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Downton Abbey Day in the U.K. — The Swan Inn, The Village of Bampton, Carnarvon Arms, & Highclere Castle . . .

May 26, 2019

“The business of life is the acquisition of memories. In the end that’s all there is.” – Carson, Downton Abbey

Postcards from Jiles

Sunday, 26 May 2019

Hello there,

Golly! Today was by far the most brilliant touristy day I’ve ever experienced. It was actually one of the best days of my life. I can’t believe how overwhelmed with emotion I was to visit the location of a show we so cherish and is so beloved around the world. Miles said it was like being part of this brilliant show but with modern dress.

Downton Abbey was the first show we binged when Miles retired — sometimes until 5 in the morning on our boat at the foot of King Street! Highclere Castle is the setting of the fictitious Downton Abbey. And it was really special and symbolic to visit the estate on our first major vacation in retirement.

Our day of touring had an impressive itinerary. Long before we were in London, Miles made arrangements for us to visit Highclere through Wilson’s of London Exclusive Tours. And, golly, am I glad he did! Miles worked with Oliver Wilson and the experience was amazing! They’ve been around for 50 years and specialize in VIP tours of London, Great Britain, and Paris. First class — all the way!

At 9 o’clock this morning our driver and fellow Downtonite (that’s the word I’ve just made-up for Downtown Abbey fans — you’ll see it a lot in future weeks with upcoming articles), Roy, picked us up in a Mercedes sedan. He drove us first to the Swan Inn — that’s where Lady Mary and Lady Edith rescued Lady Syble from eloping with Branson. We had a bit of a bathroom break and an Instagram session.

After the Swan Inn, Roy took us to a few more locations, then we were off to the Village of Bampton — or as Downtonite’s would know it, the Village of Downton.

We saw sites there so familiar from the show. Had our necessary photoshoot courtesy of our photographer, Roy! lol. And went to their library for a bit of souvenir shopping (helpful hint: bring cash incase the credit card machine is down).

After Bampton, Roy took us to the Carnarvon Arms for lunch. While driving he suggested we get roasts because it was Sunday. Roy said to get roasts. So we got roasts. So delicious!

After luncheon (see how I said luncheon versus lunch because that’s what they say on Downton — lol) we were just five minutes away from the castle. Just as we were turning the corner to have a view of the house Roy turned on the theme song.

O.M.Golly!

Down down down down down down down dooowwwnnn ring ring ring ring ring ring ring ring. Tears filled my eyes. I really don’t mean to sound this dramatic, but it was such a special moment. Magical!

The house is absolutely majestic yet welcoming. The inside was smaller and more intimate then I imagined. Cozy. Homey. They really do some tricky filming to make spaces appear bigger. “Cheats”, as Roy calls them.

Honestly, I cannot do justice to the totality of this day in a postcard. The emotions experienced today were just lovely. We’ve got so much more to say about Highclere, the filming, the entertaining, the food. Expect a few posts on our Downton Day in the U.K. when we get back across the pond.

Golly, what a great day playing tourist. We had a magnificent time! Just brilliant!

Pip Pip. Cheerio!

xxx – Jenjen & Miles

p.s. Did you know, “pip pip” is a British colloquialism for goodbye originating in the early 20th century and mimicking the double honk you’d here on a motorcar? Wonder if Branson knows that? Or Roy?


Bon Voyage, Cultural, Europe, Europe, Postcards from Jiles, Travel

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  1. Downton Abbey: The Exhibition is Heading to Biltmore and so is Jiles – Old Town Post says:
    August 8, 2019 at 9:03 pm

    […] y’all might remember from our Postcards from Jiles, in May we visited Highclere Castle. It was an amazing experience! One thing, however, that I didn’t think of before our visit […]

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Pip Pip Cheerio!

Did ya know “pip pip” mimics the double honk on an early 20th century motorcar? It's an upperclass British colloquialism for farewell. 🎩 I learned that because we're Downton Abbey superfans!

jennifermariedejiles

This bit never gets old! This bit never gets old!
Guess what?!! My Zebra article is out! I’m so ex Guess what?!! My Zebra article is out! I’m so excited 😆. 

Beyond Camelot: The Life and Legacy of Jackie O starts on page 18! You can pick up print copies around town!!!

Monte Durham donated his entire Jackie collection to The First Ladies Library and we were there for the opening — all in Burberry! 

Links in bio for the article, the print edition, and some more Jackie stories. 

😘 Jen-Marie
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State of the art security on Nautical Jiles 🛥️🐾…

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Hotel Café Royal • London This place is on Reg Hotel Café Royal • London

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It popped up on my FB memories today. 🥰

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xxx 
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well done @milesdejiles 😘
Went to Barca last night. The staff couldn’t hav Went to Barca last night. The staff couldn’t have been nicer! We had a great time. 

It’s a small plate concept. We shared everything. But some favorites emerged. Miles really liked the BEEF TENDERLOIN with tomatoes, red wine, shallots, garlic, & jalapeños. And by far my fav was the JAMÓN SERRANO CROQUETAS with manchego & aleppo-orange honey. On my list to try next time are the STUFFED DATES with blue cheese, jamón serrano, & olive oil — they sound delish! 

It’s packed most of the time. But Tuesday around 4 o’clock we were seated straight away. It was pretty full by the time we left. We were conscious not to linger. But they never made us feel rushed. And they were super welcoming to the furry princess! 

Have ya been? Will ya go? Let us know! And follow us for more in Old Town.🍍⚓️💛

😘 @jetsetjiles 

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Miles took a really nice picture of me and the fur Miles took a really nice picture of me and the furry princess! I took three of Miles and managed to not get his face in all three of them. 🤦‍♀️ 

Think I’ll do better playing photographer for the blessing of the fleet tomorrow? Stay tuned! 
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I just posted it and @milesdejiles has already sta I just posted it and @milesdejiles has already started practicing. 😂 

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Link to it on our blog. And you can link to that in our bio. 

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À bientôt! 😘 

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If you bungle raising your children, I don’t thi If you bungle raising your children, I don’t think whatever else you do matters very much. - Jackie Kennedy 
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