Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Don't miss
Because of the television series, many visitors to Highclere are already familiar with the
house. And good news for Downton Abbey fans — many of the rooms used in filming the
series are open to visitors.
The Gothic Saloon, with its leather-covered walls, was designed by Thomas Allom in the
1860s. Portraits of King Charles I and Carnarvon ancestors dominate Highclere's State
Dining Room, and the library houses more than 5,000 volumes. Also on the main level
and open for visitors: the Music Room, Drawing Room, and Smoking Room.
One of the most impressive spaces is the ornate great oak staircase designed by Thomas
Allom. A handful of first floor bedrooms can also be toured, but there are more than 40
rooms above that are not in use (and not on the tour).
Visitors to Highclere's downstairs won't find the expected staff rooms; instead, the Carn-
arvons have installed an Egyptian Exhibition here. The family connection to Egypt? The
5
th
Earl of Carnarvon was part of the team that discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in
1922.
Highclere's close-to-the-house gardens are pleasant, but the 1,000 acre surrounding park-
land is a landscap masterpiece by Lancelot "Capability" Brown. Designed for the 1
st
Earl
of Carnarvon, and developed by the 2
nd
Earl, the views are a Highclere highlight.
Film credits
Downton Abbey
(2010 - television series)
The Four Feathers
(2002)
Eyes Wide Shut
(1999)
King Ralph
(1991)
Site specific
Highclere is located in Hampshire, about 20 miles north of Winchester.
Owned/operated by the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon
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