Highcliffe Castle
Coastal Gothic fantasy saved from ruin.
Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Dorset, BH23 4LE
Facilities
-
Cafe / restaurant
-
Charged parking
-
Easily accessible without car
-
Facilities for children
-
Mostly wheelchair accessible
-
Parkland / open spaces
-
Picnic area
-
Shop
- Accessible toilets
- Available lift
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible parking
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
Highcliffe Castle is a Grade I listed mansion built in the romantic gothic style. It was built by Lord Stuart de Rothesay in the early 1830s and remained a family home until the 1950s. It is situated on the cliff top with beach access and spectacular views across to the Isle of Wight.
Two devastating fires in the 1960s rendered the building derelict. In 1977 it was purchased by Christchurch Borough Council and a programme of repairs was begun with the support of English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Spring 2019 saw the completion of stage 7 of restoration works enabling the East Wing to open to the public for the first time. New interpretation and displays bring the story of the Castle to life and newly created spaces include a furniture exhibition space, an exhibition room and a stained glass studio.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Highcliffe Castle Opening Times and Visitor Information
Highcliffe Castle is open to visitors from 1 February to 23 December, operating Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (last entry at 3:00 PM).
Additional Facilities and Attractions
- Castle Shop: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM during the same season as the Castle.
- The Castle Pantry: Open 7 days a week from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on Christmas Day.
- Castle Grounds: Open year-round with varying closing times:
- November to March: Close at 6:30 PM
- April and October: Close at 7:30 PM
- May and September: Close at 9:00 PM
- June, July, and August: Close at 10:00 PM
Car Park Information
The car park, managed by BCP Council, has 130 spaces including 6 for blue badge holders. Charges apply Monday to Sunday with a maximum stay of 4 hours:
- 15 March to 31 October:
- Up to 1 hour: £2.10
- Up to 2 hours: £3.60
- Up to 3 hours: £5.90
- Up to 4 hours: £8.50
- 1 November to 14 March: Up to 4 hours: £1.00
Alternative parking is available at Steamer Point (BH23 4TA) and Clifftop car park (BH23 5DF).
Group Bookings
Group visits are available Sunday to Thursday between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Options include:
- Entry Only: £9.00 Adult, £3.50 Child, £5.00 Student
- Entry and Talk: £12.00 Adult
- Entry, Talk, and Refreshments: £18.00 Adult
- Entry, Talk, and Castle Pantry Voucher: £24.00 Adult
Accessibility
Highcliffe Castle is accessible with level access, platform lifts, and wheelchairs available for indoor use. Assistance dogs are permitted inside the Castle.
Additional Notes
Dogs are welcome in the grounds and gift shop but must be kept on a lead. Restrictions apply to beach access for dogs from 1 May to 30 September.
For further information, contact Highcliffe Castle at 01202 093377 or via email at [email protected].
Admission is free to Historic Houses members, Booking in advance available through the property’s website, but not necessary. The car park is separately run and is pay and display.
Highcliffe Castle offer a selection of group visit options for groups of sizes 12 or more, and request that groups book in advance.
To discuss and book a group visit, please email [email protected] or call 01202 093 377
Please visit the property’s website for the latest information regarding group visits.
https://www.highcliffecastle.co.uk/visit/group-bookings/
- Accessible toilets
- Available lift
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible parking
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
Getting here
Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Dorset, BH23 4LE
Situated off the A337, the Lymington Road, West of Highcliffe.
Public Transport:
Train: Hinton Admiral Station (1 mile)
Buses: X1 X2 (not direct to the Castle, nearest stop on the Lymington Road near the Lord Bute Hotel)
Coaches: Coach Parties welcome by appointment.
Please ring for details of group discounts and parking arrangements.
Become a Historic Houses member
Explore the nation’s heritage from just £71 per year.
Hundreds of the most beautiful historic houses, castles, and gardens across Britain offer our members free entry.
Also: receive a quarterly magazine, enjoy monthly online lectures, get exclusive invitations to buy tickets for behind-the-scenes tours, and take up a range of special offers on holidays, books, and other products you might like.
