Highcliffe Castle
Coastal Gothic fantasy saved from ruin.
Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Dorset, BH23 4LE
Facilities
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Cafe / restaurant
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Charged parking
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Easily accessible without car
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Facilities for children
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Mostly wheelchair accessible
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Parkland / open spaces
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Picnic area
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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
General Admission
Highcliffe Castle is open from 1 February to 23 December 2026. The castle welcomes visitors Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 4pm, with last entry at 3pm.
Guided Tours
Guided tours are available on the day of your visit, subject to volunteer availability. Please enquire at the castle for tour times and availability.
Group and School Visits
Group visits and school visits are welcome and can be arranged Sunday to Thursday between 10am and 3pm. Please contact the castle in advance to book your group visit.
Special Events and Activities
May Half Term – 'Creative Kids' (Sunday 24 May – Sunday 31 May): Families can enjoy an indoor trail running Sunday to Thursday. Craft activities are available on Tuesday and Thursday.
50% Off Family Day: Wednesday 27 May offers discounted admission for families.
Christmas Tree Festival 2026: Running from 28 November to 23 December, the castle hosts its festive Christmas Tree Festival.
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.
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