Highclere: Behind the Scenes

Episode 1: Easter
The estate gets ready for Easter, but will the first event of the season go to plan?

Highclere Castle is the location of the classic TV drama Downton Abbey. But when the cameras aren’t rolling, the castle needs to attract paying customers to its grounds. As the lucrative Easter period approaches, castle manager John organizes an egg hunt and head of visitor reception Paul prepares to display a precious vintage Rolls-Royce. But will the first event of the season go to plan?

Episode 2: Making Movies
There’s tension as the castle marks the release of the second Downton Abbey film.

To mark the release of the second Downton Abbey movie, Highclere Castle welcomes a TV crew who will be broadcasting live from the castle’s famous grand saloon. But the intrusive crew’s visit coincides with the busiest day of the year for paying members of the public. Can the castle staff get the crew out of the building before the legions of Downton fans arrive?

Episode 3: The Gala
The castle team prepare for their first charity gala in three years in the iconic library.

The Highclere Castle team prepares to host their first charity gala in three years inside the castle’s iconic library, frequently seen in Downton Abbey. It’s a multi-faceted event involving clay pigeon shooting, a three-course lunch and a big-ticket auction. But a lack of staff makes a high-pressure event even more stressful. Can they convince the rich patrons to part with their cash?

Episode 4: The Centenary
The team mark the centenary of the 5th Earl’s discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb.

Other than the iconic filming location of Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle has a huge amount of its own history to celebrate. The great-grandfather of the current Lord Carnarvon discovered the tomb of Tutankhamen 100 years ago. To mark the occasion the castle throws a party. But the basement’s Egyptian museum needs to be spruced up and this treasure trove requires very special cleaning techniques.