Highclere Castle is a must for any Downton Abbey fan, but getting there from Dublin raises a common question: fly or ferry? This guide lays out both options, comparing travel times, luggage rules, ticketing, and hidden costs. You’ll also discover why many travellers prefer the coach-and-ferry route. It’s simpler, more comfortable, and often includes extra sightseeing along the way.
For Irish fans of Downton Abbey, the chance to step inside Highclere Castle, the real-life setting of the series, is a dream come true. But one of the biggest questions travellers face is: what’s the easiest way to get from Dublin to Highclere Castle?
Should you fly and hire a car, or travel on an organised Downton Abbey tour from Ireland by ferry and coach? Let’s compare the options.
Introduction to Highclere Castle
Highclere Castle, often referred to as the “Real Downton Abbey,” is a magnificent Victorian mansion nestled in the heart of Highclere Park near Newbury. This iconic castle has been the ancestral home of the aristocratic Crawley family, the Earls of Carnarvon, since 1679, and its grand architecture and sweeping grounds have made it famous around the world as the main filming location for Downton Abbey. When you visit Highclere Castle, you’re stepping into a place rich with history, where you can explore the stories of both the Crawley family and the real-life residents who lived and worked here. The castle’s fascinating connection to the ancient world is also on display, thanks to the 5th Earl of Carnarvon’s discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb. To make the most of your visit, be sure to check admission tickets and tour dates in advance, and browse the Highclere Castle website for all the details, no registration required.
How do you travel from Dublin to Highclere Castle?
Highclere Castle is located in Hampshire, southern England, which is about 66 miles west of London. For Irish visitors, 2 main routes are possible:
- Flying from Dublin to London (then hiring a car or connecting to trains/taxis)
- Travelling by coach & ferry on a guided package with Celtic Horizon Tours
Both get you there, but the experience differs. The Downton Abbey tour from Ireland has a maximum group size of 25 people to ensure a personalised experience.
What’s it like to fly from Dublin to Highclere Castle?
On paper, flying seems fast. Dublin to London is only a short flight, but when you add everything up, it’s rarely simple:
- Airports are stressful: Security checks, queues, and baggage restrictions add time and hassle.
- Transfers are tricky: Highclere is not near Heathrow or Gatwick. You’ll need a hire car, or a mix of trains and taxis to reach the castle.
- Car hire costs add up: Rentals, insurance, and fuel on top of flight tickets.
- Luggage limits: Budget airlines can mean steep charges for anything more than a cabin bag.
By the time you’ve landed, arranged transport, and navigated country roads, a “quick hop” becomes a full travel day.
How does a coach & ferry Downton Abbey tour from Ireland work?
This is where Celtic Horizon Tours takes the stress away. Instead of juggling flights and hire cars, you can book a Downton Abbey tour Ireland ferry package that covers everything:
- Multiple convenient pick-ups across Limerick, Portlaoise, Naas, Dublin, and more
- Return coach & ferry travel included: No airport queues, no luggage restrictions beyond what you can comfortably bring
- Direct drop-off at Highclere Castle with pre-booked entry tickets to the Castle & Gardens
- Extra sightseeing built-in: Stops in Oxford, Blenheim Palace, and Stratford-upon-Avon, all included in the package
- Tour Director onboard to handle logistics so you can relax
You’ll visit iconic places featured in Downton Abbey, including famous filming locations and historic sites that bring the story to life.
It’s a comfortable, social, and seamless way to travel from Dublin to Highclere Castle.
Flights vs. Ferry: Which is Best for Dublin to Highclere Castle Travel?
| Factor | Flying Dublin → London + Car Hire | Celtic Horizon Tours: Coach & Ferry Package |
| Tickets & Entry | Highclere tickets must be booked separately. | Admission to Highclere Castle & Gardens included. |
| Travel Stress | Airport security, luggage limits, hire car paperwork, driving on UK roads. | Hassle-free: board coach in Ireland, direct to castle. |
| Luggage | Strict limits and baggage fees on budget airlines. | Generous coach storage, no hidden luggage fees. |
| Connections | Need car hire or multiple train/taxi transfers to reach Highclere. | Direct drop-off at Highclere Castle. |
| Time Efficiency | Flight time short, but transfers add hours. | Ferry + coach is one smooth journey, no connections. |
| Extra Sightseeing | Not included unless self-planned. | Oxford, Blenheim Palace & Stratford included. |
| Cost Control | Flights, car hire, insurance, petrol, tolls, and castle tickets add up. | One price covers all major costs. |
| Experience | Independent driving, full responsibility. | Social, guided, stress-free group experience.. |
Check out more information or book your Downton Abbey tour here.
Exploring the Castle and Grounds
Visiting Highclere Castle is a chance to step into the world of the aristocratic Crawley family and experience the grandeur of the real Downton Abbey. Inside, you can explore the elegant State Rooms, including the impressive dining room, the soaring main hall, and the beautifully appointed library, all filled with remarkable art and period furnishings. The castle’s grounds are just as breathtaking, with gardens designed by Capability Brown, tranquil lakes, and scenic walking trails that invite you to relax and enjoy the landscape.
Don’t miss the Egyptian Exhibition in the castle’s cellars, where you’ll discover the story of the 5th Earl’s adventures in Egypt and see a fascinating collection of ancient artefacts. The gardens and many areas of the estate are accessible to visitors with disabilities, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience. Before your visit, check the rules and guidelines for exploring the castle and grounds, and plan your day to make the most of all Highclere has to offer.
What are some special events and activities at Highclere?
Highclere Castle is more than just a historic building; it’s a vibrant destination with a calendar full of special events and activities for visitors of all ages. Throughout the year, you can join guided tours, enjoy re-enactments, and take part in interactive exhibits that bring the world of Downton Abbey to life. Treat yourself to a traditional English afternoon tea in the castle’s State Rooms, or sign up for a cooking class to learn how to prepare classic dishes from the Downton era.
Families with children will find plenty to enjoy, from treasure hunts to creative craft workshops. In the summer, the castle hosts outdoor concerts and garden parties, making it the perfect spot for a memorable day out. To find all the details about upcoming events and activities, and to book your tickets in advance, visit the Highclere Castle website—so you don’t miss out on any of the fun.
Surroundings and Local Attractions
Set in the picturesque countryside of Hampshire, Highclere Castle is surrounded by charming villages, rolling hills, and historic sites waiting to be explored. After a long day of sightseeing, you can relax and enjoy a meal at one of the area’s traditional pubs or restaurants.
If you’re travelling from London, it’s easy to reach Highclere Castle by coach or train to Newbury, followed by a short taxi or bus ride. Remember to check travel times and dates in advance, and don’t forget to bring your admission ticket for access to the castle and grounds so you can enjoy every moment of your visit.
Plan Your Downton Abbey Tour from Ireland with Celtic Horizon Tours
Ready to travel from Dublin to Highclere Castle the easy way?
To purchase tickets, visitors will need to register or log in to their account on our website. Registered users can access special offers and event information. Whilst browsing tour details is open to all, registration is required for booking. The tour includes entrance to Highclere Castle, where you can explore the historic saloon and enjoy food options such as lunch or afternoon tea on the grounds. Live events and broadcasts may be available during certain times of the year, especially in the best season to visit, spring or summer, when special tours are offered. The performances of the actors who brought Downton Abbey to life are celebrated throughout the tour experience.
Celtic Horizon Tours’ Downton Abbey & Highclere Castle package includes:
- Return coach & ferry travel from Ireland
- Guaranteed admission to Highclere Castle & Gardens
- 3 nights’ DBB accommodation in selected hotels
- Visits to Oxford, Blenheim Palace, and Stratford-upon-Avon
- Tour Director services for a smooth, stress-free journey
Book your Downton Abbey Tour
