Visit to Highclere Castle 2017
Report by Mary Naylor:-
"At 12 mid-day on 12th April 2017, a bright but chilly day, 26 members of Lyndhurst U3A assembled, in an orderly fashion, at the Visitors Reception, to receive their tickets for entry to Highclere Castle, Egyptian Exhibition and Gardens.
After a brisk walk up (or down) the drive, facing the chilly wind, we gained entry to the Castle.
The welcoming warmth as one entered the Library was much appreciated.
Many rooms later, where one was allowed time to absorb as much or as little of the information available, entering the Saloon was a sheer architectural joy.Light, airy and beautifully proportioned.
Grand enough to entertain large gatherings but intimate enough to have ‘just a few friend round’. Although not an avid follower of the Downton Abbey television series. The association with television drama was not overly presented but would have satiated the interest of its keenest fans. Each room was well described and the accompanying guides were more than willing to answer questions or expand on its usage or history.
The Egyptian Exhibition was extensively but interestingly laid out .Again with information for the avid follower of Egyptology or the fleeting browser. Well married with the family’s involvement with the mammoth historical discovery of the Tutankhamun tomb.
The rolling countryside and the far reaching views were too vast to take in all at once, but worth the time to ‘stand and stare’.
The well-tended gardens, both walled and secret with initiative planting, were a horticultural delight. And the Wood of Goodwill where both notable visitors and Estate workers are commemorated is a wonderful legacy to the future.
Beautiful old trees give a sense of timelessness.
The accompanying facilities to the Castle are more than adequate.
The gift shop, the tea shops were with friendly and courteous staff and the disability access and toilet facilities were sufficient for the visitor numbers certainly on that day.
Only a visit can give justice to the architectural splendour, but also appreciate how what’s been added over the centuries has culminated in a beautiful well-proportioned Castle It is also apparent that it is much loved by its present custodians.
A truly memorable outing.
Personally ‘taster’ to find out more on future visits.
Lastly a Big Thank You to Steve Timms as principal organiser of this event."
Mary.