Downton abbey tour from london film sets castle grounds and egyptian exhibition admission

Visit the real Downton Abbey on this full-day trip from London to Highclere Castle, with entry to the site’s Egyptian Exhibition included. After exploring the castle, seeing rooms used as filming sets in the period television drama 'Downton Abbey,' head to the exhibition to learn about the castle’s real-life earl who funded the discovery of Tutankhamen’s Tomb in the early 1900s. The Egyptian Exhibition celebrates the earl’s achievements, showcasing Egyptian antiquities that date back more than 3,500 years.

Meet your guide at Marble Arch in London, and head west out of London to the well-heeled county of Hampshire – home to Highclere Castle. Having been lived in by 8th-century bishops, aristocrats and earls, the stately home is now graced by actors and production crews who use it as a set for the ever-popular Downton Abbey TV series.

On arrival at Highclere Castle, head straight inside and tour its public rooms, seeing the magnificent Great Hall and the sitting room. Follow in the footsteps of the fictional Crawley family who live at Downton Abbey, seeing the library where the Earl of Grantham and his family often gather, surrounded by more than over 5,000 books.

After touring the public rooms, head downstairs to the castle’s cellars to see its incredible Egyptian Exhibition. The castle’s real-life former owner -- the 5th Earl of Carnarvon -- famously funded the discovery of Tutankhamen’s Tomb. The Egyptian Exhibition celebrates his achievement with an intriguing antiquities collection, displaying jewelry and other artifacts from 3,500 years ago. Learn about the 5th earl and how he persuaded his companion Howard Carter to search for more tombs in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings.

Before returning to London, go outside of the castle to explore the beautiful grounds, complete with immaculate lawns, shrubs and floral displays. Alternatively, you can use your free time to enjoy lunch or afternoon tea (own expense) in one of Highclere Castle’s tearooms.