Situated in the middle of 1000 acres of beautiful parklands, Highclere Castle is one of England's most beautiful Victorian castles. Downton Abbey was filmed at the grand Highclere Castle, the gardens and the surrounding 1,000 acres of English countryside lushly authenticate the Edwardian-era atmosphere of the well-known seres. To the southeast of the castle lies the Monks' Garden, a name derived from the Bishops of Winchester who had owned the estate for 800 years before it was acquired by the Carnarvon family in 1679. Records in 1218 list 61 f ruit trees that were replanted in 1364 when 44 apple trees and 27 pear trees were planted.
What style of garden is Highclere Castle?
Over the years a more decorative garden has been planted, in which climbing roses make a fine show in June above a border with penstemons, agapeanths and geranium. Lavender grows under the walls while a glass house is filled with Tea Roses for cutting, as well as peaches and nectarines. Among yew topiana are espaliered medlar and pear trees leading to a magnificent White Border Gardens.
What can guests enjoy at Highclere Castle?
The White Border Behind a tall yew hedge in the Monks' Garden lies the White Border, with white roses and clematis scrambling over dark green obelisks, crambs, agapanthus, peonies, hydrangeas, poppies, and other plants that provide a wonderful foliage throughout the year.
The Secret Gardens The gateway to the White Garden wall leads into the enchanting Secret Garden with curving herbaceous borders, serpentine paths and colourful displays in July and August.
The Wood of Goodwill Beyond the Secret Garden is the Wood of Goodwill. A newly planted forest area with 38 native British trees, including beech and oak. Snowdrops and daffodils fill the grassy areas with colour in the spring, and the avenue of young walnut trees leads down to the development of the Rose Arbour with the camomile lawn and the Wild Garden.
A walk up the hill from the Wild Garden takes you past an Etruscan temple on one side, and a wild flower meadow on the other which has delighted visitors in summer months.
