Highclere Castle

Highclere Castle is a beautiful building and a warm, welcoming home to visitors and guests at events and celebrations held here.

Apart from exploring the Castle, the Egyptian Exhibition fascinates adults and children, whilst the surrounding Grounds and Gardens provide peace and tranquillity. We hope that the photographs, videos and information on our website inspire you to read the books about the real people here, their lives, loves and challenges they faced.

When you visit, you will recognise many rooms from Downton Abbey. You will see the Drawing Room in which Maggie Smith delivered many a withering comment to some unfortunate relation. In addition you can also find Tutankhamun in the cellars.

We are open for between 60 and 70 days a year to public visitors, but create many special tours, charity events as well as holding events such as concerts and country fairs in the park.

Highclere Castle is the home of the 8th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon. We love Highclere Castle and look forward to welcoming you to it.

Education & School Visits

In 1922 the 5th Earl of Carnarvon and Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun. Over 5,000 objects, works of art and everyday items were found in the tomb, providing an extraordinary insight into the Ancient Egyptian civilisation.

Educational visits may be arranged to view some of the artefacts from that discovery outside of normal public opening, subject to availability.

The Egyptian Exhibition in the cellars at Highclere Castle provides two different experiences:

1.  A collection of Egyptian antiquities from over 4,000 years ago to the Ptolemaic period, including a beautiful coffin and information on hieroglyphs.

2.  The path to the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb and a recreation of the treasures uncovered there by the 5th Earl and Howard Carter.

The present Earl and Countess offer the opportunity for Primary Schools to visit the Exhibition as part of their study of Ancient Egypt under the National curriculum.

The Exhibition is available to schools groups; Monday to Friday in term time subject to availability.

Option ONE

This option takes approximately 2 hours 15 minutes including lunch.

On any one visit, the maximum number of children for Option ONE is 45.

On arrival the children are divided into 2, or 3 smaller groups depending upon the numbers. It is in the interest of the children that we keep these smaller groups to around 15 as neither the Exhibition nor the “hands on room” room can accommodate large numbers. Each group, accompanied by an experienced guide, visits in turn (for approximately 35 minutes at each venue) the following:

1. The Egyptian antiquities room - a comprehensive exhibition with exhibits over 3,500 years old.

2. A walk around the exterior of the house and to the SecretGarden (weather permitting). If it is raining we show a 30 minute DVD about the finding of the tomb of Tutankhamun.

3. The "Hands On" room where children may dress up in replica Egyptian costume and jewellery, handle replica artefacts, draw, do stencils, read, build a pyramid, make a cartouche with their name in hieroglyphs etc.

Option TWO:

This option takes approximately 3 hours including lunch.

The maximum number for Option TWO is 60 children.

In addition to the schedule of Option A, the children continue from the Antiquities Room on the path to discovery which culminates in a recreation of the treasures found by Lord Carnarvon and Howard Carter.

Lunch

For schools wishing to eat a packed lunch during their visit we are usually able to provide a room. During the summer months there is a picnic area.

Souvenirs

Small souvenirs can be bought at the end of the tour if requested when booking

Accompanying adults

We welcome, free of charge, accompanying adults: Normally: 1 adult – 10 children .

We also welcome, free of charge, additional adults to accompany children requiring 1-2-1 support; these adults should be listed on the booking form.

**Any additional adults above this number must be by prior agreement and will be charged at the same rate as the children.

Booking

Contact Margery Goldsmith:

01635 253210; [email protected]  

Risk Assessments

Highclere Castle provides its own risk assessment for school visits.

Pre-visit

​Teachers who have not been before may arrange a preliminary visit.