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 for the 2026 season from 1 February to 23 December. The castle welcomes visitors Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 4pm (last entry 3pm). The castle is closed Fridays and Saturdays. Please note that the castle will be closed on Sunday 16 August for the South Coast Wine Festival.
Guided Tours
Guided tours are available on the day of admission during castle opening hours, subject to volunteer availability. Please enquire on arrival for tour availability.
Group and School Visits
Both group visits and school visits are available Sunday to Thursday, between 10am and 3pm. Group bookings for 2025 are available, and visitors are encouraged to contact the castle to arrange visits.
Children's Activities
Special activities for children are offered during every half term. For specific dates and details of the latest activities, please visit the What's On page.
During the summer holidays, an indoor seaside trail is available, with crafts offered on Tuesday and Thursday, 10am to 3pm. A seaside summer outdoor trail runs on selected dates from 26 July to 30 August.
Special Events
Pop Up Sunday – 23 August 2026
A special Pop Up Sunday event takes place on Sunday 23 August 2026, 10am to 4pm.
Tibetan Monks – Sand Mandala – 23 August 2026
On the same day, Tibetan monks will create a sand mandala inside the castle. The sand mandala construction runs from 10am to 4pm, followed by a ceremonial destruction at 5pm and an evening performance from 7pm to 8pm (one hour).
The Castle Collection Exhibition – Slop Pond to Highcliffe-On-Sea
This exhibition opens on 14 June 2026 and runs throughout the season.
Christmas Tree Festival 2026
The Christmas Tree Festival runs from 28 November to 23 December 2026.
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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