Christmas Tours and Afternoon Teas
November/December 2024

Adult:  £130
Carer:  £75
Children (4-16 years):  £75

Step into the spirit of Christmas at the “Real Downton Abbey” and join us at Highclere Castle for Christmas Guided Tours and Afternoon Tea.

The starting place, as ever, will be the Highclere Christmas tree in the Saloon, surrounded by the festive garlands cascading down the staircases.

Following a tour of the State Rooms and Gallery Bedrooms, you will be invited to explore the Egyptian Exhibition in the cellars, which tells the story of the world-famous discovery in 1922 of the tomb of Tutankhamun by the 5^th Earl of Carnarvon and Howard Carter.

Following your tour, you will make your way outside to the Christmas Marquee on the Castle Lawns for a delicious traditional Afternoon Tea.

Please take the opportunity to explore the Grounds and Gardens at your own leisure and visit the Gift Shop to find some charming Christmas gifts for friends and family to complete your shopping!

These exclusive tours are available for a limited number of guests. Tickets are £130 per person and include a guided Christmas tour, traditional Afternoon Teas, a signed copy of Lady Carnarvon's book "Christmas at Highclere" and time to explore the Castle Gift Shop and Gardens. 

Please remember to collect your book from the Castle Gift Shop during your visit, as we will be unable to post this after you have departed.

In order to help you plan your day, we have created the following schedules: 
A.    Gates open from 9.30am for a 10:00am tour time (tour of the Castle, Exhibition and Afternoon Tea)
B.    Gates open from 11:30am for a 12 noon tour time (tour of the Castle, Exhibition and Afternoon Tea)
C.    Gates open from 1:00pm for a 2:00pm tour time (tour of the Castle, Exhibition and Afternoon Tea). Guests in this group may wish to arrive at the suggested 1:00pm to explore the Gardens before the Castle tour. 

The guided tour will last approximately 1 hour, followed by time to explore the Egyptian Exhibition.  You will then make your way to the Christmas Marquee for Afternoon Tea lasting 45 minutes. Following this, you may enjoy the Gift Shop and Gardens at your leisure. We kindly ask Group C to explore the Gardens and Gift Shop earlier before your tour and tea as the sun sets early in the day.

Grounds close promptly at 5:00pm. The dress code for the event is smart/ casual with sensible outdoor wear should you wish to explore the Gardens. 
Menu Selection
Please choose one of the following for each ticket you buy:

Traditional Christmas Tea Menu

Gluten free Christmas Tea Menu

Vegetarian Christmas Tea Menu

Please note that we are unable to guarantee that our products are either DAIRY FREE or NUT FREE.

Please note, the maximum booking size for this event is six guests. There is no concession rate available for this event.

To purchase tickets for these special openings, please see the date and time selection calendar below.