Here we go!!
This is 4th and final stop on the trip! First was Cogges Farm, them Shilton, them Brampton, and now Newbury.
As we started up the super long driveway the tour bus started playing the theme music from Downton. I admit I may have welled up a bit. This was such a dream coming true.
Then we came around the corner and there it was!!!! I had told everyone, I hoped there were not other buildings and things near the house. I wanted to see the house across the grand lawn.
You know how they do things with the camera, maybe they were taking out some buildings or trees, tour busses, or something else. But, no, it was just as I imagined! A grand lawn and the castle.
I made it!! I am at Downton Abbey!
Fascinator on, time to be regal.
I was so ready for this moment. I had re-watched all the seasons of Downton Abbey and seen all the movies with my parents. We just went to the finale 2 weeks before the trip. I was ready to experience Downton.
And now here we were. All of us ladies so excited to see the castle. We had made it and it was a beautiful day.
It was just as I imagined it.
Here we go.....
I thought this just got us a cup of tea...wait until you see what it got us!!!
I think what I really liked is that with this private tour there was only 50-60 people. It felt very intimate and personal. We broke into 3 or 4 groups of 12-15 people in each group and we toured the house.
It was probably an hour tour around the first floor and some upstairs rooms. Sorry, no photos allowed. I did get to walk down the grand stairs though!!!
And it is interesting to note that the kitchen that we see in Downton Abbey, is NOT downstairs. They film it somewhere else.
I felt like I had the place to myself!
When we came out from the tour we went into one of the other buildings for tea.
I was all prepared to buy afternoon tea. It was going to be around 50 pounds, but I was ready.
In the cafe they handed us a tray of goodies. I asked how much. I was told it part of the private tour. This incredible lunch was part of the tour?! I was so excited!
I sat down and I had NO idea the castle was right behind me! How funny is that? My friend who was taking the picture told me to change seats so she could get the castle in the photo...I said where is the castle, lol!
While we were eating, some people saw Countess Carnarvon walking around. Everyone says how nice she and her husband are.
Who is just beaming? ME! I am at Downton Abbey and it has been wonderful.
Look at all of this!
I am not sure if I am Devonshire or Cornish believer.
Devonshire is clotted cream first then jam
Cornish is jam on the scone and then clotted cream.
I think I lean towards being a Devonshire believer.
But it looks like the staff here is a Cornish follower.
This might have been one of my favorite afternoon teas!!!!
4 sandwiches, soup, mini quiche, creme Brulé, scone with clotted cream and jam, cake, and chocolate pudding. It was so yummy!
We also were given a free, signed copy of Countess Carnarvon's new book.
Black tea, white.
I was kind of wound up. It was so fun being here.
We then went to the gift shop.
I bought some loose leaf tea and an ornament for less than 15 pounds.
Lady Carnarvon's Tea- A rich strong traditional blend of the finest quality teas from Assam and Kenya in an especially designed container. £ 3.95
As we were leaving, we came back around the front of the house and I could not believe that no one was there. Just this grand house sitting there.
The trees were really unique and fun too. I wanted to climb some of them.
Good bye Highclere! Until we meet again.
This was a fantastic day. It lived up to all my expectations! A highlight of the entire trip for sure.
I'd love to take you there too. We did source this private tour out with a local tour group and they were fantastic! There are only certain times you can tour Highclere. I basically planned this tea trip around being sure we could visit and have tea here.
We were back to the hotel by around 6pm and just enough time for another adventure....
Feel free to contact me to lead you or your group in England.
I have a book you can order for the 7-day tour as well.
Why plan your trip to England, when it can be done by experts for you!
Let us make all the plans, remove all the guess work, book all the appointments, reserve all the rooms, confirm everything for you, and guide you seamlessly around England while enjoying tea and giving you free time to do your own exploration.
We’ve already done the hard leg work and recommend these fun tea adventures and ask you to try a new one with us- the River Thames Afternoon Tea cruise.
The days for each activity may change, but this is the itinerary we have planned.
This is a day by day journal of your tea trip to England. See exactly what is planned for each day and journal as you go. Keep track of key memories.
Enjoy afternoon tea on Brigit's Tea Bus, a river cruise down the Thames, at Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey), in Bath at the Jane Austen Regency Center, at Kensington Palace, and at Fortnum and Mason.
We’ve already done the hard leg work and recommend these fun tea adventures and ask you to try a new one with us- the River Thames Afternoon Tea cruise.
The days for each activity may change, but this is the itinerary we have planned.
This is a day by day journal of your tea trip to England. See exactly what is planned for each day and journal as you go. Keep track of key memories.
Enjoy afternoon tea on Brigit's Tea Bus, a river cruise down the Thames, at Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey), in Bath at the Jane Austen Regency Center, at Kensington Palace, and at Fortnum and Mason.
1 Peter 4:10-11, ESV
1 Peter 4:10-11, ESV
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.