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Pictures of Highclere Castlea Stately Home in the town of Highclere, in the county of Hampshire
About Highclere Castle
Highclere has been the home of the Herbert family for more than 300 years. The title "Earl of Carnarvon" was given to Henry Herbert by a grateful George III in acknowledgment for his political skill in the handling of a difficult political situation at the time of the Gordon Riots. The title remains with this family today, so too have their close links to the Crown. The 4th Earl became Secretary of State and played an important part in the development of the British Empire, and the 5th Earl discovered the treasures of the Egyptian Tomb of Tutankhamen, and went on to develop the famous Highclere Racing Stud. The 6th Earl bred "Blenheim" winner of the 1930 Derby. The 7th Earl carried on the traditions of the racing stud, he became one of the Queen's greatest friends as well as being her racing manager. The sister of the 8th Earl continues to run the stud, whilst his brother the Hon Harry Herbert manages Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, the U.K's most successful Horse Racing Syndicate. Within this gracious house visitors discover appealing rooms each with a definitive style. The library, that preserve of the male species, has fine mahogany furniture and features startling red and gold. The Victorian smoking room is luxurious with rich leather furnishings off-set by glowing wood, this too is heavy with the atmosphere of a purely male domain. There is a dramatic entrance hall, and probably the finest room in the house is the Victorian saloon created by Thomas Allom - this is a galleried room, rich with tapestries, leather wall hangings, and coats of arms, all displayed with flamboyant abandon. The Drawing Room is adorned with elegant chandeliers and has soft furnishings giving it the timeless feel of the English country home while the more formal Dining Room has an elaborate ceiling, fine furniture, and a collection of portraits. As you tread the hallowed floors and glance at the sweeping staircase with its intricate decoration you get a mirror image in your mind of just what a wondrous place this must have been a century or so ago. In the basement visitors can see a display of Egyptian artefacts brought back by the 5th Earl from his explorations of the Valley of the Kings. A walk around the stunning grounds reveals a delightful walled garden designed by Capability Brown, a fernery, and an orangery. The yew walks carry forward the Victorian era, and there are magnificent lawns and a lovely secret garden to be enjoyed. The house is available for events, and both house and grounds are open to the public. Please see below for other recommended attractions and towns to visit near Highclere Castle. Planning a visit? Please help support this website by booking your hotels near Highclere Castle and uploading your pictures. Please leave a review of this attraction. Distances and directions shown below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner Recommended attractions near Highclere Castle
All attractions in Hampshire Complete A to Z of attractions in England Recommended towns near Highclere CastleCrux Easton in the county of Hampshire (2.2 miles, 3.5 km, direction SW) Newbury in the county of Berkshire (5.1 miles, 8.2 km, direction N) Thatcham in the county of Berkshire (6.6 miles, 10.6 km, direction NE) Whitchurch in the county of Hampshire (7.2 miles, 11.6 km, direction S) Shalbourne in the county of Wiltshire (8.4 miles, 13.5 km, direction W) Chilton Foliat in the county of Wiltshire (10.2 miles, 16.4 km, direction NW) Wilton in the county of Wiltshire (11.0 miles, 17.6 km, direction W) Wherwell in the county of Hampshire (12.0 miles, 19.2 km, direction S) Marlborough in the county of Wiltshire (16.8 miles, 27.0 km, direction W) Itchen Abbas in the county of Hampshire (17.3 miles, 27.9 km, direction S) Complete A to Z of towns in England Nearby travel help
Accommodation & Hotels near Highclere Castle
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