Photo courtesy of Bas Sijpkes – flickr
If it takes you longer than 10 seconds to recognize this icon, then count yourself among the few not hooked on public television’s hottest show sensation since Upstairs, Downstairs and Brideshead Revisited: Masterpiece Theater’s Downton Abbey.
At its heart, this period melodrama speaks of romance – the will-they-or-won’t-they drama between Lady Mary and Matthew Crawley as well as Anna and Bates, the head housemaid and the Earl of Grantham’s valet.
The romance extends beyond the characters’ conflicts to the lush landscapes of the English countryside, the period costumes, and a time when life was less hurried and more well-mannered.
My travel money is on Wanderboomers who will want to check out the beauty of Highclere Castle for themselves, perhaps hoping to live vicariously through the lives of Downton Abbey’s characters, perhaps wistfully reflecting on times past, or perhaps imagining how it would feel to call this castle home.
If you are among those hopefuls, here’s what you need to know:
Highclere Castle, Gardens and Grounds is celebrating an Easter Opening, 7 days a week, between April 1st and Sunday April 15th. May dates follow from the 6th – 8th, and in June from the 3rd – 7th. Summer dates begin July 1st and end September 13th.
Admission to the castle is by pre-booked tickets, available for purchase after February 1st 2012.
Photo credits: flicker, top two photos by JBUK_Planet, bottom right by HerryLawford
What about you, Wanderboomers? Are you planning a trip to the home of Downton Abbey in 2012? Where have you been inspired to travel from your readings, movie or TV viewings?
Very nice post. Such amazing pictures. I’d love to wander there.
Oh, how would I love to tour Highclere. I’m totally hooked on Downton. Hey, I just realized, I’m going to be in Britain in April to visit an old school friend (from our days in Zambia)!!
You and me both, DM! It takes my breath away every time I see it. Thanks for commenting ~
Hi, Rossandra! You’re going to be in Britain in April? Then you have to make a point of visiting Highclere with your friend. Come back and tell me all about it. Enjoy your visit!
It is a nice post with beautiful pictures, but I can’t see going somewhere just because it has been in a television show (or 2).
Hi, Boyd ~ I agree with you – I wouldn’t go somewhere just because it was on TV. But if I’ve had an emotional connection with the site from what I’ve seen on TV, I might be inspired to go. The French have a lovely expression for this: “chacun à son goût,” to each his (or her) own taste. Thanks for stopping by ~
My best guess for a popular tourist destination in 2012: Myanmar. Since the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, and now with the sanctions lifted, it will be a new hot spot, along the lines of Vietnam and Cuba.
I agree, Cynthia. Myanmar would be an enchanting destination to add to any traveler’s list for 2012. Thanks for commenting ~
Italy is my first choice
Italy’s always high on my list, too, John! Thanks for stopping by ~