Highclere Castle, the real-life Downton Abbey, is only six miles from Newbury town centre and is high up on the list of must-see attractions when you visit Newbury.

The estate at Highclere has a long and fascinating history, with written records dating back as far as 749. Recent history includes the castle being converted into a hospital for wounded soldiers during the First World War, and becoming a home to evacuated children from London during the Second World War.

Book a tour of Highclere Castle and its spectacular gardens and you’ll be able to explore the main state rooms recognisable from Downton Abbey. You’ll also be able to enjoy the Egyptian Exhibition in the old staff quarters, which celebrates the 5th Earl of Carnarvon’s discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun.

The gardens, first developed in the 13th century, are a sight to behold, along with the 1,000 acres of stunning parkland surrounding the castle.

The castle hosts tours at different points throughout the year, typically during the Easter and Summer holiday seasons, alongside a number of themed seasonal tours and activities. Tickets are available to purchase in advance and can be found on the Highclere Castle website. There are also a number of annual events which take place at Highclere Castle, including the one-of-a-kind open air Battle Proms.