Downton Abbey | with or without the crowds?

Downton Abbey all to ourselves (c) 2016 by David Ourisman, all rights reserved

I was privileged to enjoy an exclusive private visit to Highclere Castle in April, 2016. Arranged by our fabulous UK travel partner Noteworthy Events, we were granted entry to the famous estate a full half hour before opening. The picture above shows members of our group as we walked up the drive toward the entrance made famous by Downton Abbey.

We had the castle to ourselves. While we had to keep on the regular pathway through the house, we were able to take our time. We enjoyed a delightful few minutes in the living room, the setting of so many of Downton Abbey's best scenes. We walked up the grand staircase to the living quarters and peered into the bedrooms. We were never rushed nor crowded.

While it's possible to visit Highclere Castle during the public opening times, the experience would be quite different. I've quoted below the photo a few remarks posted on Trip Advisor.

https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/community/heroes-at-highclere-2018/

One visitor was "disappointed" by the crowding.

Although we booked our tickets last February, with a timed slot, I was disappointed at the amount of people trying to view the house at the same time.... The bedroom corridor was narrow and there was nobody in control to monitor the amount of people trying to look at the bedrooms or the pictures. Lots of mumbling complaints about the number of people stuck in a queue to view the rooms.

Another visitor uses descriptors like "achingly slow" and "frustration," and her visit was spoiled by the bored children in queue.

As soon as we were through the door, it was single file, step by achingly slow step around the house. It wasn't a pleasant experience, people behind were trying to get ahead, those in front wanted to stand and discuss. Children were becoming bored, all adding to the frustration of the visit.

Less is more when it comes to crowds. Our Virtuoso travel partners have the connections to offer you an exclusive experience of England ... or most anyplace you'd like to visit. So even if you're not a lord or lady, you can still experience Downton Abbey like Mr. Molesley or Mrs. Patmore!

copyright (c) 2018 by Ourisman Travel LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® Member. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.