Thursday 18th August, 2022 - Highclere Castle

 We left our accomodation in Oxford and drove the 40 mins to Highclere Castle, which is the setting for Downton Abbey, which was much more impressive as the set for Downton Abbey than it is as Highclere Castle.

On arrival John walked around the grounds, which he found most impressive, while I sat and enjoyed a cup of tea and fought off the wasps !!

The estate is over 5000 acres and is a working farm, and there are over 250 rooms.

We then walked around the back of the house to where the stables are,  John was most disappointed that the horses weren't there, and the he couldn't check out the stables.

 John actually spoke to the current Earl of Carnarvon, quite by accident, when he wandered off as usual, and stuck his head through the Estate Office, asking if this was part of  the tour (knowing full well, it wasn't !!).  The Earl replied with a smile saying no, it's not!!

After a visit to the gift shop and scones and cream, it was time for the house tour.

Unfortunately, the taking of photos inside the house was forbidden.

We both enjoyed the tour, mainly because were are fans of Downton Abbey, however, the house itself inside, is somewhat underwhelming, as a Stately Home.

This is one of the follies on the Estate

  After leaving Highclere Castle we drove to our accommodation for the night.     

The White Hart Inn, a beautifully maintained English Country Pub, with separate accommodation, a great place to spend the night.