Hospitality Action Organises Tour Of The Real Downton Abbey

Industry charity, Hospitality Action is offering the exclusive opportunity to explore Highclere Castle in West Berkshire on Thursday 12th April. The tour of the stunning country house, which was the main filming location for the award-winning TV period drama, Downton Abbey, will be preceded by a champagne reception and lunch at The Vineyard at Stockcross and followed by afternoon tea at the same venue.

Tickets are just £95 and all funds raised will go to the charity, which provides a lifeline for current and former hospitality industry workers who find themselves in a crisis, both at work and in their personal lives.

Highclere Castle is a stunning country house set within a 5,000-acre estate in Hampshire and is the country seat of the Earl of Carnarvon. In addition to being the main filming location for Downton Abbey, Highclere was a filming location for the British comedy series Jeeves and Wooster, which starred comedians Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry.

Prior to the tour, guests will enjoy a Champagne reception followed by a fabulous three-course lunch in the Californian Suite at The Vineyard at Stockcross, a Relais & Châteaux 5 star hotel and spa, renowned for its impeccable service, 3 AA Rosette restaurant and award winning 30,000 bottle wine cellar. Guests will then have the opportunity to explore the castle at their leisure, including the Egyptian Exhibition before rounding off the day with a delicious afternoon tea back at The Vineyard.

The Castle was the seat, 100 years ago, of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, who famously discovered the Tomb of the Egyptian Boy Pharaoh, Tutankhamun, in 1922 with his archaeological colleague, Howard Carter. Today, the 8th Earl and Countess have opened a new Egyptian Exhibition throughout the cellars of the Castle to celebrate the 5th Earl’s achievements.

Mark Lewis, CEO of Hospitality Action, says: “We are delighted The Vineyard is hosting this event once again for us so we can offer our supporters the chance to visit Highclere Castle this spring. This exclusive afternoon is sure to appeal to all and will raise much-needed funds and awareness of Hospitality Action’s work – it’s set to be a fantastic day!”

Tickets are priced at £95 and include coach transfers between The Vineyard at Stockcross and Highclere Castle. Early booking is recommended, as places are limited. To find out more contact Maria on 020 3004 5516 or at mcarter@hospitalityaction.org.uk or to book online visit: www.hospitalityaction.org.uk/events