5 Best Tips For Visiting Highclere Castle

The Downton Abbey TV series by Julian Fellowes is one of my all-time favorites! As soon as the opening credits roll, I get goosebumps.

And when I found out that you can visit Downton Abbey filming locations, I promptly started planning a trip!

This post is all about the 5 best tips for visiting Highclere Castle!

You will find information for getting to Highclere Castle, the best tours to take, the closest airport, and the best restaurants.

As well as some great day trip ideas if you are staying in Newbury, England!

Highclere Castle hosts events for the public every month, including tickets to the Egyptian exhibition.

Don’t just turn up at Highclere Castle. It is required that you have purchased tickets in advance to visit the interior of the castle.

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Can You Visit Highclere Castle Grounds Without a Ticket?

Yes, you can visit the grounds of Highclere Castle without a ticket during specific times when the estate is open to the public for garden and grounds access.

However, entry to the castle itself and certain areas of the estate usually requires a ticket.

It’s essential to check Highclere Castle’s official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on visiting hours, ticket requirements for different parts of the estate, and any special events that might allow for broader access.

Keep in mind that opening times and access policies can vary throughout the year, including special closures or exclusive events.

Tips For Visiting Highclere Castle

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To visit Downton Abbey filming locations you must plan ahead! I recommend you purchase admission tickets for Highclere Castle a couple of months ahead of the event and castle opening.

Highclere Castle Tours: Castle tip #1, purchase Downton Abbey Tour tickets early! Also, don’t wait to book accommodations if you plan to stay near the castle. To purchase a ticket without a guide, you will need to register as a user on the website.

I planned my trip to Downton Abbey about four months in advance of visiting. Tickets to the castle are very inexpensive, and that surprised me.

You can purchase tickets on the Highclere Castle website. Or book an organized tour that includes your entry fee. If you are a Downton Abbey fan, I would book a tour.

Be advised that not every event on the website has admission to the interior of the castle, so you want to read the details carefully.

Highclere Castle Tickets: BOOK DOWNTOWN ABBEY DAY TRIPS

Visiting Highclere Castle at Christmas Time

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With a castle as beautiful as Highclere Castle, any time of year is an excellent time to visit.

Highclere Castle does have Christmas events, so if you are visiting during Christmas, you can expect that extra festive feel and holiday cheer. However, the Highclere estate has beautiful gardens that are less impressive as everything is leafless and bare.

Since Christmas is my favorite holiday, I was pleased to have visited the castle in December even with the cold, damp weather.

Visiting Highclere Castle at Christmas was made special by all the holiday decorations and Gluhwein.

The huge Christmas tree in the main foyer looked just as it did in the holiday episode of Downton Abbey!

Since there is limited availability to visit Highclere Castle, plan to purchase tickets in June or July.

#1. Find A Hotel Near Highclere Castle

Highclere Castle, located in Newbury, and my biggest regret on my trip to Highclere Castle was the accommodation I chose.

It wasn’t that I didn’t like my bed and breakfast, because it was charming. The downfall for me was its location. Transportation in the area was an issue that I hadn’t considered.

If you are renting a car, then you have a lot of choices on where to stay. But, if you are going to rely on taxis or public transport, then read carefully.

There is no Uber in this part of England. I wasn’t expecting that when I arrived at the Newbury Central train station on a rainy day.

Depending on where you are traveling from, you might be challenging the strength of your internet connection. Take it from me, someone who stood in the rain, for 10 minutes without an internet connection.

Save the contact of Cabco Newbury Taxi on your phone ahead of time.

My suggestion for travelers not renting a car is to book accommodations in the center of Newbury.

If you choose a quaint bed and breakfast in the surrounding countryside, you will be spending a lot of money on taxis.

This is why accommodations are so important when visiting Highclere Castle.

Best Hotels Near Highclere Castle in Newbury

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• The Dolphin -This hotel is right in the center of town and is located 5 miles from Highclere Castle. Transportation to Highclere Castle is approximately 25-30 British Pounds. Newbury is a small place, and although there are more places to stay, this is one of the nicer hotels.
• George House Newbury Luxury Apartments– The George House Newbury is located just a few minutes’ walk into town. A lovely and modern one-bedroom apartment that sleeps 3 people. Since this is an apartment you should book in advance! When there are special events, all the hotels near Highclere Castle book up quickly!

Bed & Breakfast’s Close to Highclere Castle

If you are renting a car, then I would choose to stay in one of these lovely B&Bs.

However, if you are traveling solo, you could feel a little isolated.

It was my experience that these B & B’s are filled with couples. I am comfortable enough being the only single person at breakfast, and if you are too, then go for it!

• The Furze Bush Inn -I stayed at this charming bed & breakfast. I would highly recommend this historic inn if you have a car. There are not many or reliable public transportation options in this area. The Furze Bush Inn is located 3 miles from Highclere Castle and 4 miles from Newbury City Center.
• The Carnarvon Arms -The Carnarvon Arms is a lovely country inn located 4.7 miles from the city center of Newbury. It is only 0.8 miles from Highclere Castle! This is an excellent choice in Bed & Breakfast with free private parking, if you have a vehicle. This historic inn has 18 rooms and an onsite restaurant. It is the perfect stop for Downton Abbey fans on their way to Highclere Castle!
• Bel & The Dragon Kingsclere – This superb bed & breakfast is located in Kingsclere, which is 4.8 miles from Highclere Castle and 6.3 miles to Newbury.

#2. Choosing the Airport Closest Airport to Highclere Castle

My recommendation on how to get to Highclere Castle from London is based on flying in particular for this trip.

Flying into London Stansted will give you the best transit option for going to Newbury. Directly from the airport, it will be two trains. You will take the train to the central station in Reading, and then from there a train to Newbury.

The journey in total from the airport to Newbury is approximately 2 hours. With such reasonable transit times and minimal connections, I decided against renting a car.

The choice is yours, renting a car will give you more freedom to explore the incredible English countryside. I will likely get a car when I return to Highclere Castle someday.

The London Airports

How Far is Highclere Castle from London?

From London to Highclere Castle, it is approximately 70 miles (about 112 kilometers). The journey by car typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

If you’re traveling by public transport, the trip can involve taking a train from London Paddington to Newbury, the nearest station to Highclere Castle, followed by a taxi ride to the castle itself, as there isn’t a direct public transport link to the castle’s grounds.

The total public transport journey time can vary but usually takes around 2 to 3 hours, including the train and taxi transfer.

#3. Research Restaurants Near Highclere Castle

Tip number 3 of 5 of the best tips for visiting Highclere Castle is all about the food!

I rank finding good food as my number one concern when traveling. The experience I have on my travels is always enhanced by having a great meal.

If you are a vegan/vegetarian, you will need to pay attention and do some research. The United Kingdom has not been known to have the most vegan or vegetarian options.

It is starting to change, and you will find more plant-based selections. Vegan options in London are becoming more plentiful!

If you go to Highclere Castle looking for food there are some options. They do have a cafeteria both in the basement and outside behind the building.

I found that there were no options for vegans, but a couple of options for vegetarians.

Things like soy milk for tea were not something offered at the time of my visit. My advice is to come prepared with your own vegan snacks in case you get hungry.

If you are planning on afternoon tea at the castle, the website noted that there are no vegan options. I hope this changes in the future.

Vegan options have become more popular around the United Kingdom, so I will be crossing my fingers.

Best Restaurant in Newbury

• Bill’s Bar & Restaurant– Staying in Newbury there are a couple of great restaurants in the city center. Bills Bar had some iconic British foods! Personally, I enjoyed the vegan and vegetarian options they offered. Booking ahead is smart if you are visiting during peak travel times.

#4. Know What To Expect In Highclere Castle

When your special day has finally arrived and it’s time to go to the castle, there are a few things to know!

The visiting hours for the castle tour are within the hours you can visit the property. Predicting the best time to go into the castle is tricky. When I arrived there was no line at all, then 1 hour later there was a line of at least 30 people.

It might come as no surprise, but it is disappointing to hear that no pictures are allowed inside the castle. Exterior shots are permitted, but sadly no interior shots. You must take mental pictures inside this magnificent place.

The tour itself through the first two levels of this castle is speedy. I would say it’s around 15 minutes. It is truly a special moment when you get to walk through the study, drawing room, and some of the bedrooms of your most beloved Downton Abbey characters.

After touring the Downton Abbey filming locations within the castle rooms, you have access to the basement for the Egyptian Exhibition (if you purchased an Egyptian Exhibition ticket).

This Egyptian Exhibition is a collection of the findings of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon. In 1922 he famously discovered the Tomb of the Egyptian Boy Pharaoh, Tutankhamun.

The collection of artifacts is quite impressive. This underground tour of the exhibit is self-guided. The tour ends by walking out to the back of the property, passing by the indoor cafeteria and afternoon tea rooms.

The gift shop, as well as the restrooms, are located in the back courtyard. I enjoyed a lovely cup of tea and strolled around the property before leaving for the day.

#5. Make Time For A Day Trip to Bath

The surrounding countryside near Highclere castle is like straight out of a picture book!

Taking a day trip to Bath was a highlight of my mini-break holiday to the UK. The journey to Bath from Newbury city center was 2 hours by train.

If you visit during Christmas time, you will arrive at a festive and fully decorated city center. The Christmas markets will be in full swing serving up Gluhwein and roasted chestnuts!

Bath has approximately 83,000 inhabitants and is 29km in size. As soon as I arrived in Bath, I went for a walk around to take pictures.

Bath is one of the most idyllic British towns that I have ever visited. Every corner I turned was a picture-worthy opportunity.

Some of the Main Attractions in Bath Are:

• The Roman Baths– A Roman bathhouse, museum, restaurant, and temple.
• Bath Abbey – 7th-century church of England, former monastery Benedictine.
• Thermae Bath Spa – A day spa for bathing in a variety of pools containing mineral-enriched waters.
• The Jane Austen Centre – Museum of Jane Austen’s life & tearooms.

I spent 4 hours walking around and taking pictures, thinking about how much I wanted to return someday and spend more time.

>> BOOK A WALKING DAY TOUR OF BATH

Exploring Newbury

An alternative to taking a day trip on your final day could be walking about Newbury. The village of Newbury is tiny but perfect for strolling around, and maybe having lunch.

Newbury is very quiet and not filled with tourists. You can get a taste of real village life here in Newbury. Without a car, you can walk the small streets and enjoy the quaint feel of this adorable town. I would recommend bringing a book or a camera to fill your time reading or taking pictures. It takes approximately 40 mins to walk all of the city center.

St. Nicolas Church is located in the center of Newbury. This 16th-century church is an example of Gothic-style architecture. It’s situated by the main bridge over the River Kennet.

If you do have a car, you can take a 10-minute drive and visit Donnington Castle. Walking to the castle takes only 35 minutes, and it would be lovely in good weather.

Another idea would be to spend time strolling around Victoria Park. The park is located just across the River Kennet. The park has lovely gardens and gazebos, a perfect spot to read a book.

Best Day Tour to Highclere Castle From London

There are options if you are staying in London and just want to make a day trip to Highclere Castle.

I highly recommend doing a day tour when traveling solo. It is far less stressful than trying to line everything up yourself.

>> Downton Abbey Tours Tickets

Traveling Beyond Highclere Castle

There are so many castles to explore in England you have endless choices.

Wander to the romantic ruins of Tintagel Castle in Cornwall, steeped in Arthurian legend.

Don’t miss exploring the grandeur of Warwick Castle in the heart of England, where medieval history comes to life, or the picturesque Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, which has doubled as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films.

Each castle offers a unique glimpse into the past, promising adventurers a journey through time.

Planning to Stay in England?

Maybe you are looking to visit the 15 Most Beautiful Cotswolds Villages?

>> BOOK A PRIVATE TOUR OF THE COTSWOLDS

Or perhaps you want to visit the north of England? For ideas on how to spend a perfect weekend in Manchester, check out the post. Manchester is located just north of Newbury and is easily reachable by train.

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