Friends of Highclere Castle
Step inside the real
Downton Abbey
Receive priority access to exclusive events, including personal evenings with Lady Carnarvon, and explore immersive 360° tours of private rooms.
A personal welcome
Welcome to Friends
of Highclere Castle
Highclere has been our family's home for many generations, and it has always been a house at its best when it is full of people.
Friends of Highclere began as a way of opening the doors a little wider — to share the films, the evenings, the gardens and the stories with those who love this place as we do, wherever in the world they happen to be.
Every Friday I take members behind the scenes — into rooms, gardens and stories that no public visit can reach. Once a month I host the Book Club: a personal live evening broadcast from the Castle, welcoming a celebrated author for conversation over drinks. It feels nothing like a webinar. It feels like being invited in.
Geordie & Fiona
The Earl & Countess Carnarvon
Experience Highclere
A taste of the Castle
Free previews of our exclusive member content.
Trailer
Experience more of Highclere
Friends on Friday
A Walk Through the Walled Garden
Book Club
In conversation with Kate Mosse
Cooking & Gardening
Spring in the Gardens
7:00pm – 8:30pm BST
Live from Highclere Castle
- Live from Highclere Castle
- Guest Q&A included
- Archive access for all past events
Book Club
Sir Michael & Lady Clare Morpurgo
Join Lady Carnarvon for an intimate live evening at Highclere Castle as she welcomes Sir Michael and Lady Clare Morpurgo — authors, storytellers, and founders of Farms for City Children. An evening of warmth, laughter and conversation over champagne and nibbles.
Members can watch live or catch up in the archive at any time. Book Club evenings are included in all membership tiers — no extra ticket needed.
Become a Friend to attendBecome a Friend
of Highclere Castle
Join thousands of members worldwide for exclusive access to the Castle, the family, and a community you won't find anywhere else.
Friend
£120 per year - billed annually
- A new behind-the-scenes film every Friday
- Monthly live Book Club evenings
- Immersive 360° virtual tours
- Cooking with Lady Carnarvon recipe series
- Full access to the 300+ film archive
Most Popular
Patron
£420 per year - billed annually
- Signed collector's gift from Lady Carnarvon
- Your name in the Wood of Goodwill
- Private events with Lord & Lady Carnarvon
- Quarterly Patrons Zoom with Lady Carnarvon
- Chance to win a stay at London Lodge
Pharaoh
The Castle's most exclusive circle
- Everything in Patron, for you and a guest
- Named in honour of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon
- Extraordinary privileges — details coming soon
What our Friends say
Loved by members worldwide
The Book Club evenings are simply magical. Sitting in my living room in Virginia watching Lady Carnarvon host an author in the actual Castle — I still can't quite believe it.
I've been a Downton fan for years, but becoming a Friend has given me something much deeper — a real connection to the place and the family. Worth every penny.
The virtual tours take you into rooms you simply cannot access as a visitor. I've been to Highclere twice in person — this is something completely different.
The livestream was fantastic — I felt like part of the family. Such a wonderful way to stay connected with Highclere all year long.