We will be in London in May and my wife wants to see Highclere Castle. Has anyone taken the train to Newbury and grabbed a cab to Highclere? Wondered if this was an alternative to some fairly expensive day trip tours. Thanks for your input
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
5974 posts
The Highclere Castle website recommends taking a taxi from the train station. They also recommend pre-booking the taxi both ways, since there are no taxi ranks at the castle.
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2823 posts
Yes, I did exactly that a few years ago.
The taxi driver gave me his card when we were dropped off to call when we were ready to return to Newbury.
Posted by
1168 posts
If your wife wants to see Highclere, then get her to Highclere. It did not disappoint. We rented a car in London and drove, but it was many years ago and back then a taxi at Newbury was iffy. I've heard it's a good option now. Enjoy!!!
Posted by
Halifax, NS
352 posts
Do you have tickets? It’s only open 4 days in May (tickets sold out other days).
I wanted to go, but it isn’t open on my days in May.
Posted by
Singapore
708 posts
Train plus taxi is easy - you can arrange a return with the driver, or just call/use their app to book a return when you're finished.
Posted by
OP
Illinois
5 posts
Thanks all for the great advice. Appreciate your responses very much.
Posted by
Vancouver, BC
318 posts
We have been twice: once in November for smaller group tour with tea in the stable block included and July two years ago for summer tours - the latter is hordes of people but less expensive. Get your tickets to the castle booked first. Easy to train to and from London. Either call the cab driver or ask the people at the gate to call to return.
Book the morning and you can spend as long as you like in the grounds. I think it also works if you have an afternoon ticket. We enjoyed the grounds as much as the house.
Newbury is a lovely town. We spent a couple of nights each time. There are lovely walks and I am a big fan of Camp Hopson, the local department store. There is a nice pub along the canal beside the lock. Last year, we went to Newbury and got a cab to do a hike on one of the public footpaths up to a nice view hill as the house wasn't open when it fit our schedule. We picnicked and then I couldn't get a signal to call a cab. We asked a nice American couple for a lift and they were obliging. I was a touch concerned by the driving on the leftish but appreciated the lift. There are buses but they are infrequent and inconvenient.