Highcliffe Castle
A 19th-century Gothic Revival mansion built with salvaged medieval French stonework, offering stunning sea views and a rich history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highcliffe Castle
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 19th-century Gothic Revival mansion built with salvaged medieval French stonework, offering stunning sea views and a rich history.
"A truly beautiful building with so much history! There's a lovely walk down to Highcliffe Beach as well."
🐾 Dog-Friendly Cafe
Bring your furry friends! The cafe on-site is dog-friendly, perfect for a post-explore treat.
🎟️ Special Access Tours
For a deeper dive, consider the small extra fee for tours of rooms not usually open to the public.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Grand Hall & Stained Glass
Interior
Marvel at the stunning stained glass windows and the grandeur of the main hall, a popular spot for proposals and events.
Restored Medieval Masonry
Exterior & Interior
Discover the unique 19th-century Gothic Revival architecture, featuring salvaged French medieval stonework.
Beautiful Gardens & Grounds
Exterior
Wander through the meticulously maintained gardens and enjoy panoramic sea views from the castle grounds.
Highcliffe Beach Access
Adjacent to Castle
Take a short, scenic walk down to Highcliffe Beach for a relaxing seaside experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Fewer Crowds
Understanding Castle Access & Tours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Dog-Friendly Cafe
Bring your furry friends! The cafe on-site is dog-friendly, perfect for a post-explore treat.
🎟️ Special Access Tours
For a deeper dive, consider the small extra fee for tours of rooms not usually open to the public.
🚶♀️ Walk to the Beach
Enjoy a lovely stroll down to Highcliffe Beach for stunning coastal views.
📸 Great Photo Ops
The castle's architecture and sea views offer fantastic opportunities for memorable photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Dog-Friendly Cafe
Bring your furry friends! The cafe on-site is dog-friendly, perfect for a post-explore treat.
🎟️ Special Access Tours
For a deeper dive, consider the small extra fee for tours of rooms not usually open to the public.
🚶♀️ Walk to the Beach
Enjoy a lovely stroll down to Highcliffe Beach for stunning coastal views.
📸 Great Photo Ops
The castle's architecture and sea views offer fantastic opportunities for memorable photos.
🚗 Parking Availability
There's a good amount of parking available, but it can get busy during peak times.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Highcliffe Castle for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and engaging volunteers. The grounds and nearby beach are also highlights, offering a pleasant experience for families and dog owners. Some find the interior restoration slightly disappointing compared to its former glory, with modern additions not always fitting the historic style.
"Got in at 1.15pm, and inside of castle tour was at 1.30pm. For only £3 extra was able to go into rooms not available to the public normally and get a really good storytelling volunteer guide named Sue. Very interesting and engaging. Exploring after that the grounds and eating cake were a plus. Love how its dog friendly for the cafe and their selection of food. Quite a historic place, very happy to have randomly found it on the map and making a detour."
Morgan Bartlett
"Highcliffe Castle was built between 1831 and 1836 by Lord Stuart de Rothesay. Vast quantities of medieval French masonry was shipped across the channel and used in its construction, making it appear older than it actually is. Kings, Queens and the rich and famous have all stayed here over the years. The castle interior was destroyed by fire in the 60s but grants from Heritage and Lottery funding have been used in its restoration. It's a truly beautiful building with so much history! There's a lovely walk down to Highcliffe Beach as well."
Chris Kinnersley
"Very beautiful, big and detailed castle. Very similar to a museum but just about the castle. Was very fascinating and the volunteers were lovely. They knew what they were talking about and were so welcoming. Went to get a carer and disabled ticket due to 1 member of our party having autism and surprisingly no questions for proof were asked. They understood that not all disabilities are visible and we really appreciated this. Many rooms were interactive too which was amazing and made it more engaging. We were able to trace drawings, try on clothes they would have worn back in the day, make puzzles, look through kaleidoscopes and more! Perfect for all ages. Took lovely pictures too. Thank you for a lovely time."
Freya Calam
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Highcliffe Castle via train to Hinton Admiral station, followed by a walk, or take the X1 bus from New Milton to Highcliffe Castle.
Yes, there is a good amount of parking space available at Highcliffe Castle, though it can get busy during peak times.
Absolutely! There's a lovely walk down to Highcliffe Beach from the castle, offering beautiful coastal scenery.
Highcliffe Castle is located just back from the seafront on the Dorset Coast, easily accessible by car or public transport.
Yes, you can find routes like the 'Highcliffe Castle to Mudeford' walk, offering 5-8km options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the grounds is often free, but an additional ticket is usually required to tour the castle interior.
Highcliffe Castle is understanding of non-visible disabilities and offers carer tickets without requiring proof, making it very accessible.
It's recommended to check the official Highcliffe Castle website or their Eventbrite page for booking information and tour availability.
Opening hours can vary, especially for special events. It's best to check the official website for the most current information.
Yes, for a small additional fee, you can access rooms not normally available to the public and benefit from guided tours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you can explore restored rooms, enjoy interactive exhibits like tracing drawings and trying on period clothing, and learn about the castle's history.
Dogs are welcome at Highcliffe Castle, particularly in the cafe area and on the grounds, making it a great spot for pet owners.
Highcliffe Castle hosts various events, including weddings, spooky Halloween trails, outdoor theatre performances like Macbeth and Robin Hood, and wine festivals.
Yes, the interactive rooms and open grounds make Highcliffe Castle very engaging for families and children of all ages.
Built between 1831-1836 for Lord Stuart de Rothesay, it features salvaged medieval French masonry and was once home to Harry Selfridge.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe/restaurant on-site offering indoor and outdoor seating, serving food and cake.
The cafe offers a selection of food, and is noted for its cake, and is also dog-friendly.
While not explicitly stated, the open grounds suggest picnicking might be possible, especially during events.
The castle itself has a cafe, and the nearby Highcliffe area offers various dining establishments.
The cafe is well-maintained, clean, and offers both indoor and outdoor seating options.
📸 📸 Photography
The Grand Hall with its stained glass, the exterior architecture featuring medieval stonework, and the gardens with sea views are prime photo locations.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the castle, especially in the public areas and during tours.
While not explicitly mentioned, it's always advisable to check with the castle management regarding drone usage to avoid any restrictions.
Photoshoots, wedding photography, and general sightseeing photos are very popular due to the castle's picturesque setting.
Absolutely! The romantic Gothic Revival style and stunning coastal backdrop make it an ideal location for engagement photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Lovers
📸 Photographers and Content Creators
The Grand Hall's stained glass is particularly photogenic, and the panoramic sea views from the grounds add to the visual appeal. 💍 Couples and Wedding Planners
+1 The castle's historic charm, beautiful gardens, and coastal views create an unforgettable atmosphere for a special day. Proposals also frequently happen here, highlighting its romantic appeal. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Architecture of Highcliffe Castle
The castle's interior, while significantly damaged by fire in the 1960s, has undergone substantial restoration. Grants from the Heritage and Lottery Fund have been instrumental in bringing back its former glory, though some modern additions, like a contemporary staircase, have been noted by visitors.
This blend of salvaged ancient materials with 19th-century design creates a truly unique aesthetic. The Grand Hall, with its impressive stained glass windows, is a testament to this fusion and remains a focal point for visitors and events alike.
Events and Experiences at Highcliffe Castle
+1Throughout the year, the castle hosts seasonal events. During October Half Term, it transforms into a spooky destination with magical trails and Halloween crafts.
In the summer, the grounds come alive with outdoor performances, featuring everything from Shakespearean plays like Macbeth to adaptations of Robin Hood. Beyond traditional events, Highcliffe Castle also hosts larger festivals. The South Coast Wine Festival has been a notable event, offering wine tasting, masterclasses, live music, and food stalls against the backdrop of Dorset's sea views.
+1 These diverse events ensure there's always something happening at the castle, appealing to a wide range of interests.Exploring the Surroundings: Beach and Beyond
For those who enjoy longer walks, the area offers scenic routes. The path from Highcliffe Castle to Mudeford Quay is a popular option, with various route lengths available for hikers and walkers.
This allows visitors to explore more of the stunning coastal landscape between Christchurch and Bournemouth. The castle's location also makes it a convenient stop for those exploring the wider Dorset region. Its accessibility and the variety of nearby attractions, from beaches to quays, make it a well-rounded destination for a day trip or a longer stay.
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