Tuesday 7th May 2024. Only £49.00pp including return coach and ferry travel, admission to castle and gardens
About the Castle
The first written records of the estate date back to 749 when an Anglo-Saxon King granted the estate to the Bishops of Winchester. Bishop William of Wykeham built a beautiful medieval palace and gardens in the park. Later on, the palace was rebuilt as Highclere Place House in 1679 when it was purchased by Sir Robert Sawyer, the direct ancestor of the current Earl of Carnarvon. In 1842, Sir Charles Barry, who also designed the Houses of Parliament, transformed Highclere House into the present day Highclere Castle. During the First World War, Highclere Castle was converted into a hospital for wounded soldiers run by the 5th Countess of Carnarvon. Throughout the Second World War, Highclere Castle was home to children evacuated from London. There are between 250 and 300 rooms in the Castle and during your tour you will explore the main state rooms so familiar from “Downton Abbey”.
Highclere’s Gardens
Records show the gardens were first developed here during the 13th century. Today you are welcome to explore the original Monks’ Garden, the White Border, the Wood of Goodwill, the Rose Arbour, the Wild Flower Meadow and, nearer the house, the Healing Herb Garden.
Highclere’s Parkland
Highclere Castle is set amidst 1,000 acres of spectacular parkland, designed for the 1st Earl of Carnarvon by the famous 18th century landscape gardener “Capability” Brown. There are six 18th century follies framing views from which to admire the landscape. For example, Jackdaw’s Castle on the East lawns provides a charming view to the Castle, the Etruscan Temple is a place in which to sit and admire the trees on Siddown Hill, whilst the Temple of Diana looks over the lake. The parkland and gardens are framed by a collection of magnificent cedar trees, first imported into this country in the 18th century.
For more information, call Opal Travel Group on 01983 404381 or visit it us at our travel shop at 29 High Street, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 8DE