Highclere: Behind the Scenes

Highclere Castle is the location of the classic TV drama Downton Abbey. But when the cameras aren’t rolling, the castle needs to attract paying customers to its grounds. As the lucrative Easter period approaches, castle manager John organizes an egg hunt and head of visitor reception Paul prepares to display a precious vintage Rolls-Royce. But will the first event of the season go to plan?

To mark the release of the second Downton Abbey movie, Highclere Castle welcomes a TV crew who will be broadcasting live from the castle's famous grand saloon. But the intrusive crew’s visit coincides with the busiest day of the year for paying members of the public. Can the castle staff get the crew out of the building before the legions of Downton fans arrive?

The Highclere Castle team prepares to host their first charity gala in three years inside the castle's iconic library, frequently seen in Downton Abbey. It’s a multi-faceted event involving clay pigeon shooting, a three-course lunch and a big-ticket auction. But a lack of staff makes a high-pressure event even more stressful. Can they convince the rich patrons to part with their cash?

Other than the iconic filming location of Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle has a huge amount of its own history to celebrate. The great-grandfather of the current Lord Carnarvon discovered the tomb of Tutankhamen 100 years ago. To mark the occasion the castle throws a party. But the basement’s Egyptian museum needs to be spruced up and this treasure trove requires very special cleaning techniques.

Highclere Castle, the iconic filming location for Downton Abbey, is a very special place. But at Christmastime it transforms into a veritable winter wonderland. Lord and Lady Carnarvon, along with their staff, show off their biggest-ever Christmas tree in the grand saloon while a festive cocktail masterclass is hosted by butler Louis. Will this be the best Highclere Christmas ever?