Hotels near Highclere Castle,

Highclere can trace its history back the dark ages when the first buildings were recorded on the site. Since then, a variety of different styles of accommodation have been constructed, culminating in the classical Georgian manor that you can see today. The 5,000 acre grounds around the house include a park designed by the renowned Capability Brown. The house was at the centre of political life in Victorian times. Records show that many famous faces and leading figures stayed the night to enjoy parties and food served up by downstairs staff who, no doubt, had their own stories to tell. Just like its fictional counterpart, Highclere was used as a hospital for injured soldiers during World War One, while World War Two saw it become a home for many evacuee children. Of course Highclere is most famous for starring in Downton Abbey but it has also been the set of many other well-known productions. The TV version of Jeeves and Wooster used the house as a location and it also appeared in Michael Palin’s The Missionary and was the ideal setting for a murder mystery in a 2004 Miss Marple episode. The upsurge in visitors due to Downton has actually helped to pay for ongoing improvements and repairs to the House, so if you stop by you’ll be playing your part in maintaining this amazing slice of British history.

Visitors to the house will have the opportunity to explore the grand State Rooms, some of the 12 bedrooms and the impressive staircases. For history buffs, there’s a fascinating Egyptian Exhibition in the cellars, complete with replicas of paintings from Tutankhamun’s tomb, which was discovered by one of Highclere’s previous owners, Lord Carnarvon. You can also explore the acres of outdoor space, which includes gardens, woodland, parkland and the beautiful Follies.

Once you’ve enjoyed your genuine Downton experience then there’s still plenty to do in the surrounding district. Wellington Park offers 350 acres of countryside with brilliant outdoor play opportunities for children. Moors Valley Country Park provides plenty of entertainment, including a steam railway, golf course and cycle trails. Portsmouth is not far away for those who want to explore nautical history or simply smell the sea. Nelson’s flagship HMS Victory can be found here.