Highclere Castle

Mary visits Highclere Castle, the real-life Downton Abbey, home to the eighth Earl and Countess of Carnarvon and renowned as the setting for some of the most lavish and influential weekend house parties in history. Mary discovers what it takes to keep a home like this going in today's world, meeting everyone from the family to the house staff and the estate's loyal posse of gamekeepers. Inspired by what she discovers, Mary takes to the estate kitchen where she creates a delicious spread, from raspberry tartlets to gamekeeper's stew and an elaborate menu for a grand finale dinner.