
Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcast
My husband, the 8th Earl of Carnarvon, and I have the enormous privilege and pleasure of living in, and taking care of, my husband’s family home, Highclere Castle, which is better known to many people as the setting for the popular television programme “Downton Abbey”. Thanks to this series, our home has, over the last few years, become one of the most well-known and iconic houses in the world. My Podcast is my way of trying to share the stories and heritage of this wonderful building and estate, and all the people and animals that live and work here, so that you can get to know and love it as I do.
Latest episodes

Sep 1, 2024 • 28min
Author Veronica Henry
Joining me at the real Downton Abbey for this month's podcast is the author Veronica Henry. Veronica has written more than twenty bestselling novels having started her career as a script writer in TV and Radio. Her latest book is called 'The Secret Beach' - a perfect read as we bid farewell to summer. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

Aug 1, 2024 • 30min
The Red Staircase
For this month's podcast I had planned to take a walk through a few rooms at the real Downton Abbey with our castle manager John. Whether it was the heat of the day or the lively conversation we only made it to one room! John has been at Highclere Castle for almost twenty years and this was a chance to look back on the many achievements we've celebrated during that time. The title of this podcast was our first major project. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

Jul 1, 2024 • 23min
A summer stroll in the gardens
Summer in Britain has been slow to arrive this year, but on a lovely sunny afternoon Geordie and I took a walk through the gardens to enjoy the sights, sounds, and scents that make up our beautiful surroundings. I should say that although sunny it was a little windy but don't be put off by the background noise we do find shelter from the wind at plenty of points along the way. So whatever you're doing come along with us on our summer walk. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

Jun 1, 2024 • 34min
Faster than a bullet: John Tye
In the midst of filming for the third Downton Abbey movie I was pleased to welcome John Tye to Highclere. John is an inspirational character who flew the record-breaking supersonic airliner Concorde. Starting life in an orphanage he made it to the edge of space in one of the world's most advanced flying machines. He's just published his story in a new book called 'Life of a Concorde Pilot'.This is John's second appearance on my podcast! You can also hear him in episode 23 when he was one of the three Concorde pilots I had the pleasure of talking to. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

May 1, 2024 • 40min
Countdown's Susie Dent
In this episode of my podcast I get to talk about two of my great loves - words and language.My guest Susie Dent is an English lexicographer, etymologist, and the word referee in "Dictionary Corner" on the TV game show Countdown since 1992. Susie is also a bestselling author having written many books on the English language including her latest which is aimed at children, "Roots of Happiness: 100 Words for Joy and Hope". I was delighted she agreed to join me as a guest on my podcast here at the real Downton Abbey.......You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

Apr 1, 2024 • 24min
Nature writer Nicola Chester
My guest this month is local nature writer Nicola Chester. As Spring arrives at the real Downton Abbey it was lovely to sit down and talk about the beautiful countryside that surrounds us. Nicola's Award Winning Memoir is called 'On Gallows Down: Place, Protest and Belonging'.You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

Mar 1, 2024 • 30min
Racehorse trainer Richard Hannon
Behind the scenes at the real Downton Abbey this month I'm talking to raecehorse trainer Richard Hannon who is not only a good friend to my husband and myself but looks after some of the racehorses we've bred. Racing is very close to our hearts here at Highclere Castle especially as my father in law was the late Queen's racing manager and Richard's father trained some of Her Majesty's horses.Richard took over from his father in 2014 and clocked up his 1000th winner on Derby Day in 2019 and is now well on his way towards winner number 2000.You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

Feb 1, 2024 • 38min
Decorating the real Downton Abbey: Sarah Morris
This month I'm joined by my friend and respected interior designer Sarah Morris. Sarah has been by my side as I've worked to restore and re-decorate the very many rooms here at Highclere Castle over the past 20 years. From wallpaper, Royal house guests and even ghosts, join me and Sarah on an interior design tour of the real Downton Abbey! You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

Jan 1, 2024 • 39min
Historian Bettany Hughes
Happy New Year! What better way to start 2024 than by welcoming historian, author, broadcaster and good friend Bettany Hughes to 'the real Downton Abbey'.You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

Dec 1, 2023 • 39min
Actress Emma Samms
December is traditionally the month for giving so it's perhaps apt that my guest this month is the founder of a wonderful charity Starlight.Starlight raises funds for children’s play in healthcare, supporting children to experience the power of play to boost their wellbeing and resilience during illness.We've supported Starlight here at Highclere for at least 20 years so it was a great pleasure to welcome actress Emma Samms to tell me about how the charity started and the work they do to support sick children. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.