Within the English countryside in Hampshire emerges an historic estate surrounded by acres of gardens and fields. Highclere Castle will whisk any dreamer away, transporting them to another era when art deco, jazz, and flapper dresses were at their height of popularity. For one weekend each fall, lovers of the beloved Downton Abbey series can take a step back in time to the opulent Roaring Twenties in England, immersing themselves in the lifestyle of a 20th century aristocrat at Highclere Castle’s Magic of the Movies Event.

For the first time ever, the Earl and Countess Carnarvon have opened their home for this special event. Highclere Castle sits on a 5,000 acre estate in Hampshire, England, about 70 miles southwest of London, but most people now identify this castle as the filming location for the Masterpiece series, Downton Abbey. Aimed at giving travelers a brief but much needed moment away from the 21st century world, this event seeks to showcase the intricate architecture of the castle paired with the vast gardens, picnics in the grass, and afternoon tea times.

Highclere has become an icon for the early 20th century aristocracy, securing its image in the Downton Abbey series as the home of Lord Grantham. At its peak, Downton Abbey had over 13 million viewers a week tuned into the show, and the six-season series ran from 2010 to 2019. Since then, the estate of Highclere has seen a dramatic increase in visits over the years.

Walking up to the castle for this event means not only taking in the size and intricacy of the castle but also entails seeing everything around and within the estate. On the front lawns of the castle will be a showcasing of vintage cars from the 1920s, just like the ones seen in Downton Abbey rolling up to the front door.

Strolling past the cars and into the castle for the first time creates the opportunity to venture into a number of rooms such as the costume exhibition. This room will highlight some of the most famous outfits worn in the early 20th century as well as some of the beloved costumes worn on Downton Abbey. Whether it’s weaving through the rows of vintage cars or admiring the glamorous clothing, such showcases are the perfect moments to sip from Highclere’s own cocktail creations.

The perfectly manicured lawns are not just for the cars, however. For centuries, the family and visiting friends of Highclere Castle could entertain themselves through a game of croquet. This tradition will continue for the Magic of the Movies event this fall. 

To further feel like a member of 20th century English aristocracy, this event encourages visitors to come dressed as their favorite characters from the Downton Abbey series. The floors and grounds of Highclere will be graced with the brushes of sophisticated dresses and steps of shoes dancing the Charleston or Foxtrot to the Alex Mendham Jazz band alongside the Gatsby Girls on stage.

Where generations of the Carnarvon family used to take their afternoon teas will be another feature of the Magic of the Movies event. The Castle Tea Rooms look out onto the gardens of the estate and are the perfect setting for an afternoon tea. Relaxing inside some of the most glamorous and historic rooms while enjoying a variety of scones with cream and jam, cakes, sandwiches, and hot meals offered by Highclere’s own butlering team will leave visitors feeling like a 20th century aristocrat themselves.

Highclere Castle is not only famous for its role in the Downton Abbey series but also for its role in the finding and storing of Egyptian artifacts during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Following funded expeditions to Egypt, many priceless artifacts were brought back to Highclere Castle and stored in some of the rooms. These rooms will also be open for visitors to wander through the exhibits and antiquity collections. In addition to the Egyptian Exhibition, the castle’s State Rooms and Gallery Bedrooms will provide visitors an intimate look into the lives of the Carnarvon family.

5,000 acres of land means countless walks through the English countryside. Highclere Castle has eight different walking routes that deliver unique views with each route. The Beacon Hill Footpath takes wanderers to the burial site of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon and over a great hill to take in the breathtaking views of the estate. Closer to the castle are a variety of gardens featuring different designs and flora. The castle boasts gardens like the Rose Arbour, Wildflower Meadow, and its famous Healing Herb Garden. These vibrant gardens are the perfecting marching ground for strolls with a glass of champagne in hand. Under the fall sun, walking to one of the nearby fields or lawns can be complemented by a picnic hamper filled with tea, cakes, sandwiches, and champagne.

Seeing something on the screen or reading about a castle in a book is only so effective in relishing those moments of historic bliss. Take the opportunity to live on the screen yourself and spend a weekend living like Lord and Lady Grantham at Highclere Castle. Engross yourself in a time of glitz, glamour, and elegance and you will leave feeling as if you yourself have lived as a lord or lady of an exquisite castle.