It would appear to have been used as a burial ground, temple and a calendar. The oldest part of the monument is 5000 years old with the first stones estimated to have been erected about 2500BC. Although in a ruined condition, it is still worth seeing

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

Highclere Castle

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.

We have about 2 hours on our visit to Highclere, and from here to central London is approximately 2 hours.

Highclere Castle Opening 2026

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

January 9, 10, 16, 17, 29 &31

February 3,6,

March 6, 7, 13, 14 & 17

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)