Viking has announced its support for the development of a new contemporary events pavilion at Highclere Castle, the home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon and the filming location of Downton Abbey.

The company said that this purpose-built space will replace the temporary marquee on the castle’s southwest lawn, providing an elegant setting for future events and guest experiences.

The Viking Pavilion at Highclere Castle has been designed to complement Highclere’s historic architecture while incorporating sustainable features such as solar panels and a heat exchanger system. Drawing inspiration from the celebrated 18th-century landscapes of Lancelot “Capability” Brown, the surrounding grounds will feature curving pathways, carefully planted trees, soft planting beds and intimate seating areas, creating a harmonious transition between heritage and modernity.

“We have proudly partnered with Highclere Castle for more than a decade and are pleased to support this new project. Many of our guests were introduced to Highclere and Viking through Downton Abbey, and the castle will always hold a special place in our hearts,” said Karine Hagen, Viking’s Executive Vice President of Product. “Many of our guests have enjoyed Privileged Access to Highclere Castle, and this new pavilion will provide future visitors—including Viking travelers—a beautiful setting for enriching experiences at Highclere, while also helping to preserve this iconic landmark.”

“We are hugely grateful to Viking for this incredible collaboration, which enables us to create a truly special new space for our visitors and of course welcome many more Viking visitors,” said Lady Carnarvon. “This new building ensures Highclere can continue to share its history while securing the future of the castle for generations to come.”

The new pavilion will further enhance the visitor experience at Highclere and ensure the continued conservation of the estate. Viking guests will enjoy expanded opportunities to explore the castle’s rich history through Privileged Access experiences, including lectures and roundtable discussions hosted by Lady Carnarvon and other experts, inside the pavilion.