Visit Highclere Castle even though ‘Downton Abbey’ is over

However, uncovering the boy pharaoh King Tut’s resting place in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings was to prove the source of a legendary curse.

Lord Carnarvon died two months later in Cairo from an infected mosquito bite.

It was said that at the precise moment of the tomb being opened, his favorite dog back home at Highclere howled and died on the spot, while more than 20 people associated with the excavation allegedly died in mysterious circumstances.

One thing is for sure, the antiquities collection and Egyptian exhibition at Highclere offer an illuminating look at this fascinating history.

Romantic getaway

“Downton Abbey” was full of romantic liaisons, both in public and behind closed doors.

Tragedies and war may have prevented Matthew and Lady Mary, Daisy and William, and Tom and Lady Sybil from finding long-term happiness, but Anna and Mr. Bates were one of the couples who did live happily ever after.

Those wanting to channel some of that romantic mojo can stay the night at Highclere in London Lodge, dating from 1793, or on one of the estate’s cottages.

The accommodation books out well in advance.

Tea and a ‘her ladyship’ mug

An English summer’s day wouldn’t be complete without afternoon tea and, naturally, Highclere offers one in its renovated Coach House.

Smoked salmon, egg and cucumber sandwiches are all on the menu along with scones with clotted cream and no fewer than three types of cake.

Adjacent is the Highclere gift shop where visitors can stock up on all manner of merchandise they didn’t realize they needed. Perhaps a pair of coffee mugs with “his lordship” and ‘her ladyship” on them, or a packet of wildflower seeds from the grounds.

‘England’s greatest gardener’

More stories and menus

Spring 2017 sees the publication of the latest book by the present Lady Carnarvon, delving into entertaining and food at Highclere.

Any fan of “Downton” knows that eating — and more importantly drinking — seems to happen on an almost hourly basis throughout the day.

“At Home at Highclere Castle: Stories and Menus from the real Downton Abbey” looks back at four historic weekends in 1866, 1886, 1895 and finally 1935, featuring a cast of genuine VIP visitors such as the Prince of Wales and revealing how Highclere would entertain them.

Expect recipes and menus to reveal some of the real Mrs. Patmore’s secrets.

A very different Isis

Upcoming Downton Abbey film?

Rumors abound about a forthcoming Downton Abbey movie, to which Lady Carnarvon has quipped, “If they don’t write it, I will! Let’s just say I’d be most surprised if they don’t.”

Writer Julian Fellowes has said he “hopes” there’ll be a film, while Jim Carter, the actor who plays Carson, told Britain’s ITV network: “We’d all love it. I think the script is being worked on. If it happens, that’d be great.”