Sunday, April 14: One of the best days EVER! I had scheduled a free day into our itinerary for the London trip so that the ladies could have a day to go out into the countryside and explore or just do whatever they wanted. I had been thinking for months about trying to go to Highclere Castle which is where Downton Abbey is filmed. I checked into getting tickets but they have been sold out for quite a while. I had been told that it wasn't worth going out there because it's in the middle of nowhere, so if you can't get in, there's nothing else to do, so it would be a wasted day. I also thought that it was a long way from the road, so that if I didn't get in, I wouldn't even get a glimpse of it. BUT when we all got together, the other ladies were game for at least trying to get a ticket at the gate, so we headed out there.
It's about an hour and a half on the train to Newbury (the nearest town) and then a taxi ride on from there. The taxi driver pulled over on a hill so we could get a glimpse of the castle in the distance. I took pictures, thinking this was all I might see. Just a tease of the spires of the castle!

I know it's crazy but my heart was pounding just to get a glimpse of the castle. Anita and I were sharing a taxi with two other girls that we didn't know (that just shared the cab fare with us from the station.) I remembered that I have the Downton Abbey soundtrack on my phone, so we had the full experience of approaching the castle with the opening soundtrack from the series. The cabbie said I was the first person to ever play the music on the way there - everyone loved it! I thought it was pretty funny and very appropriate!
He let us out at the entrance, we walked up to the window at the gate, purchased tickets, and in we went with no problem at all! Wow! We were SO glad that we tried!
What a thrill! If you are a fan of Downton Abbey like I am, you can imagine how I felt!

I played the opening song again as we walked up this path just like Lord Grantham with his dog in the opening shots on the show. It was a beautiful day - the light set off the castle perfectly!
Can you believe I only had my cell phone camera with me? If I'd known we would get in, I would have brought a really good camera, but I think the pictures came out pretty good with my iPhone!

We began by going through the house. We found out that that day was the last day the castle would be open until August because they were starting filming of the fourth season the next day. How fortunate we were to be there that day! We had no idea! The series is actually filmed here - the only scenes that are filmed in a studio are anything shot in a bedroom or downstairs in the servant's area - the kitchen and all because that area doesn't actually exist here at the castle. Also the bedrooms are not bright enough or big enough for the equipment that would be needed to film here. The living rooms, the entry, the stairways, and the dining room are actually used for the series. They said that they shine lights from the outside to the inside to give the light that they need.
I could imagine the scenes that I've loved from the series... (some of these pictures inside aren't great but the best I could do... )
The library...

The sitting room...


The hallway... (this is used in the series)

Looking down toward the front door...

The front door lightened up so you can see it...




I could picture them rolling up this carpet for Lady Edith's wedding that never took place.







How many scenes have we seen on these stairs?!


The dining room... I could just hear Carson's voice!


The fireplace area near the entry...

The servant's stairway...

The call buttons for the servants...




The grounds and countryside are just gorgeous! Lots of sheep everywhere!












We had a great lunch on the grounds...


It was a huge meal for only 6 pounds! We also had tea and scones with jam and clotted cream - see what I mean? A perfect day! The only thing that would have made it better was to see some of the cast there!



We did see the real Countess of Carnarvon who lives here but we didn't realize it was her until later.

Of course, I had to support the upkeep of the castle by visiting the gift shop and doing my part! A signed copy of Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey came home with me as well as a pretty tote bag, a little photo book, and a pencil.


We felt very blessed to have this fun day - for big fans like us, it sure was a dream come true! I'll treasure the memories always!