VIP Castle Tours & Magic of the Movies
Saturday 12^th & Sunday 13^th September 2026

We are delighted to invite a small number of exclusive VIP ticket holders to enjoy a talk from Lady Carnarvon sharing life behind the scenes in our vintage marquee at 10:00am as well as priority fast track access to the Castle. In addition, each VIP ticket holder will receive a signed copy of “A Year at Highclere” written by Lady Carnarvon – what’s it like to live with film crew, are there any ghosts, what was 1920s life like at the real Downton Abbey?

Lord and Lady Carnarvon look forward to welcoming our VIP guests at 9:30am to our Vintage Marquee. Enjoy a glass of Buck's Fizz and a selection of delicious breakfast pastries before listening to Lady Carnarvon's talk at 10am – please have your questions ready!

Following the talk, enjoy the glitz of the 1920s and 1930s at the iconic Highclere Castle, ride the carousel, have your photo taken with our Vintage Car display and enjoy listening to some classic hits of the Jazz Age. Be ready to learn how to dance or play croquet on the lawns in front of the Castle.

The Castle Tea Rooms will be open throughout the day serving a variety of sandwiches, cakes, scones and hot food. Each of the two days will follow the same format:

VIP ticket holders will be given a priority access to enter the Castle at any time during the day between 10am and 3pm (last entry).

Admire the State Rooms and the Gallery Bedrooms, iconic to lovers of Downton Abbey. Explore the history of Highclere Castle 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.

All ticket holders are welcome to spend all day in the Grounds.

VIP Admission Tickets & Upgrade Option:
Tickets for the Morning VIP Talk and Event Admission are £150. Please note, we are not able to offer reduced rate tickets for concessions for this event option.

Upgrade Option:

We are pleased to offer an opportunity to combine your visit to Highclere Castle with our “Picnic Afternoon Tea for Two” – a selection of sandwiches, cakes and scones with a half-bottle of Joseph Perrier Champagne, all served in a beautiful box.

We offer a standard menu, vegetarian menu and a gluten-free menu. These menu options apply to the complete Picnic Box. We cannot offer mixed menus within a single Picnic Box. Please note, we cannot guarantee that our products are either DAIRY-FREE or NUT-FREE.

To view our Set Menu for "Picnic Afternoon Tea", 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. The Picnic Box is £79 for two people.

Please select your preferred date from the calendar below availability is indicted by the colours highlighted on the corresponding key. The website instructions will then guide you through to purchase.

Your tickets are sent by email at the end of the purchase. Please do check your "junk" folder. A copy of your tickets will also be left in your account in this website for you to print whenever you choose before you arrive here.

We are very much looking forward to welcoming you for a roaring 1920s weekend!