Highclere Castle Opening Dates 2026 & 2027
Spring & Summer Group Tours
Year-Round Private Tours
Highclere Castle, the location for the filming of Downton Abbey, is only open on limited dates throughout 2026 and 2027.
Highclere Castle only announces opening dates 5 or 6 months in advance, so if the opening dates are not available in the month you require, please add your name to our waiting list and we’ll get back to you when dates have been announced.
We also strongly recommend booking tickets and tours in advance, as limited opening dates and the high popularity of visiting Highclere mean tickets sell out quickly.
If you are planning a visit to Highclere Castle from London without a car, then consider one of our Highclere Castle Tours.
Quicklinks to Opening Dates:
Spring Opening Dates (March, April & May) >>>
Summer Opening Dates (July, August & September) >>>
1. Highclere Castle Opening Dates – Available as Group & Private Tours
Spring Opening Dates 2027 – April & May
Highclere Castle is open on selected dates in April and May 2026. Our Highclere Castle tours from London will take you to the Castle and nearby Downton Abbey sites with admission tickets included.
- April: To be advised
- May: To be advised
- May To be advised (special event – “Living with a Film Crew”. Available on this tour
Summer Opening Dates 2026 July & August
Highclere Castle opens its doors during the summer months on many dates, from the second week of July to the beginning of September. Tickets sell out. Our Highclere Castle tours from London is a perfect way to visit the castle.
- July: 12 – 30 excluding Fridays & Saturdays
- August: 2-31 excluding Fridays & Saturdays
- September: 1, 2 & 3
2. Highclere Castle Additional Opening Dates – Only Available as Private Tours
Highclere Castle hosts a number of special tours and events throughout the year. These special tours are open to a limited number of guests. We strongly recommend booking early.
Special events are only available with a private tour.
We can arrange private Downton Abbey tours on the following opening dates with pickup from London, Oxford, or Southampton.
These private tours can include visits to locations used in the series, such as Downton village and Yew Tree Farm.
The tour can include just a driver or a driver with a guide.
Highclere Literary Festival
- October 3 & 4
Special Wintertime Tours – 2027
- January: 9, 15, 16, 19, 21, 29, 30
From Downton Abbey to Tutankhamun 2027
- February: To be advised
Valentine’s Day – 2027
- February: 14 and additional dates to be advised
Spring Time 2027
- March: To be advised
Teas, Tours and Timeless Tales. Guided Tours and English Gardens. June – July 2027
- June – July: To be advised
Real Lives & Film Sets 2026
- September 30
- October 1, 8, 13, 14, 18, 28, 29
- November 3, 4, 5
See details & availability on the Highclere Castle website
Christmas Tours and Afternoon Tea 2026
- November 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28
See details & availability on the Highclere Castle website
Christmas Champagne & Carols 2026
- December 11 & 12
See details & availability on the Highclere Castle website
Christmas at Highclere Daytime Talk & Guided Tour 2026
- December 17, 18 & 19
See details & availability on the Highclere Castle website
Charles Dickens Evening 2026
- December 17, 18 & 19
See details & availability on the Highclere Castle website
On these dates, our Private Highclere Castle Tour is an excellent way to visit the Castle.
