HIGHCLERE CASTLE

We go behind the scenes of the real Downton AbbeyHighclere Castle, in Newbury, on the Berkshire / Hampshire border.

Highclere Castle is set amidst 5,000 acres of spectacular parkland, designed for the 1st Earl of Carnarvon by the famous 18th century landscape gardener “Capability” Brown. There are six 18th century follies framing views from which to admire the landscape. For example, Jackdaw’s Castle on the East lawns provides a charming view to the Castle, the Etruscan Temple is a place in which to sit and admire the trees on Siddown Hill, whilst the Temple of Diana looks over the lake.

The parkland and gardens are framed by a collection of magnificent cedar trees, first imported into this country in the 18th century.

About The Castle

The first written records of the estate date back to 749 when an Anglo-Saxon King granted the estate to the Bishops of Winchester. Bishop William of Wykeham built a beautiful medieval palace and gardens in the park. Later on, the palace was rebuilt as Highclere Place House in 1679 when it was purchased by Sir Robert Sawyer, the direct ancestor of the current Earl of Carnarvon. In 1842, Sir Charles Barry, who also designed the Houses of Parliament, transformed Highclere House into the present day Highclere Castle.

During the First World War, Highclere Castle was converted into a hospital for wounded soldiers run by the 5th Countess of Carnarvon. Throughout the Second World War, Highclere Castle was home to children evacuated from London.

There are between 250 and 300 rooms in the Castle and organised Summer tours mean you can explore the main state rooms so familiar from “Downton Abbey”. You can see some of the bedrooms after which you will follow the stairs down to the cellars and old staff quarters where you will find the Egyptian Exhibition, celebrating the 5th Earl of Carnarvon’s discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun.

It has been a number of years now since the last series of Downton Abbey was broadcast, capturing more than 180 million viewers. You can visit Highclere Castle and relive every single scene, the iconic staircase, the Chateau of Jackdaws (were Lady Edith found herself so often) and the state dining room, where so many of the Dowager Countess’ wonderfully acerbic lines were delivered by the legendary Dame Maggie Smith.

You can take a look behind the scene at Highclere Castle with Lady Carnarvon’s blog, published on the website every Monday together with information on events, tours and talks all planned for the Summer, not to mention tasting Highclere Castle’s famous gin.

Highclere Castle Gin

With over 57 gold and platinum awards, Highclere Castle Gin is becoming one of the most delicious gins in the world from one of the most famous and much loved homes in the entire world. It is of course the spirit you have been looking for! In real and fictional life, guests from the worlds of art, music and technology as well of course royalty have celebrated at many a fine weekend party. After all, what is a weekend without gin? Created in the oldest distillery in England and led from botanicals hand chosen from the castle’s extraordinary gardens. A traditional London Dry Gin produced in an antique copper still which dates back to the 1800s.

The recipe was meticulously developed by Lord and Lady Carnarvon over two years, experimenting with botanicals grown here on the Highclere Estate and was influenced by what is grown in the Orangery as well as the gardens. The taste and style of course begins with juniper at the heart of the gin, to which is added the touch of lavender inspired by the borders in the Monks’ Garden, followed by the citrus notes led by tiny intense oranges and then lime flower.

Highclere Castle, Highclere Park, Newbury RG20 9RN www.highclerecastle.co.uk new and exciting travel company is pleased to offer you a selection of Day Excursions and UK Short Breaks

DAY EXCURSIONS

Picking up from a point near you l Coastal Tours l Theatres l Gardens l Lunch Drives l Christmas Markets l Historic Houses

And many more to choose from

Including our Taxi Service

Scotland - Wales - Southern Ireland

Cotswolds - Norfolk - Yorkshire - Boppard

St Anton - Channel Islands

And many other destinations www.seekerstravel.co.uk Email - info@seekerstravel.co.uk Telephone - 01252 761047

For further details check out the website, email us or telephone our office for a copy of our brochure.