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A Year At Highclere
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  • Published: 4 September 2025
  • ISBN: 9781804957141
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 320
Categories:

A Year At Highclere

Secrets and Stories from the Real Downton Abbey

Formats & editions
Hardback
2 Dec 2025
EBook
4 Sept 2025
Audiobook
4 Sept 2025
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A ‘backstage’ glance, over the course of a year, at the much-loved British institution and home of the real Downton Abbey.

Join Lady Carnarvon as she exclusively reveals into the daily rhythms, seasonal changes and timeless traditions of one of Britain’s most iconic stately homes.

Built in a bygone era, Highclere Castle and its surrounding five-thousand-acre estate is a place steeped in history both within its walls and verdant landscapes. From the grandeur of Victorian architecture to the whispers of Anglo-Saxon roots, the estate's sweeping ground encapsulate a rich British heritage. Lady Carnarvon shares tales of past residents, from Lady Almina's legendary 1920s parties to the enigmatic ghosts that roam the halls of the castle.

With the passing months and seasons, Lady Carnarvon reveals what it truly means to live and work in this extraordinary home. From gardening, entertaining, exploring the outdoors with their eight dogs to opening the gates to a film crew — for many weeks and seasons — culminating in the latest Downton Abbey film.

Highclere is where history, royalty, nature and community weave together — enchanting its residents, staff and guests.
  • Published: 4 September 2025
  • ISBN: 9781804957141
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 320
Categories:

About the author

The Countess of Carnarvon

Fiona, 8th Countess of Carnarvon, is the wife of Geordie, 8th Earl of Carnarvon.

She is an alumna of St Andrews University, a former auditor for Coopers & Lybrand accountants and created her own clothes brand in the 1990s. She and her husband and son live 'quietly' with eight dogs, too many horses, a brood of chickens, a number of bee hives and some rare breed pigs, amongst the normal farm animals in the farm and landscape of Highclere Castle today.

Fascinated by the inhabitants of Highclere Castle as well as its past, Lady Carnarvon reveals its history, stories and recipes in Seasons at Highclere, Christmas at Highclere and At Home at Highclere. She is also the author of the New York Times bestsellers Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey and Lady Catherine and the Real Downton Abbey.

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Also by The Countess of Carnarvon

Seasons at Highclere
Christmas at Highclere
See all

Praise for A Year At Highclere

‘A gem of a book!’

Richard Arnold, Good Morning Britain