CASTLES NEWBURY

Highclere Castle, situated in Berkshire, serves as both a historic family home and the filming location for the renowned Downton Abbey series, drawing enthusiasts of both aristocratic heritage and popular culture. The castle's cellars house a remarkable Egyptian Exhibition documenting the 1922 discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb by Lord Carnarvon, showcasing treasures from the richest Egyptian burial ever found. Visitors explore the castle's palatial rooms filled with significant art and historical artifacts spanning centuries, stroll through spectacular gardens and rolling parkland, and attend literary events like Books and Banter. The estate accommodates intimate weddings and corporate events, offers membership to Friends of Highclere providing exclusive access to garden parties, video archives, and book club gatherings, creating a multifaceted destination blending history, culture, and entertainment.

Donnington Castle near Newbury in Berkshire stands as a striking testament to 14th-century military architecture. Built in 1386 by Sir Richard Abberbury, a veteran of the Hundred Years War who fought at Crécy and Poitiers, the castle controlled an important road junction and river crossing. Its imposing twin-towered gatehouse survives within impressive earthworks, while other structures were destroyed during the English Civil War when the strategic hilltop position overlooking major routes made it a heavily contested site. Kings Henry VIII and Elizabeth I are thought to have stayed here during the palace's heyday. Now in the care of English Heritage, Donnington offers visitors a dramatic example of late medieval fortification and a window into the castle's pivotal role in English history.