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 and Visitor Information
Highcliffe Castle is an award-winning visitor attraction and function venue. Below is a detailed summary of its opening times, events, and facilities:
Castle Opening Times
- Regular Season (1 February – 23 December): Open Sunday to Thursday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (last entry at 3:00 PM).
- Christmas Opening Hours (6 December – 23 December): Open 7 days a week, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (last entry at 3:00 PM).
- Christmas Tree Festival Evening Event (19 December – 23 December): Open 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM (last entry at 7:00 PM).
- Closed: 24 December – 2 January.
- January Opening Hours: Open Saturdays and Sundays only, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (last entry at 3:00 PM).
Shop Opening Times
- 2026 Season (1 February – 23 December): Open 7 days a week, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Castle Grounds
- Open daily: From 7:00 AM.
- Closing times:
- November – March: 6:30 PM
- April and October: 7:30 PM
- May and September: 9:00 PM
- June, July, and August: 10:00 PM
The Castle Pantry
- Opening Times: Open 7 days a week, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (except Christmas Day).
Events
- Christmas Tree Festival 2025: 5 December – 23 December. Includes daytime and evening admission options with specific pricing.
- February Half Term: 15 February – 22 February. Includes indoor trails and crafts on specific days.
- Wedding Supplier Fair: 28 February 2026, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Admission is free.
Group Bookings
- Available Sunday to Thursday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
- Minimum group size: 15. Maximum group size: 65.
- Options include entry only, entry with a talk, and entry with refreshments.
Additional Information
- Dogs are allowed in the grounds and gift shop but not inside the Castle (except assistance dogs).
- Guided tours are available on the day of admission, subject to volunteer availability.
- Accessibility: The Castle is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available for indoor use.
For more details, please contact Highcliffe Castle directly.
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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