Set in 1000 acres of parkland, Highclere Castle is home to the 8th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon. The present stately home was built in 19th Century by Charles Barry (architect of the Houses of Parliament in London). Highclere has been home to the Carnarvon family since 1679. It was the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, with Howard Carter, that discovered the tomb of the Egyptian boy pharaoh, Tutankhamen in 1922. There is a small Egyptology exhibition within the house. The magnificent stately home is more famous as the Earl of Grantham’s home, Downton Abbey.

Allow for 2 hours at Highclere and it is approximately 1 hour to Windsor. En-route we lunch in a delightful country pub.

One of the three official residences of the Monarch, Windsor Castle is the largest occupied castle in the world. Building began in the late 11th Century and almost every monarch since has left their mark on the castle and grounds.

Inside the castle you will visit the ‘State Apartments’ which are the rooms traditionally used by the monarchs. There are displays of art including works by Rubens and Van Dyke and many examples of antique furnishings. Some rooms are still used including St Georges Hall, where State Banquets for up to 160 guests are held. You can also visit 16th Century St Georges Chapel, first and foremost a working chapel, it is also a venue for royal weddings and the final resting place of many Monarchs. Note that there will be occasions during the year when the Castle or parts of it are closed to the public. In particular St Georges Chapel is closed on Sundays. Windsor Castle is closed on Tuesdays & Wednesdays.

From Windsor Castle it is about 45 minutes back into central London.

Highclere Castle Opening 2026

Special Guided Tours (refer to Highclere Website for more details).

April 23

May 8th – 14th

June 2,9, 16, 17, 18, 20, 23, 24, 25

July 3

September 12, 13, 17, 22, 25, 29

October 6, 13, 14, 17, 18, 29.

November 5

General opening

April 4th – 8th and  12th – 16th

May 1st – 5th  and 24th – 28th

JULY 12th – SEPTEMBER 3rd (BUT CLOSED ON FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS)