Highclere Castle

[nottaotter]

Has anyone been? I love Downton Abbey and want to know if you can tell the connection as im not sure how much filming was actually done there? Was it just opening sequence and outside shots?

Oh you definitely can- they have pictures from the show in nearly all the rooms. If you love Downtown it’s definitely worth a visit. It’s just the kitchen scenes that weren’t filmed there I think.

I was on their website last night, of love to go for the winter tour round the castle but at (hope you're sitting down) £140 per person, it's a little out of my budget.

Warning! I knew somebody who works for the local tourist information office who told me they stopped recommending people go there due to their habit of shutting unexpectedly. Check and double check before you set off.

I’ve been. It’s okay. Some of it is lovely to see in person vs the show. All of it felt quite musty to me though which was weird but interesting.

. The Lady of the Castle, lady whatsherface, is kind of a downer though. She purposely leaves family pics around which are of no interest to many of us (I’m sure to some though!), she’s keen to peddle her wares (books and tat) and you’re not allowed to take pictures which was a real shame. The grounds are nice to wander about and it’s cool to drive up when you first see the castle.

in summary I found it a mixed bag but glad I went. Never would go again though, unlike many national trust properties! It’s pretty close to me but I possibly would have been keen to see it if I live further.

getting tickets at a convenient time was kind of a hassle due to opening limits but it’s good they restrict crowds. Even with tickets it was pretty much a queue the whole way round.

Thank you for replies everyone. It's good that you can tell Downton was filmed there. It is pretty pricey plus I will have to stay locally for a night but I really want to see it, I will def double check if its open that sounds bizarre and so annoying if it suddenly shuts!

It's her home. Of course she's going to have family photographs. And then no photo rule is probably to protect the paintings and artefacts as camera flashes can be damaging I think.

I did a very small group tour of it just after one of the lockdowns when we were allowed out again. I loved it and Lord Carnarvon started the tour and told us lots of funny stories.
We had afternoon tea in a gazebo after and a cup of tea in a tiny little cafe on the grounds beforehand.
My favourite bit was the walk up to the Castle, I got some amazing photos of the building on the sunlight with nobody around.

It's OK. I've never seen Downton and we went for the Egyptian exhibition in the cellars which was very good. Not sure if that's on these days.

I spent an entire childhood being dragged up Beacon Hill which is next to it, the view is amazing. The Earl of Canarvon is buried at the top.

@NewYear24 that sounds amazing. I didnt realise Lord Cannarvon was involved at all in the tours.

It's good! Don't expect to see below stairs as it is in the series; all the kitchen scenes are filmed off site. You can see the library and the bedrooms though and lots of places you'll recognise.

I was constantly up Beacon Hill for the same reason. It's West Berkshire's official child wearing out site.!

I went a couple of years ago. It wasn't that interesting. It's nice enough, and the Egyptian museum was interesting. But it's not particularly historical. Also thought it was overpriced. It's also much smaller than it looks in Downton!

I've been a few times and loved it! Big fan of the show and you'll recognise lots. Also lots to do in the surrounding area.

@AnotherCountryMummy thats what I was hoping to recognise stuff from Downton.

It’s smaller than it looks on TV but especially nice at Christmas if you can book then.

My mum, daughter and I went - we adored it - every single bit! Just wonderful.....if you are a Downton fan I highly recommend a visit :)