The 5th Earl of Carnarvon co-discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922 with Howard Carter.
The Egyptian Exhibition in the castle cellar displays replicas and authentic artifacts related to the 5th Earl's excavations.
The castle library served as the inspiration for the room where Mr. Carson and Lord Grantham discuss estate matters in the series.
The house is constructed from Bath stone, which replaced the original 1793 mansion's exterior.
The grand oak staircase was added during the 19th-century renovations and features a large stained-glass window depicting the Carnarvon coat of arms.
Highclere Castle is a Grade I-listed country house in Hampshire, England, serving as the primary filming location for the television series Downton Abbey. Designed by Charles Barry in the Jacobethan style, the current structure replaced an older Georgian mansion in the mid-19th century. The estate covers 5,000 acres and includes extensive parkland designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. The interior features a grand staircase, a library containing over 5,000 books, and a collection of Egyptian antiquities. The current occupants are the 8th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon. The site is a private home, resulting in strictly limited public access periods during the year. Visitors can access specific ground floor staterooms and the Egyptian Exhibition in the cellar. The castle grounds house the ruins of the medieval church of St Michael and All Angels.
The view of the south-facing facade from the sweeping lawn near the Cedar of Lebanon tree.
Book tickets significantly in advance, as limited-capacity entry slots sell out months before the season opens.
Wear comfortable footwear suitable for walking across uneven gravel paths and grass lawns.
Check the official website for special event dates, as the castle occasionally closes for private functions.
Attempting to visit without a pre-booked ticket or arriving on days when the castle is closed for private hire.
Open primarily during the spring and summer months; closed for the remainder of the year and often closed on specific weekdays.
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the castle staterooms; casual attire is permitted, but avoid large backpacks.
