The 5,000-acre (2,000 ha) estate is in Highclere in Hampshire, England , about 5 miles (8 km) south of Newbury, Berkshire, and 9.5 miles (15 km) north of Andover, Hampshire. It is the country seat of the Earls of Carnarvon, a branch of the Anglo-Welsh Herbert family.
Where is Highclere Castle in relation to London?
Highclere Castle is situated about 45 miles (72km) west of central London . The nearest large town of any consequence is called Newbury which is connected to London by train. Highclere Castle is only open for between 60 and 70 days each year.
Was Downton Abbey actually filmed at Highclere Castle?
The first Downton Abbey television series was filmed in 2010 at Highclere Castle , home to the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon.
How much does Downton Abbey pay to use Highclere Castle?
In 2013, the New York Times wrote that it costs $1.5 million a year to run Highclere Castle. The Countess has done everything she can to make sure the estate continues to rake in that amount. With the help of Downton, they’re on a steady course for being financially stable for years to come.
Is Highclere Castle in Berkshire or Hampshire?
Despite the hype – Highclere Castle is actually located in Hampshire although the postcode is a Newbury postcode in next door county Berkshire. The Castle is not in Royal Berkshire as it pretends to be...which caused some American friends of mine a lot of confusion.
Is Highclere Castle a National Trust property?
Many a threatened house ended up in National Trust care, including Knole, and Basildon Park – home to some of Downton’s interior sets. Highclere Castle, the “real” Downton Abbey, is still in private hands, but open to the public in summer.
How much does it cost to get married at Downton Abbey?
The castle does allow weddings, and prices to hire parts of the castle alone, begin at about $23,000 for one night . Couples can marry in the Saloon, with the bride descending the sweeping oak staircase featured on the series. That room can hold about 120 guests, but the dining room can accommodate up to 400 people.
Do families still live like Downton Abbey?
Hughes and the rest of the staff at Downton Abbey still exist today. Many of the great houses of England prevail (though they are as likely to be occupied by international billionaires with superyachts as they are by aristocrats).
Does Highclere Castle still have servants?
The Staff. While the programme’s staff appears to be quite small, the real life Highclere staff numbers some 60 to 150 persons . This includes gardeners, household staff, tour guides, electricians, carpenters, etc.
Is Highclere Castle air conditioned?
The Airbnb listing promises “the opportunity to explore iconic rooms you know so well from Downton Abbey, such as the Drawing Room and the Library”. However, Wi-Fi, air conditioning and television are not available .
How much is Highclere Castle worth?
The estate that the Crawley clan calls home is the real-life Highclere Castle, and is estimated to be worth $400 million , according to Movoto LLC.
Is there a real Downton Abbey?
Highclere Castle is most recognizable to the world as the real life location of the TV show—and much anticipated movie, out September 20—Downton Abbey.
Did Downton Abbey have toilets?
So the lavatories of even the really grand country houses were as nasty and as uncomfortable as was humanly possibly. Non-absorbant toilet tissue was available , but you were just as likely to get torn up bits of newspaper. Yes, even for the bottom of the Dowager Duchess of Grantham.
Who lives in Highclere Castle now?
The current (8th) Earl of Carnarvon lives in Highclere Castle with the Countess, his wife, during the winter months. They return to their cottage during the summer when the castle is open to the public and tours are going on.
Is the Crawley family a real family?
Are the Crawleys of Downton Abbey a real family? The fictional Crawleys are based on the Earls and Countesses of Carnarvon , who still reside at Highclere Castle, where the series is filmed (though the fictional Downton Abbey is in Yorkshire, rather than Hampshire, where Highclere is).
Is Highclere Castle in the Cotswolds?
Enjoy a full-day trip through the scenic Cotswolds, visiting charming Cogges Manor Farm, Downton village, and Downton Abbey, or Highclere Castle .
Who is the current Lady Carnarvon?
A former auditor for Coopers & Lybrand, Lady Fiona Carnarvon is the wife of George Herbert, 8th Earl of Carnarvon. Today, she manages affairs at Highclere Castle , the grand country house that worldwide television audiences recognize as Downton Abbey.
How much would it cost to run Downton Abbey?
According to a 2013 New York Times article, the castle alone costs $1.5 million to run every year, and that doesn’t include any major renovations or repairs. Today, besides the family-branded gin and cigars, Lord and Lady Carnavon’s most important business is hospitality on the Highclere estate itself.
Is there a cafe at Highclere Castle?
Tearooms and Cafes
(Vegetarian and non-vegetarian) . We also offer a wide variety of coffees, tea and soft drinks as well as a cocktail bar for memorable Highclere Castle Gin cocktails, wines and champagne. We have installed bespoke perspex screens and we would ask you to please pay by card if possible.
Is Highclere Castle open today?
Highclere Castle is open every day from 8th April until 22 April 2022 as well as on selected dates in May 2022. Our Highclere Castle tour will take you to the castle and nearby Downton Abbey sites.
What is the real name of Downton Abbey?
Highclere Castle , stately home in Hampshire, England, owned by the earls of Carnarvon. The castle has more than 200 rooms and stands on a tract of about 1,060 acres (430 hectares). It gained fame as the setting for the television series Downton Abbey (2010–15).
How many bedrooms does Downton Abbey have?
Many of the bedrooms have been used for filming Downton Abbey, most famously the room where Lord and Lady Grantham sleep. Visitors at the castle are able to take a tour around 12 of the bedrooms, but in total there are around 40 to 50 .
Where is the most beautiful place to get married?
- Tenerife, Spain. El Duque Beach on Tenerife. ...
- Crete, Greece. Beachside village on Crete. ...
- Montezuma, Costa Rica. Deserted Montezuma beach. ...
- Koh Samui, Thailand. ...
- Tuscany, Italy. ...
- Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. ...
- Kapalua, Maui, United States. ...
- Los Cabos, Mexico.
Can you stay overnight at Downton Abbey?
Highclere Castle – the home of Downton Abbey – is now available for a once-in-a-lifetime stay available only on Airbnb .
Why is a footman called a footman?
The term footman originally applied to servants who ran alongside their masters who were on horseback – servants who were literally on foot. This practice changed over time as these servants were required to run before the master’s carriage.
What kind of tea do they drink on Downton Abbey?
Earl Grey black tea has become one of the most enjoyed flavored teas in the world. This classic traditional British tea with bergamot orange oil has been paired with exotic vanilla for an intriguing finish. Enjoy this robust tea with or without milk and sugar or even over ice. Perfect for high tea or any time of day.
When did ladies maids stop?
Such loyalty and long-standing employment between a lady’s maid and the lady of the house was common. The early 20th century started to see a decline in the use of a lady’s maid though the contrast of the lives of the staff and family on these estates still intrigues.
