Highclere Castle has been home to the Carnarvon family since 1679. Built on an ancient site, the original house was recorded in the Domesday Book.

They are delighted to now be able to welcome visitors inside the castle for a variety of tours, the details of which can be found on the events page and they do ask you to pre book.

There are however walk up tickets at 9am only Sunday to Thursday until September 5th .

Highclere Castle, Newbury RG20 9RN
Tel: 01635 253210 Fax: 01635 255315

Highclere Castle Gardens

Records show the gardens were first developed here during the 13^th century.

Today you are welcome to explore the original Monks’ Garden, the White Border, the Wood of Goodwill, the Rose Arbour, the Wild Flower Meadow and, nearer the house, the Healing Herb Garden.

Highclere Castle is set amidst 1,000 acres of spectacular parkland, designed for the 1st Earl of Carnarvon by the famous 18th century landscape gardener “Capability” Brown.

There are six 18th century follies framing views from which to admire the landscape.

For example, Jackdaw’s Castle on the East lawns provides a charming view to the Castle, the Etruscan Temple is a place in which to sit and admire the trees on Siddown Hill, whilst the Temple of Diana looks over the lake. 

The parkland and gardens are framed by a collection of magnificent cedar trees, first imported into this country in the 18th century.

The Tearooms are open from 9:30am during public opening times for morning cappuccinos, teas and croissants made in the Castle kitchens.

Throughout the day, the Tea Rooms and Cafes offer a delicious selection of sandwiches, salads, wraps, cakes and scones.

Hot takeaway food (from paninis to pasties, baguettes with local sausages) can be enjoyed in the middle of every day. Highclere’s Citroen van is  parked on the Castle lawns offering ice creams and smoothies, whilst Luis’ Cocktail bar offers Highclere Castle Gin cocktails, Pimms.

Champagne and wine are available as well. 

Please note that their menus may be subject to change. Highclere Castle is a responsible food provider which complies with the new Food Allergen labelling laws which were introduced in December 2014.

Please note that they do not offer a Vegan menu, nor can they guarantee that their products are DAIRY FREE or NUT FREE.

If you have any dietary concerns please speak to a member of staff.

They kindly ask that if you bring a picnic with you, to enjoy it by your car and to be responsible to take away all litter with you. 

The Castle Gift Shop is also open from 9.30am and offers a wide selection of gifts including stationery, bath products, chocolates, tea and biscuits, china mugs, books and souvenirs.

You can also order online from the Castle Gift Shop here. You will find plant stalls both at the car park and by the tearooms, do browse the plant pots and garden ornaments and we hope you will find a good selection of Highclere’s plants to buy to take home with you.

Highclere Castle is a historic building but disabled access is possible for most areas.

There is no lift, however, they provide photographic albums to enable visitors to look at some of the bedrooms on the first floor.

Wheelchairs are welcome around the Castle and in the Egyptian Exhibition (access to this is via the Courtyard at the back of the Castle).

It is not possible to bring motorised wheelchairs into the Castle but they are welcome on the paths around the lawns.

A limited number of manual wheelchairs are available for use by disabled members of the public within the Castle.

They would advise pre-booking with the Castle Office due to limited supply.

Pushchairs are not permitted in the Castle, but can be left in the front hall, space permitting (at your own risk).

During their Public Open dates in the Spring and Summer, children aged 4 and under are free of charge and do not require a ticket.

Photography is not permitted within the Castle but it is allowed outside for personal use only.

Drones, however, are not permitted anywhere on the Estate.

Due to the Castle being a private family home dogs are not permitted in the Castle, Exhibition or Gardens with the exception of assistance dogs.

Please note that if you wish to bring an assistance dog on site, they respectfully ask you to let them know in advance and to bring the correct livery and any corresponding paperwork.

Dogs are welcome on the public footpaths which run through part of the estate but please do ensure they are kept on a lead at all times due to their grazing livestock.

(Please note when the Castle is open to the public none of the public footpaths are accessible from the car parking area. Any visitors wishing to walk before or after visiting the Castle need to park off of the estate).