HIGHCLERE: BEHIND THE SCENES


Episode #101
After almost three years of closures due to the pandemic, the renowned house and gardens are opening their doors for Easter. With running costs of £10,000 (approximately $12,600 USD) a day this family-owned estate needs a good start to their busy season to recoup losses, and it’s all hands on deck for the small team. Lady Carnarvon becomes an unexpected tour guide for some Americans who have turned up expecting a private tour of the famous castle. Head butler Luis, used to serving royalty and VIPs, mans the drinks and ice cream kiosk on one of the hottest days of spring. Chauffeur Paul prepares the family's vintage 1936 Rolls Royce for display while estate manager John organizes an egg hunt. Will the busiest weekend of the spring pay off for Lord and Lady Carnarvon and their dedicated team?

Episode #102
It’s the week of the second Downton Abbey film’s release and there is great excitement at Highclere Castle. Lord and Lady Carnarvon and their staff have been invited to the film premiere, but first there’s work to do! Estate manager John and his team are awake before sunrise to welcome a famed British morning TV show broadcasting live from the castle's famous grand saloon. Unfortunately, the show’s visit coincides with the busiest day of the year for bus tours and it’s a race against the clock to get the crew out before the first bus load arrives. Lady Carnarvon heads to Henley to promote her new book and Highclere Castle Gin, the latest business venture designed to help increase the estate coffers. Can the Highclere team pull everything off in time to make it to London’s Leicester Square for the premiere?

Episode #103
The small Highclere team host their first charity gala in three years in the Castle's iconic library. The event involves a clay pigeon shooting competition, followed by a 3-course lunch and a big-ticket auction, but staff shortages put the rusty core team under pressure. As head chef Paul preps in his kitchen 200 yards from the house, grooms Maggie and Sam help out as catering assistants and even estate manager John pauses the heritage estates maintenance planning to roll his sleeves up. The Carnarvons team up with award-winning horticulturist Philip Harkness to launch their own branded roses at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show as they pursue new revenue streams.

Episode #104
It’s the height of summer with the annual Country Show and Battle Proms, the biggest event of the season, just around corner for Lord and Lady Carnarvon and their small team. To mark the centenary of the discovery of Tutankhamen's tomb, Lady Carnarvon is under deadline to write a book about her husband’s famous great-grandfather, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, who was involved in the search and excavation. Housekeepers Sheena and Jason tackle the Egyptian museum in the basement, where replicas from the tomb of Tutankhamen requires special cleaning techniques. And with fireworks, music and an aeronautical display team, Battle Proms is a chance for Lord and Lady Carnarvon and their staff to let their hair down. After a difficult 2 years is Highclere finally back in business?

Episode #105
Lord and Lady Carnarvon and their staff put on a Christmas to remember for visitors and family alike. As the castle and grounds are transformed into a winter wonderland, the team wrestle with their biggest ever tree - destined for the famous grand saloon - while butler Luis has a very merry time hosting a festive cocktail master class. Away from the public, Lady Carnarvon carves out some much-needed family time as she gathers loved ones round the Christmas tree for a private get-together. With unique access to the castle, family and the estate, this is Highclere at its holiday best.