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Hobnob with some of Britain's social elite the evening of November 5, 2013, at the Highclere Castle and Gardens on this exclusive half-day trip from London, not available anywhere else. Nestled in some 1,000 acres (405 hectares) of parkland, the Victorian estate has been in the noble Carnarvon family since the 17th century, but its perhaps most recognizable as the turreted home of the Crawley family on the award-winning show 'Downton Abbey.' Arrive for Champagne and hors d'oeuvres with the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, and explore elaborate rooms where the PBS series is filmed.
On the afternoon of November 5, 2013, depart from the Grosvenor Victoria Hotel in London in your best cocktail attire for a 1.5-hour drive to the West Berkshire countryside in a climate-controlled coach. It's the only provided transport from London to this special occasion, and it can only be booked through Viator!
Drama unfolds as you arrive at the gates of Highclere Castle and Gardens, a 1,000-acre (405-hectare) estate built in the late 1600s for the Carnarvon family. Originally the medieval palace of the Bishops of Winchester, the Carnavon home has evolved over the centuries, serving not only as the lavish residence of a noble family but also a hospital during World War I and most recently as the turreted epicenter of the Emmy Award-winning show Downton Abbey.
You will be escorted to the Saloon, where the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon greet you and a small group of guests with a short speech and Champagne around 6pm. Designed by 4th Earl by Thomas Allom and completed in the 1860s, the Saloon quickly became the "heart" of the home, where politicians,
technological innovators, Egyptologists, aviators and soldiers of the
early 20th century came to socialize among its leather-covered walls. Sip bubbly and enjoy tasty hors d'oeuvres such as beet-cured salmon, honey sausages and mini-burgers. The event benefits the Nembury Cancer trust, and a portion of your admission contributes to the cause.
After an hour of mingling with British socialites, you're free to wander around public areas of the castle to see settings used in Downton Abbey, and to learn more about the storied rooms. Guides are on hand to share history including how the estate became a hospital during WWI, and reveal trivia about filming Downton Abbey. Draw parallels between the fictional Crawleys and the Carnarvons as guides reveal how the real-life aristocrats adjusted to life in the Edwardian era. In fact, the show's creator Julian Fellowes envisioned Highclere Castle and its inhabitants as he
began writing the period drama.
Once you've admired your share of rich tapestries and antique furniture, head to the Castle Cellars for the Egyptian Exhibition. Gawk at jewelry, handcrafted jars and other artifacts some 3,500 years old. Throughout the exhibit, find out how the 5th Earl of Carnarvon's deep fascination with Egypt led him and archaeologist Howard Carter to the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922. One of the world's first press conferences was held at Highclere Castle to announce the historic event.
At the end of this enlightening and extravagant evening at Highclere Castle, you will have a better understanding of how life imitates art—and vice versa—on your comfortable ride back to central London by private transport.
