Downton Abbey Day - Highclere Castle Vlog

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

To see a vlog of our favourite castle, check out this video of Arundel : kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYDRnoqNht-JosU or see our favourite house & gardens video of Cragside here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXvPlaKFhb6rnZI

[@sandytaylor9973]

I went to Highclere in 2022. Absolutely loved every minute of it. But I am a huge fan of Downton Abbey, I’ve seen every episode of the series at least 9 times. I quit counting after that !! It seems like every time I watch it, I notice something new. It’s a brilliant show!!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

It is a very fun show to watch! We had to go back home and start watching the series again after we visited Highclere! 💖

[@peterwilliamskelhorn6675]

​@@MagentaOtterTravelswho's your favourite character. Mine is Tom Branson (Allen Leech)

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@peterwilliamskelhorn6675 he is a good one! I'm sorry to be predictable, but I would have to say Maggie Smith as the Dowager Countess🩷

[@peterwilliamskelhorn6675]

@@MagentaOtterTravels she's loads of fans favourite with her sassy lines.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@peterwilliamskelhorn6675 exactly!

[@rp921968]

I visited in September 2016, after the visitor season was over on a special tour that was offered. It was 100 pounds but limited to about 100 guests. The Countess came downstairs and spoke to us for about 15 minutes. We were divided into small groups and took around by a guide explaining all about the rooms. We got to see the Egyptian exhibits and there was tea, sandwiches and scones included after. Also received a small gift bag. It was very peaceful walking about the grounds after. Took a taxi up from the train station. It was a great visit.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

That sounds like the ideal way to visit Highclerel!

[@PostcardAndAPint]

Never watched a single episode! It looks very busy. You had a beautiful day for it! I hate wasps!! We're glad your friends enjoyed their visit. Cheers 🍻

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Then you definitely should not go visit Highclere! Go see Blenheim Palace instead ;-) Those wasps were SO annoying!!!

[@johnadey3696]

Yet another beautifully filmed tour. Thanks for the hard work!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks for watching! Sorry I wasn't able to film INSIDE! And the gardens weren't really that amazing, unfortunately. But it's a beautiful building outside. And fun to see the interior in person if you're a fan of the show ;-)

[@MisterStuzy]

Amazing what difference a few decades can make. Long before Downton, I use to live nearby (my school was in the nearby Burghclere). It was no where near that busy, actually really peaceful, we’d even bump into Lord Carnarvon for a chat in the grounds. The most interesting parts then were the Egyptian links. And loved how he hid items in the doorways.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Oh yes, this home definitely became a million times more popular after Downton Abbey! Despite the fact that the king Tut stuff is quite impressive as well!!

[@MartinT5600]

This was an interesting episode. The expectation verses the perception of a site. As a boy I loved reading about myths and legends and couldn't wait to one day visit Tintagel Castle. I was worried that it wouldn't live up to my own hype but on the day as we walked through the glorious weather to it, a strange fog engulfed the Fort. Rather than spoiling it, it was really enriched the experience for me. Through gaps in the fog you could see the blue ocean below the cliffs and it was just like a movie set. Another great video and great guests too!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Oh your visit to Tintagel sounds brill! That is a place I've been wanting to visit for ages... definitely on my list!

[@ItsArtByDonna]

This was awesome Dara & Ian and Keith & Kelly Loved all of the information you've given, if I ever get to England I would love to take a tour too...I must confess I did watch on PBS and the Movies Great information...thoroughly enjoyed this today!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Downton Abbey is great fun to watch! Great actors, and a riveting story!!

[@bobbyxhilone9953]

Great t-shirt choice, Dara. I too just love that line from the show!!🤣

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks! The irony is that now I'm retired and every day is like Saturday. Except Sunday ;-)

[@JohnandCaraRetiredTravellers]

I would visit based on history. I would love to visit Blenheim. So nice you could take your friends. I haven’t seen the series Downton Abbey your friends as fans seemed thrilled. Another great video Dara…an escape from the daily stresses. ~Cara ❤

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I really hope you visit Blenheim this autumn!

[@ruthgoebel723]

I mainly appreciate the historical aspect of these magnificent homes and feel that supporting them is important. The film location bit adds a little to the attraction.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I agree with you. It really is a combination of factors. If I really love the show, I would like to see where it's filmed. But I appreciate really stunning buildings and gorgeous gardens even more. Unfortunately, I found the gardens at Highclere disappointing.

[@pershorefoodbanktrusselltr3632]

To me Highclere Castle will always be Totleigh Towers, the home of, Sir Watkins Basset, in the Jeeves and Wooster TV series, featuring Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry.

[@paulguise698]

I thought it was the same castle, my favourite character is Roderick Spode

[@pershorefoodbanktrusselltr3632]

@@paulguise698 or as, Gussy Finknottle says, Woderiwick Spode.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I ADORE that series!! Laurie and Fry are both such talented actors... and fascinating, brilliant men in general!

[@Chris-hj1wt]

Hey, Nice to meet you i'm British and not far from you when you come to your british home from Texas, Love you and your videos and thank you for the tours and all your videos you do. SUBCRIBED to you Keep up the good work. and keep enjoying my homeland xx

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Why, thank you so much! Nice to meet you. Thank you for your support, it means a lot! We are back in Cheltenham this Friday! Can't wait ;-) Cheers! Dara

[@erikalfan1027]

A very beautiful and historic place, very attractive beauty

[@glyn829]

Thats great 👍 glad your enjoying your visit 🇬🇧

[@The_Brit_Girls]

I'm a huge Downton Abbey fan too! 🤗 It was interesting that you questioned the reasons why people visit these castles 🤔 I'm a big history buff so I would put history over recent media associations. I noticed you pronounced 'Jocobean' as 'Jake - obean' rather than 'Jack'. That was interesting to me too! Oh my, those poor guys trying to empty the bins while batting away the wasps! I enjoyed your summing up at the end.. It was a shame that all the 'upstairs' and 'downstairs' rooms were not open to the public. Thanks for a fun vlog. I'm glad your friends enjoyed the trip 😊😊

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

As you know, extemporaneous speaking is fraught with issues... I knew when I was editing that I had said Jacobethan wrong... but I was too lazy to go record voiceover and replace it! haha... I'm completely crazed trying to get everything wrapped up before we move to England in two days! AAACK! The wasps were so annoying! What pests! And bless those workers for trying to change the bin liners!! Of course all the "downstairs" scenes from DA were filmed on a set and not in Highclere ;-)

[@theresabigwideworld2632]

I loved Downton Abbey but haven't been to Highclere (yet!) Getting to a popular place as soon as it opens and then walking quickly to the part you want to see first, has worked for me a few times, to avoid having to dodge crowds to see what I want to see. Interesting that the Egyptology section is a different ticket, previous to the show Downton Abbey, that exhibition was the main reason why people visited.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes, I wonder if we should have done the Egyptian exhibit... but it was already a long, expensive and tiring day... and we ended up spending the afternoon/evening racing back to Cheltenham to handle a water heater problem in our flat!

[@john_smith1471]

Regards the 70s series Upstairs Downstairs mentioned in the comments, I recommend visiting Sambourne House, near Holland Park, London, a preserved five storey 19 century town house, originally owned by an illustrator for Punch magazine. There is also a nearby jointly preserved property Leighton House, joint tickets can be bought.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

That would be interesting to visit!

[@iankelly5387]

Hi Dara, this was another brilliant little video, and I agree there should be more information as you walk round. Never been there, but went to Salisbury Cathedral last September, and I recommend this for you and your American friends when they come over. The amount of information you give out in your vlogs is mighty impressive and every time I watch your wonderful videos I learn something! It's almost May, when do you arrive back in the UK for the summer?😄

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

This time next week we will be in England! I am looking forward to visiting Salisbury Cathedral one day! Definitely on my list 😉❤️ Thanks so much for your kind words!

[@iankelly5387]

@@MagentaOtterTravels - Amazing. Cheltenham will be all the better for you both being here

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@iankelly5387 cheers!

[@paulguise698]

Hiya Dara, Highclere Castle looks great, besides the wasps of course, Me and my Mam have watched every episode of Downton Abbey, it was nice to see what its really like, Downton Abbey is supposed to be set in the north (Yorkshire) but its filmed in Hampshire, this is Choppy in Whitehaven, Cumbria, England

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes, you are right! It is set in Yorkshire near Ripon, but the house they filmed in was in Hampshire... and the "downstairs" scenes were all filmed in a studio on a film set.

[@GENerationXplorers]

Lovely looking building, great drive up. Wow, busy spot. Bit like Castle Howard being in Brideshead Revisited and Bridgerton. Great history and photos Dara. Scary wasps. Take in that fresh insect repellent, get a good lung full! 😂 magenta hats, flowers and handbags? Check! Nice Christmas Card designs. Does seem like more of a film set tour than a historic tour. Not a patch on Arundel! Great honest review 👍

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes we had to give an honest review so that people understand pros and cons 😉. The wasps definitely made having your cream tea outside an unpleasant experience! 🐝 And yes, it was also unpleasant to breathe in the insect repellent!🥹

[@Poliss95]

🎵When you're alone, and life is making you lonely you can always go...Downton. (Petula Clark) 😁

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I think Petula was saying Downtown. Maybe you don't understand her accent?

[@Poliss95]

@@MagentaOtterTravels I stole that joke from a radio show. 😁

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@Poliss95 good job paying attention and remembering!

[@Poliss95]

@@MagentaOtterTravels I only remember because I heard it 14 years ago and not last week. 😂

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@Poliss95 that sounds about right

[@DavidCoomber-r1j]

I visited long before Downton Abbey and it was a little worse for wear with an old bloke collecting the money at an old table at the door.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

That's funny! I think the owner of the place is very lucky to have Julian Fellowes as a friend, because now he's had the most massive infusion of cash!!!

[@jasonsmart3482]

I think that no matter why you want to visit a particular property its good that you go, It helps with their upkeep and helps to keep Britain's history alive. Maybe you visit for Harry Potter or Downtown but then get to appreciate the history it might inspire you to visit other properties.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I agree 100%! We are always happy to buy tickets or make donations to historic buildings, including churches, so that they can be around for future generations to enjoy!

[@markbarnwell942]

my partner and i were thre in april and we just loved it.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Are you fans of DA?

[@StephenandAndie]

those bin bag changers don’t get paid enough! 😂 🐝

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Definitely! What a nasty job!

[@elliotgeorge999]

i have a few bottles of highclere gin in my larder, made with botanicals from the castles garden. maybe i will visit one day, loved downton abbey.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes, the gin is supposed to be very good! Of course I haven't had any. What do you think of it?

[@elliotgeorge999]

@@MagentaOtterTravels not tried it yet, i have some bombay sapphire open so i am finishing that before opening the highclere.

[@archiebald4717]

Definitely worth it. As for the tasting, you should try (hard) cheese and marmite! Delicious. Highclere is famous partly because of its connection with the discovery of Tutankhamen's tomb. I feel cheated by not seeing duck attacks!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@archiebald4717 what is your favourite cheese to eat with marmite? Honestly, I am sorry that we didn't get to see the Egyptian exhibit. But I'm not sorry that I didn't get attacked by a duck! Lol

[@Poliss95]

@MagentaOtterTravels Audley End House is the place where Mrs Crocombe does the cooking demonstrations. The reenactors do talk to the visitors and they do allow you to take photos and videos, unless the videos I've seen were taken on the sly.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Where is this?

[@Poliss95]

@@MagentaOtterTravels Saffron Walden, Essex. It's bigger than Highclare with wings at the side. It's English Heritage. Aren't you a member of that?

[@lizbignell7813]

Not far from us!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@Poliss95 no, not English heritage. Just national trust and historic houses

[@Poliss95]

@@MagentaOtterTravels I consulted the Oracle to see if you could get into English Heritage sites with a NT membership. You can, but only Stonehenge so not worth it. While I was looking I found out that the NT membership for Scotland is cheaper and you can use it to get into NT sites all over the UK. You don't have to be a resident of Scotland either. Scotland is £123.00 for joint adult as opposed to £152.20 for English membership.

[@IamaDutch-Kiwi]

Those wasps, so annoying and the sting so painful. That would have put a damper on anyone's day. Those poor workers. Amazing building. Am I allowed to confess to have only seen a couple of Downtown Abbey episodes. Maybe I should binge-watch. Just haven't gotten into the story somehow. The castle looked so impressively huge. I guess just the sight of it would leave a lasting impression. The interior looked very grand indeed. Just imagine how those children who were sheltered there must have felt seeing their 'safe house' for the first time. Great visit and loved the review. Happy weekend. 👌🇳🇿🙋‍♀🥝

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Good point about the evacuated children! Yes, wasps are terrible pests, and NOT welcome in a picnic! If you aren't hooked on DA in the first 3 episodes, give it a miss and watch Upstairs Downstairs instead ;-)

[@IamaDutch-Kiwi]

@@MagentaOtterTravels I LOVE upstairs downstairs. Kids weren’t allowed to interrupt my tv time AT ALL. No calls taken 😂😂😂

[@theresabigwideworld2632]

The scenes of the servants quarter and the kitchens were filmed on a sound stage in London as at Highclere that downstairs part of the castle is where the Egyptian exhibition is, so the old rooms and the kitchen aren't there anymore. The current Countess of Carnarvon has written a few books about some of the women who married into the family, and she's given interviews publicising her books and about the filming of the series. It was interesting getting some of the background information, often the real stories are more interesting than the fictional ones.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes, I'd love to watch a documentary about the 6th Earl of Carnarvon who married the American heiress!

[@DaveCollierCamping]

Amazing views

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks, Dave!

[@DaveCollierCamping]

@@MagentaOtterTravels My pleasure

[@glastonbury4304]

Have to say Chatsworth is my favourite so far and not too far from me in Cheshire...🥰

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I thought Chatsworth was in Derbyshire? You live in Cheshire? I have such trouble remembering where people live!

[@glastonbury4304]

@MagentaOtterTravels yes I live in Cheshire which borders Derbyshire and Chatsworth is about 38 miles away so not far at all, so your brain is safe 😉💞🚗🚲🛵 x

[@TravelingTramps]

Great idea to get there early, Dara and Ian. I think that applies at all tourist places, that you can at least get in before the long lines. Beautiful castle and we enjoyed hearing some of it's history. Busy bee's though and a dangerous job emptying the trash! 🤣🤣Enjoyed hearing your friends and your thoughts. Surprised that the rooms weren't bigger. The little film seen first would be great for a YT vlogger too! 😁😁That way I wouldn't have to talk about something I know nothing about! Shame about the filming not being allowed. Enjoyed the video though.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

So many places in the UK don't allow filming inside! Do you run into that much?

[@davidjones332]

I've never quite understood this fascination with visiting places just because they have been used as a film location. I must admit to a definite buzz when I stood on the terrace at Bentley Priory and stared at a clear blue sky to the south, just as Laurence Olivier does at the end of the film "Battle of Britain", but I suspect that was more knowing that Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding must have done the very same thing on that spot. Perhaps it's different if it's a true story filmed on the original location?

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

There are certain shows or stories that some of us totally fall in love with. In that case, it can be super exciting to visit the filming location. But I honestly think a bigger factor is just that as Americans most of us don't live in areas that have buildings which are hundreds of years old. The grandeur of these buildings is foreign to us, which makes them so exceptional. When we are introduced to these buildings by way of TV show or movie that we love, it just doubles the excitement factor to see it in person.

[@john_smith1471]

What you both say is exactly the advice I’ve seen given by locals to Americans asking about travelling to Highclere, “there are much more interesting & better homes to visit” reminding tv fans that a lot of the inside scenes are shot in a studio with specially built sets, also attempting to use public transport to get there is quite tedious.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes, all the upstairs servants rooms and downstairs kitchens and offices were on film sets. And I agree... getting there by public transport would be a nightmare!

[@theresabigwideworld2632]

Popular culture does mean that more people visit historic buildings and that pays for their upkeep which is horrendous apparently. The more visitors that come, the more money is available to care for these buildings, I've been to many places because of some vague connection to a book or books, or a movie or TV show. Last year I visited Holkham Hall in Norfolk just because I had read Anne Glenconner's book Lady in Waiting and she grew up there. Just like Downton Abbey, her father had 3 daughters and the whole estate was inherited by a distant cousin, who lived in South Africa and just sent his son to learn about running the estate as he had no intention of returning to live in the UK. The girls just had to 'marry well'.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Isn't that infuriating that the female offspring could not inherit the family home/estate where they had grown up? So odd by today's standards.

[@andrewdoubtfire4700]

Hi Dara & Iain. Have you visited Longleat House? If not well worth a visit and you don’t have to do the safari park part. Andy

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

We visited Longleat 20+ years ago when our boys were little. So fun! Still remember the monkeys attacking our windscreen wipers!!!

[@andrewdoubtfire4700]

Wonderful. The house is so interesting. When I last went they had a dinner service all laid out as it was for a visit a few years before from kElizabeth II, which took place exactly 400 years after a dinner was given in the same room for Elizabeth I. It’s these type of events and the fact they are remembered and honoured that I so love about England.

[@fleabiter]

Never watched it, but did see the film which was good. Great tour. I'm taking my must grumble t-shirt on holiday with me soon, a US road trip, so that really will confuse the locals, they won't get it at all!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Oh my goodness, I love that you're doing that! Please email me a photo so that I can show you in your shirt for a future merch Monday! Where are you going in the US?

[@fleabiter]

we've done several road trips there before, we like it like you like here. atlanta, SC coast for shrimp festival, NC, across mountains, Indiana for a museum I want to go then south to Atlanta.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@fleabiter that sounds really fun! What's the museum?

[@fleabiter]

LST325 (my dad was on them in ww2, he wanted to go see this but died before he did. that was back in 90's.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@fleabiter nice to honour and remember him!

[@caromurray6152]

If you want to go somewhere different try Stokesay castle in Herefordshire ( I think). It’s more of manor house & not very big but lovely to visit. ☺️

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

We have spent LOADS of time in Herefordshire, as you may know from my Ledbury video and my Herefordshire Family History vlog... but we still haven't made it to Stokesay. My friend Anita from the Netherlands went there last year, so I did get a preview of it in her vlog: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eH6opJ1_l9N2r7csi=yOdhj6WSlrD3S7j8

[@caromurray6152]

@@MagentaOtterTravels Than you for the link. It was lovely to see the place again. It’s many many years since I’ve been there. I don’t remember there being a gift shop & there were hardly any visitors, which added to its appeal. As a child it was a great adventure, finding hidden staircases & the beautiful view’s from the top, all in this peaceful setting.☺️

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@caromurray6152 that does sound like a great memory!

[@robertwilson738]

Just for information Stokesay is in the beautiful county of Shropshire and not in the beautiful county of Herefordshire.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@robertwilson738 well, that explains it! We have certainly spent a lot of time in Herefordshire...

[@ShaneNixonFamily]

We really enjoyed the first couple of seasons of Downton but felt like it jumped the shark when they killed off Matthew. He then went off and did the excellent but weird Legion. Speaking of cast members other projects, Michelle Dockery did Godless on Netflix. A fabulous western. She was excellent in that.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Michelle Dockery has done some other very fine work! I agree... killing off Matthew was horrid. I understand it was not the producers' choice, that the actor decided to leave, but what a bummer!

[@davidcoan4899]

Wasps what a PITA they can be at some locations when eating sweet things outdoors in late summer in the UK, those staff deserve a medal. Nice video, useful and interesting, we have never been, agree with all your other alternative top picks they are all excellent. Highclere, as a non fan of the tv show, it wont be on my must do list…it will be on a maybe list someday.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes, I felt so bad for that chap with the tennis racket and the grabber trying to take care of the rubbish amidst a flurry of wasps and insect repellent!! What a nasty job!

[@elizabethcutrofello2572]

I’ve set the notification, so, hopefully I won’t miss this one live streaming!🙃😁

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Cheers! See you Friday! 👋

[@WITYTRAVELS]

One day, one of these castles will have a statue of YOU outside.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

That is definitely not something I aspire to! Lol

[@LuanFontes19]

Beautiful vídeo, I loved it. Is it possible to see the castle from the outside for free Or do I need to pay to access the area outside the castle?

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

You might be able to drive into the car park, but beyond that you have to pay at the gate to walk in the grounds. I recommend visiting Blenheim Palace

[@wencireone]

Just across the water from us is Osborne house, I've yet to give that one a go

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I don't know that place. Tell me about it...

[@wencireone]

@@MagentaOtterTravels It's on the IOW and was Queen Victoria's home

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@wencireone oh yes, I remember now! I think I have watched a TV Programme about that

[@wencireone]

So, I've been there once during a charity event, but only in the garden I met Lady Canarven, she is a very pleasant Lady, but I won't be putting a revisit on my calendar 😅

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I'm sure it was nice to meet her, but tell me honestly... were you impressed with the gardens?

[@wencireone]

@@MagentaOtterTravels can't remember anything about them, which probably says it all

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@wencireone yes, I didn't have any good photos of the garden. Which says it all as well...

[@wencireone]

@@MagentaOtterTravels as long as you like well manicured lawns you'll be OK 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

[@davidfuters7152]

Wasps not bees A wasp can sting many many times but a bee can only sting once as the needle it stings with is barbed , so once it’s gone in it rips the bees sting and intestines out as it flys away to its death 😢😢

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Goodness! I was stung by a wasp once, when I stepped on it! That one never stung anyone else afterwards ;-)

[@andyknowles4261]

That’s not a tennis racquet, it’s a battery powered fly/insect swatter.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@andyknowles4261 battery powered or human powered? Lol

[@petee074496648]

if your friends are fans of Downton Abbey suggest they check out "upstairs downstairs" a extremely popular TV series from the late 70's without that ime sure there would have been no Downton Abbey TV show !!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I agree completely! I was just saying that I wish more people would check out the old show because it was the classic pioneering show in this genre.

[@amnril]

That was not a tennis racket, it is electrified and fries any insects that fly into the metals bars across the racket shape. I visited Highclere castle a couple years ago and had afternoon tea plus a tour of the castle and it was excellent, the Egyptian area in the cellars was quite a surprise. An enjoyable day out in my opinion. I get the impression from your narrative that you aren’t a fan 😂

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks for explaining the bug zapper! That is fascinating! You know, if I HAD to go again, I would definitely visit the Egyptian exhibit and do more research on Lord Carnafon on my own. I think that would have made the trip worthwhile. I guess I'm just jaded because I have been to so many manor houses that are much less crowded, less expensive, and full of truly astonishing beauty and interest. But my American visitors LOVED visiting Highclere, so I think it's personal preference ;-) Thanks for your comment. Cheers! Dara

[@gordonsmith8899]

Arundel is the home of the Duke of Norfolk - the hereditary Earl Marshall of England. The Fitzalan-Howard family is Roman Catholic, however, as Earl Marshall, the Duke of Norfolk has the hereditary right to organise the coronation and state weddings of the Anglican Royal Family

[@WhereisBingle1]

I love Highclere Castle. Camera still not allowed?

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

No, I doubt that will ever change!

[@wencireone]

The nearest place to me is Exbury Gardens, if you like a rhododendron or azalea in abundance. Or Beaulieu Motor Museum if cars are your thing

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

A few people have told me I need to go to that motor museum

[@wencireone]

@@MagentaOtterTravels Only go if you like cars, otherwise you might find it a little dull. There is Lord Montague's house but it's not that big. The village of Beaulieu is quaint, and from there you can walk to Bucklers Hard. Exbury Gardens is near by, but best to visit in May

[@kathchandler4919]

Oh, so much to say, firstly Highclere has been styled a castle but it's not, it's a privately owned 19th century mansion which was built , or rather redesigned from Highclere House to be known as Castle by Sir Charles Barry who designed the Houses of Parliament in 1842. I see Highclere as very different to most folk in that I was lucky enough for myself and whole family to spend a whole day & into the early hours of the next morning one August Bank holiday at my great friend's daughter's wedding, they had hired the whole place & all the meals were provided by their Chef & staff...amazing ! Suffice to say, if we ever meet up when you're back in Northumberland, I'll show you the pictures as we were allowed all over the house & surrounds . As to the best Castle , sorry, those in the south were built for the aristocracy, not proper castles ! Real castles were built to keep enemies at bay & protect the people & their land , the best of them are in the Kingdom of Castles & one , if your friends are interested, was even used in Downton Abbey, Alnwick Castle ! Another one, the seat of the Ancient Kings of Northumbria & Capital of Northumbria (covering North of the Humber to the Firth of Forth , now Scotland) is beautiful Bamburgh ❤

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Alnwick Castle is definitely one of our very favourites... and I love Bamburgh as well! You are so lucky to have had a private stay at Highclere! I would love to see those photos! And yes... it really should not be called a castle ;-)

[@wencireone]

Arundel is about 40 miles from me, I've been there once in passing, but never went inside 😢

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

You need to GO!!!

[@WITYTRAVELS]

Bees are a deal breaker!!!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I have been informed that they were actually wasps. Which makes them even worse than bees! Not very fun lunch companions!!!

[@robertwilson738]

So many commenters referring to these insects as bees, but they were wasps. Wasps persecute you especially if you waft them away. They just come back angry that you had the impertinence to waft them away. Bees are not interested in humans. Gently waft them away and they generally go away completely. Love bees; hate wasps.

[@bloop-bl8mm]

Those look like hybrid hornets. I know the UK is having a HUGE problem with the Japanese hornets that were released here. Those ones look incredibly bigger and more aggressive than the ones I would see as a kid. Bumble bees are less frequent, too, which is devastating to the flowers.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes, we need more nice little bees to pollinate the wildflowers. And less aggressive hornets that don't let us enjoy our cream tea!🫖

[@StephenandAndie]

gonna be honest: I’m totally going places for the pop-culture connections. 😂🤷🏻‍♀️ But it’s those pop references that serve as gateways to the rest of the history and significance of the locations for people like me. So win-win?

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I agree with you, I just appreciate it when you visit the place and they share some of that historical information with you. For example, Gloucester Cathedral does a great job talking all about Harry Potter, but mainly focusing on the phenomenal history of the ancient cathedral. I think they could have done a better job with that at Highclere Castle.

[@shanewaterman4125]

I tried to arrange a group visit to Highclere about 6 or 7 years ago. Their visitor department (or whatever they call it) couldn't have been less helpful. Everything was an inconvenience, they were clearly gave the impression groups were something to be tolerated (the 'lady' i dealt with even said 'well we make a lot of money out of you groups...') Needless to say.... we went 'elsewhere' ....

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I have to say I'm not surprised.

[@charmianjohnson2364]

I believe it costs one million pounds a year for the upkeep of Highclere Castle .

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

All these stately homes are SO expensive to run! It's overwhelming!

[@carolineskipper6976]

Great to compare the views of people for whom the whole 'Stately Home' experience was new with your wider experience of this type of place in Britain. Whilst I totally see how having a 'potted history' before you go in would be helpful, it would really go against British sensibilities to have guides in each room greet you with a set piece of information. We like to have a nose around, then ask questions about whatever aspect of the room or the house in general that interests us. The volunteer guides are always more than happy to do that. I believe the kitchen/ servants quarters scenes in Downton were filmed on a studio set elsewhere, rather than at Highclere, and so those areas of the house would probably have been very disappointing if they'd been open. I don't know if you ever saw the Comic Relief skit on Downton Abbey? It was in two parts, and very funny if you know the original show. Here are links to those: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGbHfp-OmtOngtk kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmS8iqKVaterfKc

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

The Red Nose Day sketches are always hilarious! These are brill ;-)

[@lizbignell7813]

I did try to watch the first episode of Downton Abbey but did not like it. I am very interested in the Egyptian exhibition which was beautifully done at Highclere. My sister is a bit of a Capability Brown expert ie she give talks to various groups about him, so she enjoyed the grounds. Highclere stud is also well known in the racing world and had a connection to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth through her racing manager, John Warren.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Wow, thank you for the additional interesting context!

[@wencireone]

So, you did the tour and got the t shirt 😂

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Been there, done the tour, got the Tshirt 👚

[@wencireone]

Luckily it was only the cost of the entry tickets you were stung for

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

🤣🤣🐝🐝

[@andrewfitzgerald2327]

I'm catching up with your videos this is the first I've watched for a long time. My comment here is yes, it's a beautiful home although by British stately homes is small. It is however a family home made famous by Downton and that is what the people go to see. The history of king Tut' is taught in schools and most children will be aware. The Percy family received a lot of power from QE1 she had a thing for Percy . He asked her to marry him he would have gained king type powers leaving her vulnerable. He married one of her ladies in waiting secretly,she locked him in the tower but let him out banished from court. Gift shops are a rip off in most places apart from Cambridge and Oxford university gift shops. Jacobian is pronounced jack o be an ,in conclusion Downton doesn't exist only in the mind of Julian Fellows,the kitchens and bedrooms are a set few scenes are filmed in them.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

It was actually Jacobethan... and I knew when I was editing that I had said it incorrectly, but I was too lazy to go back and do a voiceover to replace it! Lol 😆 It's so fascinating to learn about the history of QE1's life. So much drama!! Good to hear from you! Thanks for coming back to watch some videos. 😉 Cheers! Dara

[@andrewfitzgerald2327]

@@MagentaOtterTravels Hi Dara l was worried you were forgetting your time here. Sorry it's not your fault l have not seen much of anything, l have taken on some work temporarily,maybe until Autumn if things go to plan. One thing l must tell you we met our first "Karen" in JFK she was hilarious. I didn't help because I couldn't help laughing.

[@henryluczak9156]

The yellow and black insects are wasps, not bees.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yeah, sorry about that!

[@Nick_r]

I know this sounds arrogant and pompous but I’ve avoided the place because I view it as a Victorian creation of little historical or architectural value. The history of the house has effectively been wiped away. Maybe if I’m passing I’ll call in but not a special trip out.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I think you'd be better off giving it a miss. It's super crowded and pretty overpriced if you don't value the Downton Abbey connection.

[@Nick_r]

@@MagentaOtterTravels Thanks, will do. If you’re ever on the M1 and need a rest stop Hardwick Hall is worth a quick look. The original hall and its Tudor replacement oddly sit side by side. The inside is a bit so so unless you’re really into tapestry wall hangings. It’s NT and quite near the motorway.

[@davidhyams2769]

So sad that your visitors were seeing it a TV show location rather rhan as the genuine historical site it actually is. How shallow.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Well, that's a bit harsh... Downton Abbey is how they became familiar with the home But they appreciated it for its beauty and history as well. I don't think it's fair to call them shallow.

[@TravelswithTanya]

Lady Carnarvon herself, promotes HighClere Castle as a Tourist Attraction, with integrated Historical moments. Visitors or fans of HighClere , may come because of Downton, the series, but the majority of fans have also read books written by Lady Carnarvon giving Historical references. For example, The Life of Lady Almina brought HighClere into a new light for me, as I discovered much about life before, during, and after WWI. This is how authors of Historical Fiction lure an audience. A narrative is escorted with History. So, shallow? Oh my no. Not at all. I would call Dara's visitors,' Fans of History and lives, of a Bygone Age'.

[@jamesbeeching6138]

Those were wasps!! Bloody annoying aggressive tw@ts!!! Bees are generally more chilled out and less fierce!!! What I really love about Stately Homes is their gardens and landscape. Especially from the 1700s as Capability Brown designed and landscaped these grounds knowing neither he nor the aristocrat commissioning it would ever live to see it in its full glory....

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

It's amazing how well Capability Brown's landscapes have matured so beautifully over the years. Every time I have seen his work, it has always been amazing

[@BeckyPoleninja]

Slightly dusagree,,UK here, Brits have veen visiting these places for decades, way before films and TV series, we dont go there for film locations, that is what overseas visitors do mainly

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@BeckyPoleninja you are actually agreeing with me. I'm just saying if you aren't interested in Egyptology or Downton Abbey... go to a different historic manor house.🏡

[@BeckyPoleninja]

@@MagentaOtterTravels I've never seen Downton, Egyptology is interesting but not something I particularly follow, I go to see the house and gardens for themselves. Have you visited Stowe near Buckingham, amazing place

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@BeckyPoleninja I haven't, but I would love to see it!

[@stephentaylor1476]

Looking quickly they very much look like wasps , bees are very well behaved and are not particularly attracted to cream teas.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

They were definitely wasps... and DEFINITELY very pesky!!!

[@jeanlongsden1696]

so an English aristocrat married an American millionaire, sounds alot like Ian and Dara's story. lol

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Ha ha, I was definitely the poor one!🤣

[@zakariyashakir4091]

That lady with a blue dress next to you looks so much like an English lady who was born and brought up in The US. Could you ask her what is her ancestry background to confirm my statement😁😁😁. Please also tell her to do a DNA test to determine what I have said is true☺

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes, she is a wonderful woman with English and Swiss ancestry... and an Oklahoma accent 😉

[@zakariyashakir4091]

@@MagentaOtterTravels I knew it. She looks like a Bonnie English 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Lass, please tell her that. Tell her how does it feel coming back to home sweet home😁🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿