Highclere Castle
Newbury · RG20
Amenities
Summary
The Hampshire Victorian Gothic castle synonymous on screen with Downton Abbey, where the exterior and principal interiors have appeared across all six series and three films.
About this location
Highclere Castle is a Victorian Gothic Revival mansion in Hampshire, designed by Sir Charles Barry (who also designed the Houses of Parliament) and completed in the 1840s for the 3rd Earl of Carnarvon. The castle sits within 1,000 acres of parkland and gardens, with the estate also encompassing Egyptian antiquities linked to the 5th Earl of Carnarvon’s role in funding the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922.
The castle’s identification with Downton Abbey is total: ITV’s period drama has used Highclere as the Crawley family seat since series one in 2010, continuing through the feature films of 2019 and 2022, and the third film announced for 2025. The castle also featured in The Missionary (1982) and Infinite (2021). Documentary coverage includes This Morning, Mary Berry’s Country House Secrets, and Tutankhamun with Dan Snow — the last making direct use of the castle’s own Egyptian collection held in the basement.
The ground floor state rooms — including the Saloon, Library, and Red Drawing Room — are available for approved productions. The castle has a dedicated events and filming team. Public opening periods limit production availability to certain windows during the year; filming must be booked well in advance given the high demand generated by the Downton Abbey association.
Access notes
- Parking
- On-site parking available — confirm crew-vehicle capacity with the venue.
- Loading access
- Loading access not listed. Confirm access points, door widths, and lift availability with the venue before the day.
- Public transit
- Newbury has mainline rail and regional bus connections. Check the nearest station and allow for equipment on-foot from transit.
Ask us about this location
Quick question before you enquire upstream? We often know day-rate ranges, permit lead times, or a direct-to-owner shortcut not shown on the source page.
On the map
Newbury — drag to pan, scroll to zoom.
FAQ
- Do I need a permit to film at Highclere Castle?
- Yes — filming on or around Highclere Castle typically requires a permit. Allow roughly 5–10 working days lead time for most UK councils. Interior shoots on private property may also need owner consent.
- Is parking available at Highclere Castle?
- On-site parking is available at Highclere Castle. Capacity varies — confirm crew-vehicle numbers with the venue before the day.
- How much does it cost to film at Highclere Castle?
- Highclere Castle sits in the ££££ band. Typical UK film-location day rates range from under £200 for simple interior shoots to well over £1,000 for period properties and landmark venues. Confirm with the venue directly.
- What crew size is suitable for Highclere Castle?
- Highclere Castle can accommodate a large crew of 15+ including feature-film unit requirements, trucks, and extras.
- Has anything been filmed at Highclere Castle before?
- Highclere Castle appears on Filmshoot's UK location index because it has a documented track record or strong characteristics for film and photography. Specific production credits aren't displayed unless publicly confirmed by the venue — ask the venue directly or check ScreenSkills and IMDb Locations for verified credits.
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