We are delighted to offer a variety of tours throughout the year. There are two periods of general admission; Easter Holidays, and Summer Holidays. During the other seasons of the year, we offer differently themed guided tours. Each autumn we create a history weekend festival whilst Christmas at Highclere has become a much-loved time to visit. When you go to the ticket page, the boxes are arranged in calendar order and we hope you find a tour that suits you. Furthermore, we are delighted to offer private tours, private receptions, small weddings, conservation tours and private garden tours.
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SATURDAY 5TH & SUNDAY 6TH OCTOBER 2024
Please join us at Highclere Castle to explore life at the Castle between 1939 and 1945. Activities include; Castle Tours, Egyptian Exhibition, Specialist ‘Pop-Up’ Talks, Live Vintage Music, Vintage Cars, Swing Dancing, Living History Reenactors, Croquet and Badminton on the Castle Lawns, Vintage Costume Display, Children’s Storytelling and Activities Come along to listen to a variety of speakers, learn to dance swing, sing along to the 1940s singers and tap your toes to the music. There will be vintage car displays, lawn games and a 'History of Flight' tent detailing the planes and crew which crashed at Highclere. The Castle will be open for you to tour and explore at your leisure, should you wish, as well as enjoying reenactments from the Second World War on the Castle lawns, including activities for children.
THURSDAY 17TH OF OCTOBER
Every month we welcome Friends of Highclere to the Book Club here in the Library. It begins with a chance to see the State Rooms following which please do join Lady Carnarvon in the Library for champagne and a most convivial evening (usually from 6pm to 7.45pm). This is free for 'Friends of Highclere' Please do e-mail [email protected] if you wish to attend. If you cannot attend in person it is streamed to you ..
NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2024
"I'm dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones I used to know. Where the treetops glisten, and children listen to hear sleigh bells in the snow." Although Highclere cannot promise snow, we look forward to welcoming guests for a variety of tours, teas, carols, and book talks this festive season. We are working on yet another exciting new theme for our guests this Christmas, and very much hope you will join us to marvel at the beautiful decorations. I am also delighted to welcome Friends of Highclere for guided Castle Tours and Afternoon Tea with Father Christmas and myself on Saturday 14th December! "May you never be too grown up to search the skies on Christmas Eve."
JANUARY 2025
Enjoy a wintertime guided tour within the Castle, followed by warming homemade soup and quiches, not forgetting the comfort of scones and cakes. January is named for the Roman God Janus and is symbolically the month of all beginnings. At this time of year there is nothing better than a brisk walk in the gardens. Any sunshine is so welcome and the garden birds from robins and fieldfares seem to make the most of it. Don't forget to collect your gift form the Highclere shop before slowly winding your back along the drive..
FEBRRUARY 2025
Which extraordinary story most entrances you? Perhaps the on-screen journey of the Grantham family of Downton Abbey? Or maybe the real-life story of the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun by the 5th Earl of Carnarvon and Howard Carter? Join us for guided tours in February2025 to enjoy stories of real and fictional families
OCTOBER & NOVEMBER 2024
*STOP PRESS* These guided tours are nearly sold out - there are as ever a few tickets reserved for Friends of Highclere otherwise the last 30 tickets can be bought for November. Highclere Castle and Downton Abbey have become merged into one much loved family home, which is, in fact, in Hampshire rather than Yorkshire as in the fictional drama. There is no better way to spend a morning or afternoon than here, enjoying a guided tour led by our team who have exceptional knowledge of the building, works of art and furniture as well as plenty of anecdotes from behind the scenes to share with you. Walk down the Great Oak Staircase step into the Dining Room... and do explore the gardens: in autumn Highclere such a spectacular backdrop and is indeed a world apart.
This month’s podcast is all about decorating a castle. Where do you start, it’s a fascinating look inside the challenges a castle presents.
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