Meet Alan Titchmarsh at Highclere Castle
Monday 25 September, 2023
Tickets £185pp (subscriber price)
£195pp (reader price)
Highclere Castle, the ‘real’ Downton Abbey, is the setting for a special day with Alan Titchmarsh and Lady Carnarvon. On arrival, enjoy a coffee and a warm welcome from the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine team before Lady Carnarvon introduces the story of her family home, delving into the secrets of one of England’s most enchanting country estates.
Sharing her intimate knowledge of the castle’s gardens and their rich heritage, Lady Carnarvon will be joined by Alan Titchmarsh, who will take us through his illustrious career and discuss the influences the landed gentry had on gardening as patrons of plant collectors. This will be followed by a Q&A session before exploring the magnificent home on a guided tour.
The tour will take you through the castle’s state rooms, bedrooms and vistas made famous in Downton Abbey, the fictitious home of the Earl of Grantham in the ITV drama. Among other delights, you will discover the fascinating Egyptian Exhibition in the castle’s cellars, telling the story of the Tomb of Tutankhamun, which was discovered in 1922 by the 5th Earl of Carnarvon and archaeologist Howard Carter.
A light lunch will follow, after which you’ll have free time to explore the beautiful gardens and arboretum at your leisure.
Alan Titchmarsh
Lord and Lady Carnarvon at Highclere Castle
Lavender border at Highclere Castle gardens
Lady Carnarvon in Highclere Castle gardens
Your itinerary:
- 10am Refreshments on arrival at Highclere Castle
- 10.30am Be seated in the Saloon
- 10.45am Welcome from Lady Carnarvon, followed by a talk and Q&A with Alan Titchmarsh
- 11.45am Guided tour of Highclere Castle
- 12.45pm Guided tour of the Egyptian Exhibition
- 1.15pm Light lunch served in the tea rooms
- 2.30pm Free time to stroll through the gardens and grounds
- 4.00pm All guests leave with a complementary BBC Gardeners' World Magazine goody bag
Highclere Castle dining room
Highclere Castle dining room
Highclere Castle library
Terms and conditions:
In the case of unforeseen circumstances experts may be substituted.
Hidden away at Rick Stein's pub near Padstow, The Cornish Arms, are six wooden shepherd's huts, perfect for a peaceful couple of nights by the coast. Each hut boasts a cosy living and dining area, an en-suite shower room, a kitchenette and a private patio. Your stay is also a gastronomic delight with two sumptuous breakfasts and a three-course dinner at The Cornish Arms included. You’ll also enjoy a delicious beach picnic with a selection of delights from Stein’s Deli.
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Use code: GARDENERSWORLD
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