Highclere Castle, near Newbury
Berkshire in Historic Houses UK

Highclere Castle is a magnificent family home, often described as ‘the finest occupied Victorian mansion in England’. Owned by the Carnarvon Family for over 300 years, we hope visitors will discover its treasures throughout the tours of the State rooms as well as exploring the Egyptian Exhibition.

The Castle you see today was designed by Sir Charles Barry. He began in 1842 whilst re-building the Houses of Parliament. Many similarities exist between the styles of the two buildings.

Visitors will recognise many of the rooms, from the dark mahogany, gilded, Library with over 5,650 books, to the Dining Room dominated by Van Dyck’s portrait of Charles I.

The Castle cellars celebrate the achievements of the 5th Earl who, with his colleague Howard Carter, discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922.

Highclere’s gardens have existed since medieval times and Lord and Lady Carnarvon take much pleasure developing the gardens you see today.