Highclere Castle & Gardens
The Real-Life Filming Location of Downton Abbey
Highclere Park, Highclere, Newbury RG20 9RN
About Highclere Castle & Gardens
Highclere Castle is one of England’s most majestic Victorian country castles, celebrated worldwide as the real-life home of Downton Abbey and the ancestral seat of the Earls of Carnarvon. Designed by Sir Charles Barry (architect of the Houses of Parliament), the castle stands grandly amidst rolling Hampshire countryside. Step inside the iconic Saloon, State Rooms, and Library where Lady Mary and Lord Grantham held court, and explore the extraordinary Egyptian Antiquities exhibition commemorating the 5th Earl of Carnarvon’s discovery of the Tomb of Tutankhamun with Howard Carter in 1922.
Top Highlights to Experience:
💡 Helpful Visitor Tips:
- Castle admission tickets are released in seasonal windows and sell out months in advance.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the woodland trails and Monks' Garden.
- Sunday visitors: Highclere Castle pairs perfectly with a traditional 3-Course British Roast at The Sun Inn.
Why Visit The Sun Inn on Your Trip
Situated 20 minutes south-east via the A34 and M3, The Sun Inn provides the perfect warm, rustic country pub atmosphere to reflect on your castle tour. Whether you are traveling back towards London or the South Coast, our 200-year-old coaching inn welcomes you with hearty portions, crackling log fires, and award-winning culinary mastery.
Chef Recommended Dishes for This Trip
3-Course Traditional Sunday Roast
Hand-carved pink Hampshire beef sirloin, duck-fat roasts, towering Yorkshire pudding & red wine reduction.
Slow-Braised Hampshire Lamb Shank
Served on creamy potato mash with rosemary-infused garden root vegetables.
Sommelier Cellar Red Wine Selection
Carefully curated French and New World reds to complement hearty meats.
Classic Crème Brûlée
Caramelized sugar crust with homemade shortbread biscuits.
🚗 Easy Driving Route from Highclere Castle & Gardens:
From Highclere, take the A34 South towards Winchester/Basingstoke, then join the M3 North to Junction 7. Take the A30 into Dummer. The Sun Inn is situated on Winchester Road.
Reserve Your Table for Highclere Castle & Gardens
Tables fill up fast during weekends and holiday periods. Reserve your table in seconds with instant confirmation.
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Dining at The Sun Inn
A booking deposit may be required on certain days, at some times of year or for larger parties. If a deposit is required, payment by credit or debit card will be requested at the time of booking. The details of any deposit will be clearly shown before any payment is made.
The deposit is non-refundable unless the booking is cancelled more than 24 hours before the booked time.
👥 Larger Groups & Parties
For larger groups and parties, our function area can accommodate up to 110 people, or it can be split into two adjoining rooms so that smaller parties can enjoy an intimate atmosphere.
Explore Other Attractions Near The Sun Inn
Discover more historic castles, living history museums, scenic walks, and local landmarks within 20 minutes of our doors.