Highclere Castle..

Well, we did make it to Highclere Castle yesterday, the rain stayed away for the few hours we were there, and the kids had a great time!

It was interesting to see it again - we went last year before Downton Abbey came out and it was dead quiet, there were a handful of people milling around and us. Yesterday it was heaving, at least 6 coaches and about 100 cars in the car park! The guy in the ticket office said their visitors have increased from 250 a week to 1000! All because of one show! The power of television.

Anyway, here's some pics..

My eldest daughter in front of this beautiful house. I was lucky to catch her as she didn't realise I was about to take her picture, and when she did, she dived to the ground, but too late hehehe!



A detail of the intricate stone work. The facade of this house was designed by Sir Charles Barry, who also designed The Houses of Parliament. Victorian High Gothic splendour at it's finest.


Now, I was a bit naughty and took a picture of one of the bedrooms - we were asked not to take photos in the house, but I couldn't resist! I don't understand why not as it has been on the television enough times.


This is my son and his friend, digging for some archaeological finds in the Tutankhamun exhibition in the basement. Needless to say he was covered in sand!

It was the 5th Earl of Carnarvon who of course uncovered the tomb of the boy king with the archaeologist Howard Carter, and many artefacts were brought back to Highclere. All the exhibits on show now are copies, and the originals are back home, in the Cairo Museum.


My children ran about outside after the house visit, and couldn't resist rolling down these gentle slopes!




We then made our way to The Secret Garden...



Nearly there...


It must be here!




What a beautiful gateway, I want one in my garden!



Aaah, the secret garden, it really is very pretty..




A final goodbye to Highclere Castle, I may return next year if I can brave the crowds!