WanderlustandWhimSea

Few things live up to their hype but Highclere Castle exceeded my expectations. I was childlike in my anticipation, as I approached the Castle. I don’t even know how many times I’ve watched the series but being there was a very special experience. I replayed countless scenes from Downton Abbey as I walked up the road from the village and walked through the main rooms. The vaulted main hall is even grander in person. The tour was followed with a High Tea, but the highlight was meeting the current Lady Carnarvon. She had just returned from a dog walking, flower cutting adventure. She was so very down to earth.

I have no inside pictures because cameras weren’t permitted but the series used all the existing furniture, so it looks just like the show.

We stayed just a mile away at the Carnarvon Arms which has been an Inn for hundreds of years. Another benefit was the Bombay Sapphire Distillery was just a few miles down the road. A trip to the distillery meant learning about the process and sampling the new Citron Presse Gin which I loved. Think Lemon!