From the Blackmore Vale area we take you directly to Highclere Castle the home of “Downton Abbey”.

The Carnarvon family has lived at Highclere since 1679 and the current Castle stands on the site of an earlier house, which in turn was built on the foundations of the medieval palace owned by the Bishops of Winchester for some 800 years.  Visit the State Rooms which include The Saloon, the State Dining Room, the Library, the Music Room, the Smoking Room and the Drawing Room.  Do not forget that there are magnificent gardens to see also including the Monk’s Garden, the White Border, the Secret Garden (obviously not so secret) and The Wood of Goodwill.

If you watched “Downton Abbey” you will be able to relive every scene: glide down the grand oak staircase as Lady Mary did on her wedding day, sit at Jackdaws Castle where Lady Edith so often found herself and who can forget the state dining room where many of the Dowager Countess’ wonderfully acerbic lines were delivered by Maggie Smith.

We must not also forget that the Castle was the seat, 100 years ago, of the 5^th Earl of Carnarvon, who famously discovered the Tomb of the Egyptian Boy Pharaoh, Tutankhamun, in 1922 with his archaeological colleague, Howard Carter.  Lord Carnarvon discovered and purchased Egyptian artefacts, he created one of the most extraordinary Egyptian collections in the world, with unique and exquisite works of art, which unfortunately were sold following his death in 1923 to pay death duties.

The themed exhibition of the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb includes over 60 incredible replicas, wall paintings and photographic archive

Included:

• Entry to Highclere Castle, Gardens and Egyptian Exhibition
• Complimentary drinks on the coach when feasible
• Packed lunch
• Return travel

Depart Stalbridge: TBC
Return Stalbridge: 21:00 approx

All itineraries are approximate and subject to change