Downton Abbey Fans Rejoice! Highclere Castle Opens for Summer

📍 Address: Highclere Castle, Highclere Park, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 9RN 📅 Opening Dates: July 6 - August 28 🚆 Getting There from London (Best Options): 1️⃣ By Train + Taxi • 🚂 From London Paddington, take Great Western Railway (GWR) to Newbury Station (~50min) • 🚖 Then taxi/Uber to the castle (~15min, £15-£20) (No direct buses—taxis are easiest!) 🎟️ Tickets & Pricing: • Castle + Gardens: Adults £28-£35 | Children (5-16) £18-£20 • Egyptian Exhibition (Cellar): Included in ticket • Special Events (e.g., Afternoon Tea): Requires separate booking (£50-£80/person) 🏰 Must-See Highlights: Inside the Castle (Downton Abbey Filming Locations!) • Great Hall: Iconic scene backdrops • Library: Lord Grantham’s favorite haunt • Dining Room: Where dramatic dinners unfolded • Bedrooms: Lady Mary’s & Lady Cora’s chambers 🌹 Gardens & Grounds: • Rose Garden: Picture-perfect blooms • Woodland Walk: Featured in outdoor scenes 👇 Egyptian Exhibition (Cellar) (The Earl of Carnarvon funded Tutankhamun’s tomb excavation—see real artifacts!) 🍽️ Dining Options: • Castle Café: Light bites, scones & tea (£10-£15pp) • Picnic Area: BYO food (not allowed indoors) 📍 Nearby Attractions: • Bampton Village (30min drive): The real "Downton Village" • Oxford (1hr drive): Perfect detour 🚗 Sample 1-Day Itinerary: Morning • 8:30am: Train from Paddington → 9:30am Newbury • 10:00am: Taxi to castle → Tour interiors + gardens Afternoon • 12:30pm: Lunch at café or picnic • 2:00pm: Explore gardens/Egyptian exhibit • 3:30pm: Return to London (or visit Bampton/Oxford) 🎬 A must for Downton devotees! Book early—live like British aristocracy. 🏰☕️ #DowntonAbbey #LondonDayTrips #UKTravel #CastleLife #BritishHistory