity to combine your visit to Highclere Castle with our "Picnic Afternoon Tea for Two" - a selection of delicious cakes, scones and sandwiches with a Half Bottle of Joseph Perrier Champagne served in a beautiful box.

We offer a Standard Menu, Vegetarian Menu and a Gluten-Free Menu. These menu options apply to the entire Picnic Box. We are unable to offer mixed menus within one Box.

We cannot guarantee that our products are either dairy free or nut free. For details on our Menus for "Picnic Afternoon Tea", please click HERE.

If you wish to add a "Picnic Afternoon Tea for Two" box to your order, you can select this add-on option below.

Our Picnic Afternoon Tea Boxes are £75 for two people.