We start with a visit to the town of Banbury, well known from the nursery rhyme. Although the original Banbury Cross was pulled down the present Cross has stood in the town centre for over 150 years. An opportunity to explore the town, sample the Banbury cakes or take a lunch break. Then on to Broughton Castle, one of our top twenty historic houses. Broughton has been the home of the Fiennes family for six centuries and is still lived in by their descendants.

Price includes entry.

Highclere Park and Gardens have existed since medieval times, with each generation of the Carnarvon family respecting and developing the landscape and visions of those who came before. Now the House and Gardens are recognized by us all as Downton Abbey.

Price includes entry.

In the late 1930s, Leeds Castle was a playground for the rich and famous, as Lady Baillie entertained high society down from London for the weekends. There were also over 30 servants in the house who met the needs of the visitors.  Just like the characters in Downton Abbey and Upstairs Downstairs, the butler, the housekeeper, the footmen and the ladies’ maids lived their lives in parallel to the smart set of the country house party.  With archive material and photographs not usually on show, the exhibition offers a glimpse of a bygone era, with displays throughout the castle.

We regret that some areas of display will be in the area of the castle which is not accessible to wheelchair users

Price includes entry.