Exceptional Hotels and Places to stay in the UK and Ireland

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  Zoom image by clicking Highclere Castle

Highclere Castle

Historic Houses & Building, Industrial Heritage, Visitor Centres, Historic Sites & Monuments
Designed by reknowned Charles Barry in the 1830s

Designed by Charles Barry in the 1830s at the same time as he was building the Houses of Parliament, this soaring pinnacled mansion provided a perfect setting for the 3rd Earl of Carnarvon, one of the great hosts of Queen Victoria's reign. The extravagant interiors range from church Gothic through Moorish flamboyance and rococo revival to the solid masculinity in the long Library. Old master paintings mix with portraits by Van Dyck and 18th century painters. Napoleon's desk and chair rescued from St. Helena sits with other 18th and 19th century furniture. The 5th Earl of Carnarvon discovered the Tomb of Tutankhamun with Howard Carter. The castle houses a unique exhibition of some of his discoveries which were only rediscovered in the castle in 1988. The current Earl is the Queen's Horseracing Manager. In 1993 to celebrate his 50th year as a leading owner and breeder `The Lord Carnarvon Racing Exhibition' was opened to the public, and offers a fascinating insight into a racing history that dates back three generations. gardens The magnificent parkland with its massive cedars was designed by `Capability' Brown. The walled gardens also date from an earlier house at Highclere but the dark yew walks are entirely Victorian in character. The glass Orangery and Fernery add an exotic flavour. The Secret Garden has a romance of its own with a beautiful curving lawn surrounded by densely planted herbaceous gardens. A place for poets and romantic. Historic Houses Association Member. OPENING TIMES 1 July - 5 September Castle Daily: 11am - 5pm. Last adm. 4pm, Sat 2.30pm. Castle closed over Easter and on Mons except BHs during May & August. Grounds, Gardens & Tearooms Daily: 11am - 6pm. 6 September - 30 June By appointment only

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