Highclere Castle: Day Trips and Tours from London

On a Highclere Castle day trip from London, you’ll learn about the castle’s compelling history and get the chance to explore the magnificent castle grounds.

The castle is most famous for being the filming location for the TV series “Downton Abbey”, which has been enjoyed by millions of viewers around the world.

Here's everything you need to know about visiting the famous Highclere Castle, one of the most enchanting destinations for day trips from London.

How to get to Highclere Castle from London

Highclere Castle is situated in Hampshire county and is roughly 120 kilometers west of London.

• By train: There are no direct train services from London to Highclere Castle, but you can take a train to Newbury or Whitchurch and complete the journey by taxi. The entire journey should take roughly 2 to 2.5 hours.
• By car: Drive in a westerly direction on the M4 and take the A34 exit to Oxford. Continue until you reach Highclere Castle. The trip should take about 2 hours.
• Guided tour: There are several guided tours from London to Highclere Castle. In a private shuttle, you’ll be driven from London to Highclere Castle, enjoying the scenery of the English countryside along the way.

Prices of Highclere Castle Tickets

Castle and gardens

• Adults: £22.50
• Children (4 years to 16 years): £14
• Students, visitors with disabilities & seniors (60+): £21

Castle, gardens and exhibitions

• Adults: £29
• Children (4 years to 16 years): £16
• Students, visitors with disabilities & seniors (60+): £26.50

Indicative itinerary of day tours to Highclere Castle from London

Day trips from London begin with a drive to Hampshire county and Highclere Castle, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the English countryside.

When you reach the castle, your guide will show you around and inform you about its fascinating history. You will also gain insights into the filming of “Downton Abbey” and see where iconic scenes were shot. There’ll be time for you to roam the castle gardens, ask questions and take photographs.

Many day tours from London to Highclere Castle include stops at the village Bampton, where many scenes of the TV series were shot, as well as Oxford or Stonehenge.

Types of tours to Highclere Castle

Guided tours to Highclere Castle from London

Guided tours provide you with an easy and affordable way to visit Highclere Castle from London. A private minivan will take you and the small tour group from London to Highclere castle.

A professional guide will provide you with fascinating information about the castle and surrounding areas. At the castle, you’ll get to explore the castle’s many rooms, as well as its stunning gardens.

Our pick: Small Group Downton Abbey Tour

• Includes: Roundtrip transfers, professional guide, entry to Highclere Castle and Cogges Manor Farm, guided tour of Bampton
• Price: £199
• Duration: 11 hours

Shuttle transfer without guide to Highclere Castle from London

Enjoy a stress-free journey from London to Highclere Castle with a private shuttle service. You’ll be picked up from your hotel by your driver and taken to Highclere Castle, where your driver will wait in the vehicle for up to 3.5 hours while you enjoy everything the castle has to offer.

Our pick: Private Roundtrip Transfer to Highclere Castle

• Includes: Private roundtrip transfers from London or Heathrow, optional visit to Bampton
• Price: From £499 (group of 4) to £990 (group of 8)
• Waiting time: 3.5 hours at Highclere Castle and 1.5 hours at Bampton.

Private tour to Highclere Castle plus Stonehenge from London

Tick off two major attractions in a single day, with a private tour from London to Highclere Castle and Stonehenge! These tours include hotel pickups, tickets to the attractions you visit and a professional driver/guide to customize your trip for you and your group.

Our pick: Private Stonehenge and Highclere Castle Tour

• Includes: Roundtrip private transfers, multilingual guide, tickets for Stonehenge and Highclere Castle
• Price: From £385 each, depending on group size
• Duration: 9 hours

Day tour to Highclere Castle plus Oxford from London

When you choose a Highclere Castle day tour that includes Oxford in its itinerary, you’ll get the opportunity to explore the University of Oxford. Before or after visiting the castle, you’ll enjoy a walking tour of Oxford and learn about the town’s history.

Our pick: Downton Abbey and Oxford Tour

• Includes: Roundtrip coach transfers, professional guide, Oxford walking tour, Highclere Castle tickets, copy of Lady Carnarvon's autobiography
• Price: £165 for adults, £162 for seniors (60+) and £155 for children (3-15)
• Duration: 10 hours

Prices of tours to Highclere Castle from London

Guided tours from London to Highclere Castle cost £160 to £200 per person, while day tours that include Oxford and Bampton cost around £165 per person.

Shuttle transfers cost around €490 for a return transfer for up to four people, but the price does not include entrance tickets.

Private group tours to Highclere Castle and Stonehenge cost around £1,000 for groups of up to three people.

What to see and do at Highclere Castle

A Highclere Castle tour is a bucket-list item for any “Downton Abbey” TV series fan, as you’ll get to see where many iconic scenes were shot and learn more about the filming process.

Originally built in 1679 and redesigned in 1842, Highclere Castle has a rich and fascinating history. The castle famously features between 250 and 300 rooms.

The castle gardens are well-maintained and provide magnificent views. They stretch out over 40 hectares and include a wildflower meadow, a healing herb garden and a rose arbor.

From time to time, Highclere Castle hosts various exhibitions. If you want to view these exhibitions, you may have to pay an additional fee.

Highclere Castle visiting periods

Highclere Castle is open on selected dates throughout the year, typically during the spring, summer, and for special events. Due to its popularity and limited periods of access to the public, it is important to secure your tickets ahead of time.

Highchair Castle opening times

The castle grounds, tearooms and gift shop are open between 9:30 AM and 5 PM. There are three admission slots for the castle:

• 10 AM to 12:30 PM
• 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
• 2:30 PM to 3:45 PM

The last admissions take place at 3:45 PM.

Accessibility at Highclere Castle

Highclere Castle provides disabled access to most areas, however there is no lift to access the first floor. Additionally, the use of motorized wheelchairs is only allowed outdoors. Manual wheelchairs are available for use by disabled visitors, however it is advised to book one in advance.

Best time to visit Highclere Castle

The most popular months to visit the castle are during July and August when the weather in Highclere is mildest. The castle is usually fully booked throughout its open months, so you can expect it to be busy whenever you choose to visit.

Travel tips

• Make sure to book your Highclere Castle day trip in advance, as the castle is a popular tourist destination.
• Strollers are not permitted in the castle and must be left at the entrance hall.
• Bring some spending money for the tearooms. Most day trips do not include any meals or drinks.
• Photography is not permitted inside the castle, but you’re allowed to take photos in the gardens.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.