Downton Abbey Day - Highclere Castle Vlog

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Is it worth it to buy tickets to Highclere Castle and make the trip there? In this video we share our visit to Highclere Castle from August 2023. We show you around the grounds, the garden, and the parts of the estate in which filming is permitted. Join us for this day spent with our Downton Abbey obsessed friends in this place the famous show was filmed! At the end of the video we will each give you our honest review of the experience and whether we think it’s worth it to visit Highclere.
Please check out the links below for some of our favourite manor houses, castles and palaces. And consider SUBSCRIBING to join us for more adventures around the UK and discussions of all things British! Cheers! XX Dara & Ian
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Опубликовано:

25 апр 2024

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Комментарии : 174

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

To see a vlog of our favourite castle, check out this video of Arundel : ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-7OnmWWQzVlc.html or see our favourite house & gardens video of Cragside here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-GJldoOPYxg0.html

@rp921968 2 месяца назад

I visited in September 2016, after the visitor season was over on a special tour that was offered. It was 100 pounds but limited to about 100 guests. The Countess came downstairs and spoke to us for about 15 minutes. We were divided into small groups and took around by a guide explaining all about the rooms. We got to see the Egyptian exhibits and there was tea, sandwiches and scones included after. Also received a small gift bag. It was very peaceful walking about the grounds after. Took a taxi up from the train station. It was a great visit.

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

That sounds like the ideal way to visit Highclerel!

@PostcardAndAPint 2 месяца назад

Never watched a single episode! It looks very busy. You had a beautiful day for it! I hate wasps!! We're glad your friends enjoyed their visit. Cheers 🍻

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

Then you definitely should not go visit Highclere! Go see Blenheim Palace instead ;-) Those wasps were SO annoying!!!

@The_Brit_Girls 2 месяца назад

I'm a huge Downton Abbey fan too! 🤗 It was interesting that you questioned the reasons why people visit these castles 🤔 I'm a big history buff so I would put history over recent media associations. I noticed you pronounced 'Jocobean' as 'Jake - obean' rather than 'Jack'. That was interesting to me too! Oh my, those poor guys trying to empty the bins while batting away the wasps! I enjoyed your summing up at the end.. It was a shame that all the 'upstairs' and 'downstairs' rooms were not open to the public. Thanks for a fun vlog. I'm glad your friends enjoyed the trip 😊😊

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

As you know, extemporaneous speaking is fraught with issues... I knew when I was editing that I had said Jacobethan wrong... but I was too lazy to go record voiceover and replace it! haha... I'm completely crazed trying to get everything wrapped up before we move to England in two days! AAACK! The wasps were so annoying! What pests! And bless those workers for trying to change the bin liners!! Of course all the "downstairs" scenes from DA were filmed on a set and not in Highclere ;-)

@sandytaylor9973 2 месяца назад

I went to Highclere in 2022. Absolutely loved every minute of it. But I am a huge fan of Downton Abbey, I’ve seen every episode of the series at least 9 times. I quit counting after that !! It seems like every time I watch it, I notice something new. It’s a brilliant show!!

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

It is a very fun show to watch! We had to go back home and start watching the series again after we visited Highclere! 💖

@jasonsmart3482 2 месяца назад

I think that no matter why you want to visit a particular property its good that you go, It helps with their upkeep and helps to keep Britain's history alive. Maybe you visit for Harry Potter or Downtown but then get to appreciate the history it might inspire you to visit other properties.

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

I agree 100%! We are always happy to buy tickets or make donations to historic buildings, including churches, so that they can be around for future generations to enjoy!

@ruthgoebel723 2 месяца назад

I mainly appreciate the historical aspect of these magnificent homes and feel that supporting them is important. The film location bit adds a little to the attraction.

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

I agree with you. It really is a combination of factors. If I really love the show, I would like to see where it's filmed. But I appreciate really stunning buildings and gorgeous gardens even more. Unfortunately, I found the gardens at Highclere disappointing.

@Poliss95 2 месяца назад

🎵When you're alone, and life is making you lonely you can always go...Downton. (Petula Clark) 😁

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

I think Petula was saying Downtown. Maybe you don't understand her accent?

@Poliss95 2 месяца назад

@@MagentaOtterTravels I stole that joke from a radio show. 😁

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

@@Poliss95 good job paying attention and remembering!

@Poliss95 2 месяца назад

@@MagentaOtterTravels I only remember because I heard it 14 years ago and not last week. 😂

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

@@Poliss95 that sounds about right

@StephenandAndie 2 месяца назад

those bin bag changers don’t get paid enough! 😂 🐝

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

Definitely! What a nasty job!

@markbarnwell942 Месяц назад

my partner and i were thre in april and we just loved it.

@MagentaOtterTravels Месяц назад

Are you fans of DA?

@johnadey3696 2 месяца назад

Yet another beautifully filmed tour. Thanks for the hard work!

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

Thanks for watching! Sorry I wasn't able to film INSIDE! And the gardens weren't really that amazing, unfortunately. But it's a beautiful building outside. And fun to see the interior in person if you're a fan of the show ;-)

@WITYTRAVELS 2 месяца назад

One day, one of these castles will have a statue of YOU outside.

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

That is definitely not something I aspire to! Lol

@TravelingTramps 2 месяца назад

Great idea to get there early, Dara and Ian. I think that applies at all tourist places, that you can at least get in before the long lines. Beautiful castle and we enjoyed hearing some of it's history. Busy bee's though and a dangerous job emptying the trash! 🤣🤣Enjoyed hearing your friends and your thoughts. Surprised that the rooms weren't bigger. The little film seen first would be great for a YT vlogger too! 😁😁That way I wouldn't have to talk about something I know nothing about! Shame about the filming not being allowed. Enjoyed the video though.

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

So many places in the UK don't allow filming inside! Do you run into that much?

@MisterStuzy 2 месяца назад

Amazing what difference a few decades can make. Long before Downton, I use to live nearby (my school was in the nearby Burghclere). It was no where near that busy, actually really peaceful, we’d even bump into Lord Carnarvon for a chat in the grounds. The most interesting parts then were the Egyptian links. And loved how he hid items in the doorways.

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

Oh yes, this home definitely became a million times more popular after Downton Abbey! Despite the fact that the king Tut stuff is quite impressive as well!!

@GENerationXplorers 2 месяца назад

Lovely looking building, great drive up. Wow, busy spot. Bit like Castle Howard being in Brideshead Revisited and Bridgerton. Great history and photos Dara. Scary wasps. Take in that fresh insect repellent, get a good lung full! 😂 magenta hats, flowers and handbags? Check! Nice Christmas Card designs. Does seem like more of a film set tour than a historic tour. Not a patch on Arundel! Great honest review 👍

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

Yes we had to give an honest review so that people understand pros and cons 😉. The wasps definitely made having your cream tea outside an unpleasant experience! 🐝 And yes, it was also unpleasant to breathe in the insect repellent!🥹

@Chris-hj1wt 2 месяца назад

Hey, Nice to meet you i'm British and not far from you when you come to your british home from Texas, Love you and your videos and thank you for the tours and all your videos you do. SUBCRIBED to you Keep up the good work. and keep enjoying my homeland xx

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

Why, thank you so much! Nice to meet you. Thank you for your support, it means a lot! We are back in Cheltenham this Friday! Can't wait ;-) Cheers! Dara

@DaveCollierCamping 2 месяца назад

Amazing views

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

Thanks, Dave!

@DaveCollierCamping 2 месяца назад

@@MagentaOtterTravels My pleasure

@IamaDutch-Kiwi 2 месяца назад

Those wasps, so annoying and the sting so painful. That would have put a damper on anyone's day. Those poor workers. Amazing building. Am I allowed to confess to have only seen a couple of Downtown Abbey episodes. Maybe I should binge-watch. Just haven't gotten into the story somehow. The castle looked so impressively huge. I guess just the sight of it would leave a lasting impression. The interior looked very grand indeed. Just imagine how those children who were sheltered there must have felt seeing their 'safe house' for the first time. Great visit and loved the review. Happy weekend. 👌🇳🇿🙋‍♀🥝

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

Good point about the evacuated children! Yes, wasps are terrible pests, and NOT welcome in a picnic! If you aren't hooked on DA in the first 3 episodes, give it a miss and watch Upstairs Downstairs instead ;-)

@IamaDutch-Kiwi 2 месяца назад

@@MagentaOtterTravels I LOVE upstairs downstairs. Kids weren’t allowed to interrupt my tv time AT ALL. No calls taken 😂😂😂

@theresabigwideworld2632 2 месяца назад

I loved Downton Abbey but haven't been to Highclere (yet!) Getting to a popular place as soon as it opens and then walking quickly to the part you want to see first, has worked for me a few times, to avoid having to dodge crowds to see what I want to see. Interesting that the Egyptology section is a different ticket, previous to the show Downton Abbey, that exhibition was the main reason why people visited.

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

Yes, I wonder if we should have done the Egyptian exhibit... but it was already a long, expensive and tiring day... and we ended up spending the afternoon/evening racing back to Cheltenham to handle a water heater problem in our flat!

@davidjones332 2 месяца назад

I've never quite understood this fascination with visiting places just because they have been used as a film location. I must admit to a definite buzz when I stood on the terrace at Bentley Priory and stared at a clear blue sky to the south, just as Laurence Olivier does at the end of the film "Battle of Britain", but I suspect that was more knowing that Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding must have done the very same thing on that spot. Perhaps it's different if it's a true story filmed on the original location?

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

There are certain shows or stories that some of us totally fall in love with. In that case, it can be super exciting to visit the filming location. But I honestly think a bigger factor is just that as Americans most of us don't live in areas that have buildings which are hundreds of years old. The grandeur of these buildings is foreign to us, which makes them so exceptional. When we are introduced to these buildings by way of TV show or movie that we love, it just doubles the excitement factor to see it in person.

@JohnandCaraRetiredTravellers 2 месяца назад

I would visit based on history. I would love to visit Blenheim. So nice you could take your friends. I haven’t seen the series Downton Abbey your friends as fans seemed thrilled. Another great video Dara…an escape from the daily stresses. ~Cara ❤

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

I really hope you visit Blenheim this autumn!

@john_smith1471 2 месяца назад

What you both say is exactly the advice I’ve seen given by locals to Americans asking about travelling to Highclere, “there are much more interesting & better homes to visit” reminding tv fans that a lot of the inside scenes are shot in a studio with specially built sets, also attempting to use public transport to get there is quite tedious.

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

Yes, all the upstairs servants rooms and downstairs kitchens and offices were on film sets. And I agree... getting there by public transport would be a nightmare!

@glyn829 2 месяца назад

Thats great 👍 glad your enjoying your visit 🇬🇧

@erikalfan1027 2 месяца назад

A very beautiful and historic place, very attractive beauty

@theresabigwideworld2632 2 месяца назад

The scenes of the servants quarter and the kitchens were filmed on a sound stage in London as at Highclere that downstairs part of the castle is where the Egyptian exhibition is, so the old rooms and the kitchen aren't there anymore. The current Countess of Carnarvon has written a few books about some of the women who married into the family, and she's given interviews publicising her books and about the filming of the series. It was interesting getting some of the background information, often the real stories are more interesting than the fictional ones.

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

Yes, I'd love to watch a documentary about the 6th Earl of Carnarvon who married the American heiress!

@pershorefoodbanktrusselltr3632 2 месяца назад

To me Highclere Castle will always be Totleigh Towers, the home of, Sir Watkins Basset, in the Jeeves and Wooster TV series, featuring Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry.

@paulguise698 2 месяца назад

I thought it was the same castle, my favourite character is Roderick Spode

@pershorefoodbanktrusselltr3632 2 месяца назад

@@paulguise698 or as, Gussy Finknottle says, Woderiwick Spode.

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

I ADORE that series!! Laurie and Fry are both such talented actors... and fascinating, brilliant men in general!

@paulguise698 2 месяца назад

Hiya Dara, Highclere Castle looks great, besides the wasps of course, Me and my Mam have watched every episode of Downton Abbey, it was nice to see what its really like, Downton Abbey is supposed to be set in the north (Yorkshire) but its filmed in Hampshire, this is Choppy in Whitehaven, Cumbria, England

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

Yes, you are right! It is set in Yorkshire near Ripon, but the house they filmed in was in Hampshire... and the "downstairs" scenes were all filmed in a studio on a film set.

@MartinT5600 2 месяца назад

This was an interesting episode. The expectation verses the perception of a site. As a boy I loved reading about myths and legends and couldn't wait to one day visit Tintagel Castle. I was worried that it wouldn't live up to my own hype but on the day as we walked through the glorious weather to it, a strange fog engulfed the Fort. Rather than spoiling it, it was really enriched the experience for me. Through gaps in the fog you could see the blue ocean below the cliffs and it was just like a movie set. Another great video and great guests too!

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

Oh your visit to Tintagel sounds brill! That is a place I've been wanting to visit for ages... definitely on my list!

@WITYTRAVELS 2 месяца назад

Bees are a deal breaker!!!

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

I have been informed that they were actually wasps. Which makes them even worse than bees! Not very fun lunch companions!!!

@robertwilson738 2 месяца назад

So many commenters referring to these insects as bees, but they were wasps. Wasps persecute you especially if you waft them away. They just come back angry that you had the impertinence to waft them away. Bees are not interested in humans. Gently waft them away and they generally go away completely. Love bees; hate wasps.

@elliotgeorge999 2 месяца назад

i have a few bottles of highclere gin in my larder, made with botanicals from the castles garden. maybe i will visit one day, loved downton abbey.

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

Yes, the gin is supposed to be very good! Of course I haven't had any. What do you think of it?

@elliotgeorge999 2 месяца назад

@@MagentaOtterTravels not tried it yet, i have some bombay sapphire open so i am finishing that before opening the highclere.

@iankelly5387 2 месяца назад

Hi Dara, this was another brilliant little video, and I agree there should be more information as you walk round. Never been there, but went to Salisbury Cathedral last September, and I recommend this for you and your American friends when they come over. The amount of information you give out in your vlogs is mighty impressive and every time I watch your wonderful videos I learn something! It's almost May, when do you arrive back in the UK for the summer?😄

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

This time next week we will be in England! I am looking forward to visiting Salisbury Cathedral one day! Definitely on my list 😉❤️ Thanks so much for your kind words!

@iankelly5387 2 месяца назад

@@MagentaOtterTravels - Amazing. Cheltenham will be all the better for you both being here

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

@@iankelly5387 cheers!

@john_smith1471 2 месяца назад

Regards the 70s series Upstairs Downstairs mentioned in the comments, I recommend visiting Sambourne House, near Holland Park, London, a preserved five storey 19 century town house, originally owned by an illustrator for Punch magazine. There is also a nearby jointly preserved property Leighton House, joint tickets can be bought.

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

That would be interesting to visit!

@theresabigwideworld2632 2 месяца назад

Popular culture does mean that more people visit historic buildings and that pays for their upkeep which is horrendous apparently. The more visitors that come, the more money is available to care for these buildings, I've been to many places because of some vague connection to a book or books, or a movie or TV show. Last year I visited Holkham Hall in Norfolk just because I had read Anne Glenconner's book Lady in Waiting and she grew up there. Just like Downton Abbey, her father had 3 daughters and the whole estate was inherited by a distant cousin, who lived in South Africa and just sent his son to learn about running the estate as he had no intention of returning to live in the UK. The girls just had to 'marry well'.

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

Isn't that infuriating that the female offspring could not inherit the family home/estate where they had grown up? So odd by today's standards.

@davidcoan4899 2 месяца назад

Wasps what a PITA they can be at some locations when eating sweet things outdoors in late summer in the UK, those staff deserve a medal. Nice video, useful and interesting, we have never been, agree with all your other alternative top picks they are all excellent. Highclere, as a non fan of the tv show, it wont be on my must do list…it will be on a maybe list someday.

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

Yes, I felt so bad for that chap with the tennis racket and the grabber trying to take care of the rubbish amidst a flurry of wasps and insect repellent!! What a nasty job!

@bobbyxhilone9953 2 месяца назад

Great t-shirt choice, Dara. I too just love that line from the show!!🤣

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

Thanks! The irony is that now I'm retired and every day is like Saturday. Except Sunday ;-)

@petee074496648 2 месяца назад

if your friends are fans of Downton Abbey suggest they check out "upstairs downstairs" a extremely popular TV series from the late 70's without that ime sure there would have been no Downton Abbey TV show !!

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

I agree completely! I was just saying that I wish more people would check out the old show because it was the classic pioneering show in this genre.

@ItsArtByDonna 2 месяца назад

This was awesome Dara & Ian and Keith & Kelly Loved all of the information you've given, if I ever get to England I would love to take a tour too...I must confess I did watch on PBS and the Movies Great information...thoroughly enjoyed this today!

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

Downton Abbey is great fun to watch! Great actors, and a riveting story!!

@glastonbury4304 2 месяца назад

Have to say Chatsworth is my favourite so far and not too far from me in Cheshire...🥰

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

I thought Chatsworth was in Derbyshire? You live in Cheshire? I have such trouble remembering where people live!

@glastonbury4304 2 месяца назад

@MagentaOtterTravels yes I live in Cheshire which borders Derbyshire and Chatsworth is about 38 miles away so not far at all, so your brain is safe 😉💞🚗🚲🛵 x

@wencireone 2 месяца назад

Just across the water from us is Osborne house, I've yet to give that one a go

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

I don't know that place. Tell me about it...

@wencireone 2 месяца назад

@@MagentaOtterTravels It's on the IOW and was Queen Victoria's home

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

@@wencireone oh yes, I remember now! I think I have watched a TV Programme about that

@wencireone 2 месяца назад

So, I've been there once during a charity event, but only in the garden I met Lady Canarven, she is a very pleasant Lady, but I won't be putting a revisit on my calendar 😅

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

I'm sure it was nice to meet her, but tell me honestly... were you impressed with the gardens?

@wencireone 2 месяца назад

@@MagentaOtterTravels can't remember anything about them, which probably says it all

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

@@wencireone yes, I didn't have any good photos of the garden. Which says it all as well...

@wencireone 2 месяца назад

@@MagentaOtterTravels as long as you like well manicured lawns you'll be OK 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

@wencireone 2 месяца назад

Arundel is about 40 miles from me, I've been there once in passing, but never went inside 😢

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

You need to GO!!!

@wencireone 2 месяца назад

The nearest place to me is Exbury Gardens, if you like a rhododendron or azalea in abundance. Or Beaulieu Motor Museum if cars are your thing

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

A few people have told me I need to go to that motor museum

@wencireone 2 месяца назад

@@MagentaOtterTravels Only go if you like cars, otherwise you might find it a little dull. There is Lord Montague's house but it's not that big. The village of Beaulieu is quaint, and from there you can walk to Bucklers Hard. Exbury Gardens is near by, but best to visit in May

@shanewaterman4125 2 месяца назад

I tried to arrange a group visit to Highclere about 6 or 7 years ago. Their visitor department (or whatever they call it) couldn't have been less helpful. Everything was an inconvenience, they were clearly gave the impression groups were something to be tolerated (the 'lady' i dealt with even said 'well we make a lot of money out of you groups...') Needless to say.... we went 'elsewhere' ....

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

I have to say I'm not surprised.

@wencireone 2 месяца назад

Luckily it was only the cost of the entry tickets you were stung for

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

🤣🤣🐝🐝

@elizabethcutrofello2572 2 месяца назад

I’ve set the notification, so, hopefully I won’t miss this one live streaming!🙃😁

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

Cheers! See you Friday! 👋

@caromurray6152 2 месяца назад

If you want to go somewhere different try Stokesay castle in Herefordshire ( I think). It’s more of manor house & not very big but lovely to visit. ☺️

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

We have spent LOADS of time in Herefordshire, as you may know from my Ledbury video and my Herefordshire Family History vlog... but we still haven't made it to Stokesay. My friend Anita from the Netherlands went there last year, so I did get a preview of it in her vlog: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-BMEsjIbnCyU.htmlsi=yOdhj6WSlrD3S7j8

@caromurray6152 2 месяца назад

@@MagentaOtterTravels Than you for the link. It was lovely to see the place again. It’s many many years since I’ve been there. I don’t remember there being a gift shop & there were hardly any visitors, which added to its appeal. As a child it was a great adventure, finding hidden staircases & the beautiful view’s from the top, all in this peaceful setting.☺️

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

@@caromurray6152 that does sound like a great memory!

@robertwilson738 2 месяца назад

Just for information Stokesay is in the beautiful county of Shropshire and not in the beautiful county of Herefordshire.

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

@@robertwilson738 well, that explains it! We have certainly spent a lot of time in Herefordshire...

@andrewdoubtfire4700 2 месяца назад

Hi Dara & Iain. Have you visited Longleat House? If not well worth a visit and you don’t have to do the safari park part. Andy

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

We visited Longleat 20+ years ago when our boys were little. So fun! Still remember the monkeys attacking our windscreen wipers!!!

@andrewdoubtfire4700 2 месяца назад

Wonderful. The house is so interesting. When I last went they had a dinner service all laid out as it was for a visit a few years before from kElizabeth II, which took place exactly 400 years after a dinner was given in the same room for Elizabeth I. It’s these type of events and the fact they are remembered and honoured that I so love about England.

@ShaneNixonFamily 2 месяца назад

We really enjoyed the first couple of seasons of Downton but felt like it jumped the shark when they killed off Matthew. He then went off and did the excellent but weird Legion. Speaking of cast members other projects, Michelle Dockery did Godless on Netflix. A fabulous western. She was excellent in that.

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

Michelle Dockery has done some other very fine work! I agree... killing off Matthew was horrid. I understand it was not the producers' choice, that the actor decided to leave, but what a bummer!

@kathchandler4919 2 месяца назад

Oh, so much to say, firstly Highclere has been styled a castle but it's not, it's a privately owned 19th century mansion which was built , or rather redesigned from Highclere House to be known as Castle by Sir Charles Barry who designed the Houses of Parliament in 1842. I see Highclere as very different to most folk in that I was lucky enough for myself and whole family to spend a whole day & into the early hours of the next morning one August Bank holiday at my great friend's daughter's wedding, they had hired the whole place & all the meals were provided by their Chef & staff...amazing ! Suffice to say, if we ever meet up when you're back in Northumberland, I'll show you the pictures as we were allowed all over the house & surrounds . As to the best Castle , sorry, those in the south were built for the aristocracy, not proper castles ! Real castles were built to keep enemies at bay & protect the people & their land , the best of them are in the Kingdom of Castles & one , if your friends are interested, was even used in Downton Abbey, Alnwick Castle ! Another one, the seat of the Ancient Kings of Northumbria & Capital of Northumbria (covering North of the Humber to the Firth of Forth , now Scotland) is beautiful Bamburgh ❤

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

Alnwick Castle is definitely one of our very favourites... and I love Bamburgh as well! You are so lucky to have had a private stay at Highclere! I would love to see those photos! And yes... it really should not be called a castle ;-)

@fleabiter 2 месяца назад

Never watched it, but did see the film which was good. Great tour. I'm taking my must grumble t-shirt on holiday with me soon, a US road trip, so that really will confuse the locals, they won't get it at all!

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

Oh my goodness, I love that you're doing that! Please email me a photo so that I can show you in your shirt for a future merch Monday! Where are you going in the US?

@fleabiter 2 месяца назад

we've done several road trips there before, we like it like you like here. atlanta, SC coast for shrimp festival, NC, across mountains, Indiana for a museum I want to go then south to Atlanta.

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

@@fleabiter that sounds really fun! What's the museum?

@fleabiter 2 месяца назад

LST325 (my dad was on them in ww2, he wanted to go see this but died before he did. that was back in 90's.

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

@@fleabiter nice to honour and remember him!

@davidfuters7152 2 месяца назад

Wasps not bees A wasp can sting many many times but a bee can only sting once as the needle it stings with is barbed , so once it’s gone in it rips the bees sting and intestines out as it flys away to its death 😢😢

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

Goodness! I was stung by a wasp once, when I stepped on it! That one never stung anyone else afterwards ;-)

@andyknowles4261 2 месяца назад

That’s not a tennis racquet, it’s a battery powered fly/insect swatter.

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

@@andyknowles4261 battery powered or human powered? Lol

@charmianjohnson2364 Месяц назад

I believe it costs one million pounds a year for the upkeep of Highclere Castle .

@MagentaOtterTravels Месяц назад

All these stately homes are SO expensive to run! It's overwhelming!

@bloop-bl8mm 2 месяца назад

Those look like hybrid hornets. I know the UK is having a HUGE problem with the Japanese hornets that were released here. Those ones look incredibly bigger and more aggressive than the ones I would see as a kid. Bumble bees are less frequent, too, which is devastating to the flowers.

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

Yes, we need more nice little bees to pollinate the wildflowers. And less aggressive hornets that don't let us enjoy our cream tea!🫖

@LuanFontes19 2 месяца назад

Beautiful vídeo, I loved it. Is it possible to see the castle from the outside for free Or do I need to pay to access the area outside the castle?

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

You might be able to drive into the car park, but beyond that you have to pay at the gate to walk in the grounds. I recommend visiting Blenheim Palace

@WhereisBingle1 2 месяца назад

I love Highclere Castle. Camera still not allowed?

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

No, I doubt that will ever change!

@Poliss95 2 месяца назад

@MagentaOtterTravels Audley End House is the place where Mrs Crocombe does the cooking demonstrations. The reenactors do talk to the visitors and they do allow you to take photos and videos, unless the videos I've seen were taken on the sly.

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

Where is this?

@Poliss95 2 месяца назад

@@MagentaOtterTravels Saffron Walden, Essex. It's bigger than Highclare with wings at the side. It's English Heritage. Aren't you a member of that?

@lizbignell7813 2 месяца назад

Not far from us!

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

@@Poliss95 no, not English heritage. Just national trust and historic houses

@Poliss95 2 месяца назад

@@MagentaOtterTravels I consulted the Oracle to see if you could get into English Heritage sites with a NT membership. You can, but only Stonehenge so not worth it. While I was looking I found out that the NT membership for Scotland is cheaper and you can use it to get into NT sites all over the UK. You don't have to be a resident of Scotland either. Scotland is £123.00 for joint adult as opposed to £152.20 for English membership.

@StephenandAndie 2 месяца назад

gonna be honest: I’m totally going places for the pop-culture connections. 😂🤷🏻‍♀️ But it’s those pop references that serve as gateways to the rest of the history and significance of the locations for people like me. So win-win?

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

I agree with you, I just appreciate it when you visit the place and they share some of that historical information with you. For example, Gloucester Cathedral does a great job talking all about Harry Potter, but mainly focusing on the phenomenal history of the ancient cathedral. I think they could have done a better job with that at Highclere Castle.

@lizbignell7813 2 месяца назад

I did try to watch the first episode of Downton Abbey but did not like it. I am very interested in the Egyptian exhibition which was beautifully done at Highclere. My sister is a bit of a Capability Brown expert ie she give talks to various groups about him, so she enjoyed the grounds. Highclere stud is also well known in the racing world and had a connection to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth through her racing manager, John Warren.

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

Wow, thank you for the additional interesting context!

@wencireone 2 месяца назад

So, you did the tour and got the t shirt 😂

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

Been there, done the tour, got the Tshirt 👚

@carolineskipper6976 2 месяца назад

Great to compare the views of people for whom the whole 'Stately Home' experience was new with your wider experience of this type of place in Britain. Whilst I totally see how having a 'potted history' before you go in would be helpful, it would really go against British sensibilities to have guides in each room greet you with a set piece of information. We like to have a nose around, then ask questions about whatever aspect of the room or the house in general that interests us. The volunteer guides are always more than happy to do that. I believe the kitchen/ servants quarters scenes in Downton were filmed on a studio set elsewhere, rather than at Highclere, and so those areas of the house would probably have been very disappointing if they'd been open. I don't know if you ever saw the Comic Relief skit on Downton Abbey? It was in two parts, and very funny if you know the original show. Here are links to those: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-r5dMlXentLw.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-p3YYo_5rxFE.html

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

The Red Nose Day sketches are always hilarious! These are brill ;-)

@andrewfitzgerald2327 2 месяца назад

I'm catching up with your videos this is the first I've watched for a long time. My comment here is yes, it's a beautiful home although by British stately homes is small. It is however a family home made famous by Downton and that is what the people go to see. The history of king Tut' is taught in schools and most children will be aware. The Percy family received a lot of power from QE1 she had a thing for Percy . He asked her to marry him he would have gained king type powers leaving her vulnerable. He married one of her ladies in waiting secretly,she locked him in the tower but let him out banished from court. Gift shops are a rip off in most places apart from Cambridge and Oxford university gift shops. Jacobian is pronounced jack o be an ,in conclusion Downton doesn't exist only in the mind of Julian Fellows,the kitchens and bedrooms are a set few scenes are filmed in them.

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

It was actually Jacobethan... and I knew when I was editing that I had said it incorrectly, but I was too lazy to go back and do a voiceover to replace it! Lol 😆 It's so fascinating to learn about the history of QE1's life. So much drama!! Good to hear from you! Thanks for coming back to watch some videos. 😉 Cheers! Dara

@andrewfitzgerald2327 2 месяца назад

@@MagentaOtterTravels Hi Dara l was worried you were forgetting your time here. Sorry it's not your fault l have not seen much of anything, l have taken on some work temporarily,maybe until Autumn if things go to plan. One thing l must tell you we met our first "Karen" in JFK she was hilarious. I didn't help because I couldn't help laughing.

@Nick_r 2 месяца назад

I know this sounds arrogant and pompous but I’ve avoided the place because I view it as a Victorian creation of little historical or architectural value. The history of the house has effectively been wiped away. Maybe if I’m passing I’ll call in but not a special trip out.

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

I think you'd be better off giving it a miss. It's super crowded and pretty overpriced if you don't value the Downton Abbey connection.

@Nick_r 2 месяца назад

@@MagentaOtterTravels Thanks, will do. If you’re ever on the M1 and need a rest stop Hardwick Hall is worth a quick look. The original hall and its Tudor replacement oddly sit side by side. The inside is a bit so so unless you’re really into tapestry wall hangings. It’s NT and quite near the motorway.

@stephentaylor1476 2 месяца назад

Looking quickly they very much look like wasps , bees are very well behaved and are not particularly attracted to cream teas.

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

They were definitely wasps... and DEFINITELY very pesky!!!

@jamesbeeching6138 2 месяца назад

Those were wasps!! Bloody annoying aggressive tw@ts!!! Bees are generally more chilled out and less fierce!!! What I really love about Stately Homes is their gardens and landscape. Especially from the 1700s as Capability Brown designed and landscaped these grounds knowing neither he nor the aristocrat commissioning it would ever live to see it in its full glory....

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

It's amazing how well Capability Brown's landscapes have matured so beautifully over the years. Every time I have seen his work, it has always been amazing

@davidhyams2769 2 месяца назад

So sad that your visitors were seeing it a TV show location rather rhan as the genuine historical site it actually is. How shallow.

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

Well, that's a bit harsh... Downton Abbey is how they became familiar with the home But they appreciated it for its beauty and history as well. I don't think it's fair to call them shallow.

@tanyaansley3992 2 месяца назад

Lady Carnarvon herself, promotes HighClere Castle as a Tourist Attraction, with integrated Historical moments. Visitors or fans of HighClere , may come because of Downton, the series, but the majority of fans have also read books written by Lady Carnarvon giving Historical references. For example, The Life of Lady Almina brought HighClere into a new light for me, as I discovered much about life before, during, and after WWI. This is how authors of Historical Fiction lure an audience. A narrative is escorted with History. So, shallow? Oh my no. Not at all. I would call Dara's visitors,' Fans of History and lives, of a Bygone Age'.

@jeanlongsden1696 2 месяца назад

so an English aristocrat married an American millionaire, sounds alot like Ian and Dara's story. lol

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

Ha ha, I was definitely the poor one!🤣

@zakariyashakir4091 2 месяца назад

That lady with a blue dress next to you looks so much like an English lady who was born and brought up in The US. Could you ask her what is her ancestry background to confirm my statement😁😁😁. Please also tell her to do a DNA test to determine what I have said is true☺

@MagentaOtterTravels 2 месяца назад

Yes, she is a wonderful woman with English and Swiss ancestry... and an Oklahoma accent 😉

@zakariyashakir4091 2 месяца назад

@@MagentaOtterTravels I knew it. She looks like a Bonnie English 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Lass, please tell her that. Tell her how does it feel coming back to home sweet home😁🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿