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Highclere Castle and Gardens
Basingstoke and Deane
Type:Castles & Stately Homes
Highclere, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 9RN
Tel: 01635 253210
Basingstoke and Deane
Tel: 01635 253210
Highclere Castle has been home to the Carnarvon family since 1679. Built on an ancient site, the original house was recorded in the Domesday Book.
The present day Castle was designed in 1842 by Sir Charles Barry, the architect also responsible for building the Houses of Parliament in Westminster. The Castle’s history also includes a fascinating connection with ancient Egypt, as the 5th Earl, with Howard Carter, discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings in 1922. The Castle now houses an exhibition that commemorates this historic event, including some rare antiquities from the 5th Earl's earlier Egyptian excavations.
In more recent history, Highclere Castle has become the location of Downton Abbey. The hugely successful drama series has over 11 million viewers in the UK and is now shown in over 100 countries around the world. From the pen of Oscar-winning ('Gosford Park') screenwriter Lord Fellowes, it has an all-star cast led by Dame Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Jim Carter, Elizabeth McGovern, Penelope Wilton and many other leading actors and actresses.
We are delighted to welcome many visitors each year to view the Castle, the Egyptian Exhibition and the surrounding Grounds and Gardens. This unique setting is also available for private events, corporate events and film locations. We welcome individual enquiries regarding weddings, parties and other celebrations.
Find out more about Berkshire or see other attractions and places to visit in the county.
See here for more Castle/Forts in the South East.
VIA A34
The exit off the A34 is signed Tothill and Burghclere and there is also a brown and white tourist board sign clearly showing Highclere Castle on the A34. The slip road off the A34 leads to a roundabout and from there on just follow the clearly marked brown and white Highclere Castle signs into the Estate.
VIA M4
Take the M4 West Exit at Junction 13. Take the A34 Newbury Bypass signposted Winchester/Southampton. Highclere Castle is about 4 miles South. The exit off the A34 is signed Tothill and Burghclere and there is also a brown and white tourist board sign clearly showing Highclere Castle on the A34. The slip road off the A34 leads to a roundabout and from there on just follow the clearly marked brown and white Highclere Castle signs into the Estate.
VIA M3
Leave the M3 Motorway at Junction 8 and proceed on the A303 towards Andover. Take the A34 North to Whitchurch and Newbury. On approach to Beacon Hill, signposted Burghclere and Whitway, follow the brown and white tourist board sign to Highclere Castle to the left. You will approach a small T-junction, bear right following the sign to Highclere Castle. Turn left at the next T-junction and proceed up the hill. The next turning on the left is the main entrance to Highclere Castle
There is a good train service from London Paddington to Newbury. Taxis are usually to be found at Newbury Station to reach Highclere Castle. Alternatively, National Express Coaches also leave London Victoria for Newbury on a regular basis.
There are no public transport links directly to or from Highclere Castle.
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