Highclere Castle in Hampshire, the setting of Downton Abbey, hires its State Rooms for board meetings, conferences of up to 60 guests in the Saloon, private dinners for up to 24, receptions for up to 150 and weddings. Larger groups use a marquee in the grounds.
Seminars and company events
Corporate events are described as entirely bespoke. The State Dining Room is used for smaller board meetings, and the Saloon takes conferences of up to 60 guests set theatre style. Private receptions in the State Rooms take up to 150 guests, with drinks and canapes served throughout the rooms while guides discuss the artwork and furniture, and guests can move onto the south lawn, which overlooks the parkland, if the weather allows. The events team can arrange music or entertainment. A private luncheon or dinner takes up to 24 in the State Dining Room, and a marquee in the grounds takes larger numbers. The castle can be hired for the guests only, with a private tour of the State Rooms, the castle bedrooms and the Egyptian Exhibition tailored to the group.
Weddings and receptions
Highclere suits intimate weddings, for the couple alone or for up to 30 close family and friends, with the Saloon licensed for civil marriage ceremonies. For more than 30 guests, a marquee holds the reception and a wedding breakfast that can continue into the early evening. The castle and gardens can be booked exclusively for the day, with views across the Capability Brown landscape, the follies and the parkland. The lawns serve for photographs, and the first-floor Gallery and Oak Staircase are used for entrances. Availability is very limited because of the castle schedule, and spring and autumn are often the best times.
Rooms and capacities
The Saloon takes up to 60 guests theatre style and is licensed for civil ceremonies. The State Dining Room seats up to 24 for a private meal and hosts smaller board meetings. Receptions in the State Rooms and on the south lawn take up to 150 guests. A marquee in the grounds takes larger numbers, though its capacity is not stated on the pages read.
Catering
An in-house team led by the head chef prepares menus using seasonal ingredients for weddings. The pages read do not give menus for business events, so organisers should ask the events team for corporate catering and drinks options.
History and setting
Highclere Castle stands in a landscape designed by Capability Brown, with follies and parkland, and is known as the setting of Downton Abbey. The castle also houses an Egyptian Exhibition and the State Rooms, which guides present to groups.
Getting there
Highclere Castle is in Hampshire. The pages read do not give a street address, so organisers should ask the events team for directions. The castle office is on 01635 888518.
