Downton Abbey exclusive tour, with Lady Carnarvon and Alan Titchmarsh

In this episode of the BBC Gardeners World magazine podcast, Alan Titchmarsh meets Lady Fiona Carnarvon at Highclere Castle, the iconic location of 'Downton Abbey.' Under the shade of the castle's famous cedar trees, they delve into the history of the gardens, which play a significant role in the series. Lady Carnarvon recalls her first interactions with the show's creators and how the filming transformed visitor interactions with the estate. Lady Carnarvon expresses her initial excitement about the filming, although at the time, she had no idea it would become a global phenomenon.

They discuss various gardens on the estate, such as the secret garden, the monk's garden, and the importance of garden design and maintenance. Lady Carnarvon speaks about how her gardening passion grew over the years, transforming neglected areas into beautiful spaces that reflect her family's love for gardening.

The episode also touches on the challenges of filmmaking amidst the delicate balance of preserving the estate's historical integrity while accommodating the production crew. Lady Carnarvon shares relatable anecdotes about the cast and crew, indicating that they often felt like family during the long filming periods.

Additionally, the conversation highlights the personal significance of the gardens as places of healing and connection, as Lady Carnarvon has created spaces in memory of her family members. The episode concludes with a reminder of the gardens' role in fostering appreciation for history and the collective memories shared by all who visit.