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 is an award-winning visitor attraction and function venue. Below is a detailed summary of its opening times and facilities:
Castle Opening Times
The Castle is open from 1 February to 23 December, Sunday to Thursday, from 10am to 4pm (last entry at 3pm). In January 2026, the Castle will be open on the following weekends: 3rd-4th, 10th-11th, 17th-18th, and 24th-25th, from 10am to 4pm (last entry at 3pm).
Shop Opening Times
The Castle Shop is open 7 days a week from 10am to 4pm, from 1 February to 23 December.
Castle Tea Rooms
The Castle Pantry is open 7 days a week from 9am to 5pm, except on Christmas Day.
Castle Grounds
The Castle Grounds are open daily from 7:00am. Closing times vary by season:
- November to March: 6:30pm
- April and October: 7:30pm
- May and September: 9:00pm
- June, July, and August: 10:00pm
The gates are locked promptly at closing time.
Additional Information
Guided tours are available on the day of admission, subject to volunteer availability. Dogs are allowed in the grounds and gift shop but not inside the Castle (except assistance dogs). Group bookings are available Sunday to Thursday between 10am and 3pm, with a minimum group size of 15 and a maximum of 65 guests.
For more details on events, group bookings, and accessibility, 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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