Stuck for winter break ideas? Stay near Highclere Castle – a legend of film and TV

It feels like only yesterday – and yet, also eons ago – that we were all celebrating Christmas; indeed, some of you may have joined us here at Regency Park Hotel for one or more of our always well-attended festive-season events.

The early months of the year, though, can see many of us end up in a bit of a funk. The winter blues may creep in, as the weather becomes unpredictable and the hours of daylight short. What could you possibly do, then, to lift the mood for both you and other members of your family?

We’ve got an idea – indulging in a bit of TV and movie escapism. No, we’re not talking about spending your workday evenings slumped in front of the TV as you work your way through your DVD collection.

We’re suggesting, instead, that you meet one of the biggest recent stars of the small – and soon, big – screen. Stay near Highclere Castle, and you’ll shortly be developing some welcome déjà vu...

So much more than just a Jacobethan wonder

When many visitors catch their first ‘in the flesh’ sighting of Highclere Castle – which, by the way, is situated a less than 10-mile drive away from Regency Park Hotel via the B4640 road – they immediately know where they are, and why this property is so special.

That’s right – this historic country house is no less than the real-life Downton Abbey! By that, we mean that it served as the main shooting location for the award-winning ITV period drama series, with both exterior and interior scenes having been filmed here.

In fact, despite the original Downton Abbey TV programme having concluded back in 2015, this majestic Grade I-listed stately home is set to return as the home of the aristocratic Crawley family, this time on the big screen. A feature-length Downton Abbey film is scheduled for release this autumn, and quite frankly, none of us here at Regency Park Hotel can wait!

Even before Downton Abbey started airing in 2010, though, Highclere Castle was a TV and movie star, appearing in the likes of the 1991 American comedy film King Ralph, the TV version of Jeeves and Wooster in the early 1990s and Stanley Kubrick’s final film, 1999’s Eyes Wide Shut.

What else do you need to know about experiencing the ‘actual’ Downton Abbey?

One of the most important things for us to tell you is that if you would like to visit Highclere Castle, you should first head to the property’s official website at www.highclerecastle.co.uk. This will give you all of the information that you will require to plan your visit, including how to buy tickets. Bear in mind, in particular, that the house is not open to the public on every day of the year.

Once you’ve secured your tickets to see the property, though, the really fun bit will begin – picking out the best local hotel!

Regency Park Hotel offers the best of all worlds to those wishing to stay near Highclere Castle at any time of year, including the winter. Our rooms are spacious, affordable and contemporary-styled, while our location is perfectly tranquil, lending itself nicely to a restful night’s sleep. Yet, local transport connections are also excellent, so you’ll have no trouble reaching Highclere Castle.

Why not book a room with us online today to lift that stubborn seasonal gloom in the finest possible style?