Visitor numbers soar at Highclere Castle

The Earl of Carnarvon said he assumes the upward trend is due to the success of the television series Downton Abbey

VISITOR numbers have soared at Highclere Castle, following the successful television series, Downton Abbey, which was mostly filmed at the castle.

Estate owner, the Earl of Carnarvon said yesterday (Tuesday) that around 1,200 visitors came to the castle after it opened its doors for Easter on Sunday (April 17).

“Yes the first day was around 1,200 and considerably up on previous years which I must assume is the Downton affect,” he said, adding that there were fewer visitors the following day but that the trend looked encouraging for this season.

There will be an Easter egg hunt in aid of Sutton Scotney based charity, Naomi House Children's Hospice, in the castle grounds between 2pm and 5pm on Sunday (April 24).