Hello All,
In late August, I visited this forum in my quest to score tickets which were all sold out and so took a reader's suggestion to visit Bleinham Palace instead and try for walk-up tickets at Highclere. I was glad I visited Bleinham for the history. And I got to view the ceiling murals painted by Sir James Thornhill, an ancestor of mine!
When I looked in August on the Highclere website, they were sold out with no info on even if they were open in September. When I looked in September, they were sold out. Not to fret! After visiting Bleinham and Stonehenge Saturday, we stayed at Brookhouse, a lovely B&B/working farm near Newbury, 10 minutes from Highclere Castle. (Highly recommended by the way: 65L for a double bed/45L for a single and breakfast, adorable abode. Reserve with Sandra at doddsfarm@mypostoffice.co.uk) And do have dinner at the pub up the road. Great food (even accommodating for vegetarians and gluten-free) with loads of personality...including Eric the Dog.
In any case, our hostess said the rumour is the the big tour companies buy up all the tickets, but the Castle does its best to accommodate walk-up visitors. Best bet is to stay somewhere close and get there right when the castle opens at 10 (even though you'll drive by a sign that says it opens at 10:30). There was a steady stream when we arrived then and everyone got in. DO get there before the buses arrive around 11!
You know, I thought maybe we'd be okay skipping Highclere after Bleinham, but I'm so glad we went! The history at Bleinham is unsurpassed, of course, but Highclere is truly something special. It has a very intimate feel and is filled with natural light which makes it just magical. Visit the website though so you will know which days they are closed.
I hope this is helpful!