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Traveling to Highclere Castle & Newbury

Posted by (Eastern USA) on

Hi All,
I have the good fortune to have tickets to Highclere Castle in June. We are doing the afternoon Mid-Summer Special Guided Tours.

From the ticket confirmation: For Afternoon Visitors, your arrival time will be 1:30pm and with a departure of 4:30pm. Please note that the gates to the Castle and Grounds will open no more than 30 minutes prior to your ticket time and that the Grounds close promptly at 5.30pm.

Before I book my train tickets I have a couple questions.
1. How far in advance should I book our train tickets (Tour is June 19). We are staying in London (Southbank area), I plan on leaving from Paddington Station (unless otherwise suggested).
2. Should I plan a meal in Newbury on either end of the train ride? If so where? I was thinking of picking up sandwiches to eat on the train for lunch. Light refreshments are served at the end of the tour, but we might need something more before heading back.
3. How much time should I plan for travel to and from the train station to the castle?

Thank you all in advance :)

Posted by
2600 posts

If you want the cheaper Advance train tickets (from £6) book now. They are limited in availability and sell out.

Train tickets bought on the day of travel are more expensive (about £30).

https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

Posted by
250 posts

I can’t remember all the details, but I took the train and then I emailed ahead for a taxi that was listed in the Rick Steves book and he picked me up. Maybe a 5-10 minute drive and five minutes waiting for the taxi. But if you have a specified time, it could be quicker. It’s a gorgeous area and definitely stay on the grounds as long as you can. Grab a scone and eat under one of the trees. They do have food there, but you may not want to wait till 130. So you may want to grab a quick snack to take on the train. Have a lovely visit. ..... I just LOVED it.

Posted by
3124 posts

The Newbury train station is right on the high street, which has a good range of restaurants as well as takeaway food shops.

We were staying in Newbury and when we took the train into London it was to Paddington Station, so yes I think you're right using that station.

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