Visit the real Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle, the family home of the Earl and Countess of Caernarvon with expert guide and Hampshire Ambassador, Phil Howe of Hidden Britain Tours. Just 45 minutes from London Waterloo, traveling through some of England’s most attractive countryside as you go.
Arrival Day
Arrive at Audleys Wood Hotel to check in to your luxury bedroom and relax and prepare for a full day. Head to the bar for drinks at leisure and move through to dinner in the Conservatory restaurant or The Simonds Room dependant on your reservations where you will enjoy a wonderful meal. Retire and enjoy a relaxing nights sleep.
Next Day
Awake at your leisure and enjoy our signature cooked breakfast and prepare yourself for departure at 11.00am with Phil, an expert guide, who has a passion and talent for explanation developed during his earlier career as a Senior Lecturer.
On the journey to Highclere Castle we drive through some of Hampshire’s finest scenery, taking the back roads to pass through the classic small village of Kingsclere with its peculiar legacy on top of the church. A short detour may be made to the top of Watership Down, where we can look down on the landscape that inspired Richard Adams to write the book of the same name which was subsequently filmed.
As we leave Kingsclere we keep Watership Down on our left as we take the country lanes to Old Burghclere where we can trace some of the fascinating Caernarvon family history in a beautiful village church. By the time you arrive at Highclere Castle, the location where the series was filmed, Phil will have explained the context of the English Country house and the dilemmas they face, themes all echoed in Julian Fellowes popular ITV series, “Downton Abbey”.
In the light of the success of Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle is a popular destination and only open at certain times of the year. Expert guides in every room help you understand this unique property, and you visit the staterooms as well as below stairs.(High Clere is not private for the tour, just the tour leading to the main house.)
Phil then drives you back towards Audleys Wood with a slight detour to visit the National Trust’s Sandham Memorial Chapel, painted by Sir Stanley Spencer which depicts his experience of war during WW1, again echoing a theme of the later series of Downton Abbey.
You may decide to head home to enjoy your complimentary Downton Abbey Box Set or stay for an additional night and enjoy The Simonds Room Restaurant and watch your box set on the inroom DVD player.
To check High Clere Opening times for availability please click here
What's included for £199 per person (based on 2 sharing a classic room, small groups of up to 6 people can be catered for):
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1 night bed & breakfast
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Private transport and tour guide to Highclere Castle,
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Entry to the High Clere Castle, Grounds and Egyption Exhibition
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Downton Abbey box set
Add on an additional night bed & breakfast with a meal in our award winning The Simonds Room for £95 per person.
Room Upgrades from only £5 per person
To book please call Sam Cross on 01256 817555
Or email us if you require more information
Terms & conditions
Reservations must be made in advance and booked directly with Audleys Wood Hotel. Spaces are extremely limited so spaces will be on a first come first served basis. Tour is subject to change.
Payment
Full pre payment required at the time of booking
Non-refundable if cancelled outside of cancellation terms of 2 weeks
15% handling fee will be incured if cancelled prior to 2 weeks cancellation terms.
What to bring - Cameras, sensible shoes, please dress appropriately for English weather conditions.
Prices - Prices are as at 1st January 2012 and are subject to change. They do not include any entrance fees.
Client Responsibilities
Clients are carried at the driver's discretion. If there are any medical issues that the driver should need to know about, please tell him in confidence. Hidden Britain Tours carries public liability insurance but cannot be liable for loss or damage to personal effects caused by client negligence. Personal Insurance is the responsibility of the client.
Changes to Tours and Routes
Hidden Britain Tours Ltd reserve the right to change routes or itineraries contingent upon weather and unexpected or unforeseen events, force majeure, etc. Some attractions are not open to the public all year or on all days. Please check specific venues. Tours operate on a demand basis, and Hidden Britain Tours Ltd may withdraw a tour if there is insufficient demand. In such instances any money paid will then be refunded. Hidden Britain Tours Ltd is subject to current UK consumer legislation.
Central Reservations