Your tour will be followed by a Champagne Afternoon Tea in our Tearooms served by our very own butler, Luis, and his team.

You are welcome to arrive one hour beforehand or stay later depending on the time of your tour to give you time to enjoy the Gardens and visit the Gift Shop. The Grounds close at 4:30pm. Following your tour, you will make your way outside to the Christmas Marquee on the Castle Lawns for a delicious traditional Afternoon Tea.Please remember to collect your book from the Castle Gift Shop during your visit, as we will be unable to post this after you have departed. Fresh water has more oxygen in it," she said. "Water that has been boiled many times will make tea that tastes flat." The guided tourlast approximately1 hour, followed by the opportunity to explore the Egyptian Exhibition. You will then be invited to the Christmas Marquee for Afternoon Tea lasting 45 minutes. Following this, you may enjoy the Gift Shop and Gardens at your leisure. We kindly ask Group C to explore the Gardens and Gift Shop earlier before your tour and tea as the sun sets early in the day. Your tour will begin in the warmth of the Saloon at the heart of the Castle. Our guides will take you through the State Rooms where you can enjoy hearing about the history of the Castle and the works of art, as well as anecdotes from the filming. No dunk zone — unless your tea party is very informal, dunking treats in your tea will garner a scowl.

Scones — the most practical approach, according to Debrett’s, is to split the scone horizontally before adding your favourite spreads. With its elaborate period clothes; fine furnishings; and, of course, perfect afternoon tea, the PBS drama promises to keep viewers intrigued this winter.

Relaxing Over Afternoon Tea

B.Gates open from 11:30am for a 12 noon tour time (tour of the Castle, Exhibition and Afternoon Tea) Sugar/lemon —tea is poured first, then sugar or thinly sliced lemon and never milk and lemon together as it will curdle. Scones are a must for serving with formal tea, as are small tea sandwiches and other sweet cakes, Saha said.

Use your fingers you can eat bite-size pastries with your fingers, as well as sliced loaves, breaking off small pieces before consuming. Use a dessert fork to eat larger pastries. A metallic or gilded serving tray is a must for your Downton Abbey tea party. I found this one for a great deal at my local thrift store. If you can find pink-toned depression glass platters and cake stands, that would also be beautiful for this theme. Beverages for a Downton Abbey tea party Don’t get too stressed about making tea, mainly since much is now sold in tea bags. To distinguish yourself as a tea aficionado, however, just follow the time-honoured tradition of first warming the teapot. Add a bit of boiling water to the pot, give it a swirl and pour it out before adding your tea. Steep for 3 or 4 minutes, and don’t let the tea steep too long, or it will become bitter. If you go with loose tea, the general guideline is to allow for 1 tsp per person, 1 tsp for the pot, and allow 10 ounces per person. Use a tea strainer and pour into cups. You may wish to fill your teapot with tap water, and pour it into a measuring cup to determine how many cups your pot will hold. Debrett’s also advises that you keep a heated pot of water nearby to help dilute the tea if it is too strong. Let’s Eat: The Tea Menu Mrs. Patmore, Queen of the KitchenCream tea, a version of afternoon tea, takes its name from the clotted cream served to accompany the scones, he said. English Breakfast (caffeinated). Note: my British friends inform me that they just call this “tea.” Outdoor movies: Easton Town Center to host Movies by Moonlight series, showing four free outdoor movies A.Gates open from 9.30am for a 10:00am tour time (tour of the Castle, Exhibition and Afternoon Tea) Elevensies — Morning coffee hour in England (I remember the Hobbits used this term in Lord of the Rings. I thought they ate 11 times a day…just like me!)

Place all ingredients except bread in a bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat on low speed until well-combined.

About Us

Although we were Downton fans and live quite near the castle, it was our American friends who dragged us along for a visit. Palace chefs always buttered the bread first to create a barrier between the bread and the filling to keep the bread from getting soggy, he noted. If Afternoon Tea is fully booked, are there other areas for me to enjoy refreshments during my visit? In 1793, Colonel Henry Herbert was created the 1st Earl of Carnarvon by King George III.Tocelebrate, he decided to build an imposing entrance, London Lodge, to his beautiful Park atHighclere. Wehave now completely restored this building and have refurbished it asa charming Lodge in which to stay fortwo nights. (It has two wings including one double bedroom). Note: Extra-fine sugar is often labeled superfine sugar. If you can't find it, substitute regular granulated white sugar.