Stonehenge has been the subject of speculation and fascination since the early medieval period.There have been different theories put forward about who built it, when, and for what purpose. Antiquaries argued that it was an ancient Roman temple, or that it was built by the Druids. Astronomers suggested that it was a primitive computer for calculating the dates of eclipses.More recently, archaeologists have suggested that it was a place for people’s ancestors, or perhaps a centre of healing. Our day starts with a walking tour around the ancient site, viewing the site from different angles and a visit to the new interactive visitor centre to see some of the ancients artefacts connected with Stonehenge and the area, including the Durrington Walls where a reconstruction of the village site has been made showing how these early people lived.We then travel through the English Countryside

the counties of Wiltshire and Hampshire to Highclere Castle, stopping at a typical English pub for lunch!.

After lunch we then visit Highclere Castle the home of 8th Earl and Countess Carnarvon This is the estate where Downton Abbey is filmed. The tour includes a visit inside the house where many of the location scenes in the T.V. series are filmed and are instantly recognisable e.g. The Library… decorated in dark mahogany with gilded bookcases and rich red curtains, the library has an outstanding collection of over 5,650 books, and is instantly recognisable from the Downton Abbey series.

The Dining Room, once again, is instantly recognisable from the large Portrait of King Charles 1st, and the scene of some of heated discussions over dinner in Downton Abbey. Other rooms that are visible are the Saloon, the Drawing Room,Music Room, and some of the Bedrooms.

You’ll have option of visiting the Egyptian Exhibition Rooms for there’s an additional charge. Highclere Castle was home to the 5th Earl of Carnarvon 100 years ago. It was the 5th Earl with his Colleague Howard Carter who in 1922 discovered the Tomb of Tutankhamen. Today the 8th Earl has opened an exhibition in the cellars of the castle to celebrate the story and achievements of the 5th Earl.

There is also an opportunity to visit the Gardens and Highclere Park, which have existed since medieval times.There has been a garden on the site of the Monk’s Garden since the 12th century. Much of the park you see today is the result of collaboration between the 18th century Landscape architect Capability Brown, and the 1st Earl of Carnarvon.