I Didn't See Mr. Bates or Lady Mary

Teresa and I went to Highclere Castle, otherwise known as Downton Abbey.  The castle is typically only open in the spring/summer (and sell out really quickly), but they decided to open up for a Christmas event in the beginning of December.  I was lucky enough to get online and get tickets the day they went on sale.  It was kind of hysterical because it was like trying to get tickets for Opening Day of the Cubs (when they were good a little better, of course).  I kept refreshing my screen until the tickets became available.

Anyway, Teresa and I had tickets for the afternoon opening, but it takes a good hour+ to get out there, so we were up bright and early at 6:30/7:00 in order to get out there.  The train ride was uneventful and got a cab from the train station to the castle.  Unfortunately, there is no other public transportation.

Highclere Castle is a Victorian castle and is home to the Earls and Countesses of Carnarvon.

 Me in front of the castle

Since we got there early, we toured the grounds first.  There are a number of gardens, including the Monk's Garden...

...the Walled Garden, and the Secret Garden (which threw Teresa off because there was a sign pointing to it --- how "secret" is it?)

Since it was December, there wasn't much in bloom, but there was a greenhouse with some pretty flowers...

In addition to the grounds, we sat down for a spot of tea.

 Tea and scones

Now, we weren't able to take photos of the interior, so I don't have any pictures to share, but I can tell you a little about it.

The tour of the house is not that big or long.  It's self-guided and most of the hallways are fairly narrow, so you are pretty much following the person in front of you.  Unfortunately, for a period of time, Teresa and I got stuck behind some weird dude who was carrying a stocking with these weird mouse-like stuffed animals in them.  (Caroline, it sort of reminded me of Santa Rat).  Teresa said he was having them talk to each other while we were on the tour, but I thankfully missed that.

Anyway, there is no audio guide and there are only 1 page handouts available in each room.  I have to say, after the extensive Hampton Court Palace audio guide, I was happy to be without it, but it would have been nice to have a little more detail in each room.  

They did make subtle nods to Downton Abbey by highlighting what room it was supposed to reflect.  So, we saw the Library, Lady Edith's bedroom, Lady Sybil's bedroom and the room where Mr. Pamuk stayed (the guy who Lady Mary did the nasty with in the first season and then he kicked the bucket).

I was so focused on the fact that we were touring a castle that I forgot we were touring a home.  There were pictures throughout of the family.  Some included royalty (e.g. the Queen, Princess Diana, and Prince Albert were seen in various photos), but most were photos of the current Earl & Countess of Carnarvon and their children through the years.  It was hard to believe that this is a family's home.