2026 Highcliffe Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in July)

Great news for fans of 'Downton Abbey'! Highclere Castle is opening its doors to the public again this summer. Don't miss the chance to visit this iconic estate! Located in Hampshire, England, Highclere Castle is a historic and picturesque castle that serves as the primary filming location for 'Downton Abbey' and a dream destination for many visitors. Owned by the Earl of Carnarvon, the castle is lavishly decorated and exudes the aristocratic charm of the 19th century. 🌟 Highlights of the Visit 🏰 The Hall and Staircase: Stepping into the hall feels like entering a classic scene from 'Downton Abbey'. The grand staircase is reminiscent of the show's memorable moments. 📕 The Library: Home to an extensive collection of books, the library is both a private collection of the Carnarvon family and a significant filming location in the series. 🍴 The Dining Room: With its classic ambiance, every detail of the dining room showcases the elegance of British aristocratic life. ❀ The Gardens: The expansive and beautiful gardens are perfect for strolling and photography. In spring and summer, they are a riot of color and beauty. 📅 Opening Times: 7th July 2024 – Thursday 5th September 2024 ⏰ Three Admission Times: · Morning Admission: between 10:00am – 12:30pm · Midday Admission: between 12:30pm – 2:30pm · Afternoon Admission: between 2:30pm – 3.45pm. 🎫🔍 Remember to book your tickets in advance for Highclere Castle! #WeekendGetaway #DowntonAbbey #UKTravel #HighclereCastle #BritishHeritage #SummerTravel

Highclere Castle, famously known as the setting for the acclaimed British series 'Downton Abbey,' is a stunning example of Georgian architecture located in Hampshire, Southeast England. The series, set in the late 19th to early 20th century, explores the intricate lives and relationships between the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants, with the castle serving as a magnificent backdrop. The castle's exterior, built in the 17th century, showcases the typical features of Georgian architecture, such as symmetry, balance, and elegant proportions. Constructed from yellow Bath stone, it exudes a warm and grandiose aura. The expansive lawn at the front enhances its majestic presence. Highclere Castle is vast, with 11 bedrooms on the ground floor and 40-50 more upstairs, totaling over 300 rooms. It features 356 crystal chandeliers. Traditional British homes often had semi-basements, with masters and servants residing on different levels, symbolizing the 'upstairs-downstairs' dynamic of the era. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a grand hall with a high ceiling and walls adorned with opulent murals, creating a noble and luxurious atmosphere. The living room is decorated in a Rococo style, with bright colors and intricate furnishings. The walls are covered in expensive silk, a wedding gift to Lady Almina, the fifth Countess, from her banker father. The estate also boasts a beautifully landscaped garden with a variety of flowers, plants, fountains, and garden pavilions, adding a touch of romance and tranquility. Overall, Highclere Castle embodies the unique charm and luxury of Georgian aristocratic estates. It is not just a backdrop for the series but a symbol of noble life and an entire era. Through the architecture of Downton Abbey, viewers can glimpse the opulence and intricacy of aristocratic life and experience the allure of history. #Architecture #Design #Travel #UK #UKTravel #DowntonAbbey #Rococo #BritishSeries #Film #Wallpaper #Scenery

Visiting Highclere Castle after watching all six seasons of Downton Abbey is a unique experience. As you enter the gates, the theme song automatically plays in your mind, and every scene inside the castle brings back memories from the show. The most iconic spot is the red sofa in the library, where you can almost picture the old butler and Mrs. Hughes sitting when the owners were away. Unfortunately, Mary’s room isn’t part of the castle tour as it was filmed in a London studio. The Egyptian exhibition was surprisingly impressive, and the garden is so relaxing that you might spend an entire afternoon there without realizing it. For any Downton Abbey fan, a visit to Highclere Castle is a must! Remember to book your tickets well in advance, as slots are hard to come by. I booked mine two to three months ahead. #DowntonAbbey #HighclereCastle #TravelTips

As a fan of the series for over a decade, visiting Highclere Castle, the real-life setting of Downton Abbey, felt like a dream come true. Although photography is not allowed inside due to it being private property, the experience of walking through the rooms felt like reliving the series. Most of the rooms and interiors are open for viewing, and each spot brings back memories of specific scenes from the show. I highly recommend sitting on the grass next to the castle to enjoy the sun, and we even had an ice cream there. For visiting arrangements, you can check the Highclere Castle website for different ticket types. We booked late (tickets were sold out two months in advance), so we opted for a day tour from Ctrip that included Oxford and Downton Abbey. It was an English-speaking tour on a double-decker bus, and surprisingly, we were the only two Asians. Alternatively, you can take a train. Timing: It's best to leave London early in the morning for a day trip. #DowntonAbbey #UK #HighclereCastle #BritishMansion #TVSeries #StudyAbroad #FilmingLocation

Since middle school, Downton Abbey has been my introduction to British dramas, accompanying me through the seasons as I experienced the joys and sorrows of its characters and the grandeur of the estate. Today, I finally got to see it in person. Tips: The real name of Downton Abbey is Highclere Castle. I booked my tickets two months in advance on the castle's official website. The castle is only open for two to three months during the summer. To get there from London, you can take a train from Paddington Station to Newbury Station, which takes about an hour. From the station, you can take a taxi (or share one with others) for about 20 minutes to reach Downton, costing around 20 pounds. Keep the driver's number handy to call for a pick-up when you're almost done touring. Photography is not allowed inside the castle as the current owners still reside there, dining and sleeping in the castle, making it a home rather than a museum, as the staff mentioned. It's a must-visit for any Downton Abbey fan traveling to the UK. #DowntonAbbey #UK

Highclere Castle, famously known as Downton Abbey, is surprisingly close to Exeter, making it a convenient stop on trips to London. I was lucky to get tickets and capture precious moments with friends before parting ways. This journey was full of surprises, meeting like-minded travelers and a sweet little girl who helped take photos. Every scene in the castle mirrored the TV series, evoking strong emotions. If you're planning a visit, check the official website for open months, possibly reopening during the Christmas season. To get there, take a train to Newbury. While Uber might be scarce, taxis are available for around £20. If taxis aren't immediately available, there are contact numbers on cars at the station. We waited less than ten minutes for a ride. Returning is just as easy with a phone call for a taxi. The castle isn't large, and some areas are closed, so an hour is sufficient for a tour. Afterward, enjoy the gardens, take photos, or relax with a coffee. There's also a gift shop for souvenirs. With sunny weather, friendly encounters, and good company, the experience was overwhelmingly joyful. Reflecting on how fortunate I am, I feel grateful for this memorable trip. #HighclereCastle #DowntonAbbey #UKTravel

For fans of Downton Abbey, visiting Highclere Castle is a dream come true. Located just over an hour's drive from London, this iconic filming location is a must-see. The castle was originally commissioned by the 3rd Earl of Carnarvon in 1839 and later remodeled into a Gothic-style building over twelve years. It was designated a Grade I listed building in 1953. Owned by the Herbert family for generations, it is currently under the care of the 8th Earl of Carnarvon, George Herbert. The castle once required £1.8 million for repairs due to dampness and decay. The lady of the house, much like her on-screen counterpart, is American and has creatively raised funds through ticket sales, merchandise, books, gin sales, running a B&B, and hosting weddings (costing £15,000). The family still resides there, and the castle is open to visitors during Easter and the spring and summer seasons. Approaching the castle, a winding path leads you through a landscape framed by two giant cedar trees, revealing the orange-hued castle like a painting. The image of Downton Abbey's lord walking his dog, accompanied by the show's familiar music, plays vividly in one's mind, stirring excitement. Inside, the castle is opulently decorated with Spanish leather, skylights, massive chandeliers, an oak spiral staircase, portraits (including one of Charles I), sculptures, furnishings, and antiques, all reminiscent of the series. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside, but visitors can share interpretive diagrams of the main rooms and exhibits. Unexpectedly, there is an Egyptian archaeological exhibit, as the 5th Earl funded archaeologist Howard Carter's expedition to discover the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. In 1922, Carter was among the first to enter the tomb. The Earl and Countess later transformed the basement into a museum, replicating the layout of a pyramid's burial chamber to display treasures Carter found in Egypt. These treasures, including mummies, are replicas, as the originals have been returned to the Egyptian Museum. Be sure to explore the secret garden, with its horticultural arches, blooming flowers, and velvety lawns, offering an unforgettable experience. Visitors are often in high spirits, polite, and feel like nobility, genuinely complimenting each other's attire. Staff mentioned that the third Downton Abbey film is soon to be released, adding to the sense of pride. The gift shop offers creatively designed hats, tote bags, tea, and biscuits. #HighclereCastle #DowntonAbbey #BritishHeritage

I was incredibly fortunate to secure tickets to Highclere Castle, the filming location of 'Downton Abbey,' which is only open for a limited time each summer and has restricted entry. Located in the quaint town of Newbury, not far from London, every photo taken here is unedited, capturing the castle's natural beauty. Stepping inside feels like entering a painting. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside, but the basement, which served as the servants' quarters in the series, now houses the Earl's collection of Egyptian mummies, which is a must-see. Interestingly, the current Earl's great-grandfather was one of the discoverers and tomb raiders of the famous Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun's mummy, and he reportedly fell victim to the 'Pharaoh's Curse.' The family has a fascinating history as a noble lineage. #DowntonAbbey #HighclereCastle #Tutankhamun