The first written records of the estate date back to 749 AD 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, in 1679, the palace was rebuilt as Highclere Place House 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. Then, in the Second World War, Highclere Castle was home to children evacuated from London.There are between 250 and 300 rooms in the Castle Saloon and during your tour you will explore the main state rooms so familiar from “Downtown Abbey”.Records show the gardens were first developed here during the 13th century. Today you are welcome to explore the original Monk’s Garden, the Secret Garden, the White Border, the Wood of Goodwill, the Rose Arbour, the Wild Flower Meadow and, nearer the Castle, the Healing Herb garden.
The 2025 BIRMINGHAM INTERNATIONAL TATTOO
SUNDAY 9TH FEBRUARY 2025 FOR £92.50pp. Includes: Return coach and ferry travel. Seated ticket for afternoon performance.
The Birmingham International Tattoo is Britain’s biggest indoor tattoo (a type of military type tournament) featuring marching bands, pipes & drums, field gun racing, dog racing and culminating in a spectacular Grand Finale. Whether you prefer the Massed Marching Bands, the exciting displays or the splendour of the spectacular Grand Finale ( Click picture to read more )