Living with a Film Crew

Castle Guided Tours & Talks
10th - 16th May 2025

Adult Ticket £95
Disabled Ticket £95
Carer Ticket £55

Are you curious about what  it is like and has been like to welcome a film crew? One has been here for much of the  last 15 years. Other great houses have been in the same position.  What is it like to live in  a Castle?

Gather in the Saloon for a talk by one of our guest speakers followed by a guided tour of the Castle State Rooms and Gallery Bedrooms. Our knowledgeable guides are well versed in familiar scenes from the Downton Abbey series and films, as well as the history of Highclere.  The  works of art and furniture are both real and  a set. We hope you’ll enjoy a fascinating time.  

You are then invited to descend to the cellars, to explore at your leisure the fascinating Egyptian Exhibition and the story of the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun. The Exhibition contains antiquities from 5,000 years old and replicates the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun.

Following your tour, you are welcome to enjoy the gardens at your leisure. The tearooms are open throughout the day for all guests offering a selection of food, including sandwiches, cakes, scones, teas and coffees to purchase as you wish. 

Your ticket includes a talk, guided tour of the Castle, admission to the Egyptian Exhibition and a signed copy of Lady Carnarvon’s book ‘Lady Catherine and the Real Downton Abbey’.

The Gift Shop will also be open with a wonderful selection of homeware, plant pots, books and gifts. Please do not forget to collect your book from the Gift Shop before you depart.

Numbers are limited and we ask you to pre-book tickets. There is a choice of three arrival times:
•    10.00am Arrival – We welcome you into the Castle to take your seats in the Saloon from 10.20am with the talk starting at 10:30am.
•    12.00pm Arrival - We welcome you into the Castle to take your seats in the Saloon from 12.20pm with the talk starting at 12:30pm.
•    2:00pm Arrival - We welcome you into the Castle to take your seats in the Saloon from 2.20pm with the talk starting at 2:30pm.

Each timeslot follows a structured programme, we suggest allowing between 3-4 hours onsite to enjoy your day here.

Picnic Afternoon Tea for Two

We are pleased to offer the 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 all served in a beautiful box.

We offer Standard, Vegetarian and Gluten-free menus.  These menu options apply to the entire Picnic Box, we are unable to offer mixed menus within one box.  We do not offer a Vegan menu. We cannot guarantee that our products are either dairy-free or nut-free.  For details of our menus, please click HERE.

If you wish to add a “Picnic Afternoon tea for Two” to your order, you can select this add-on option below.  Please note, this is subject to availability. Our Picnic Boxes are £75 for two people.


If you select the 2.00pm arrival time, please feel free to arrive from 1.00pm to enjoy time in the Gardens before your tour.

Dress code: Sensible outdoor wear should you wish to explore the Gardens.

The Gardens and Grounds will close promptly at 5.00pm.