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.
Please note: The information on the Historic Houses website is advisory, but please always check the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling.
Castle
The Castle is open Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 4pm (last entry 3pm).
Grounds
Open daily all year from 07:00. Closes at 18:30 from November to March, 19:30 in April and October, 21:00 in May and September, 22:00 in June, July and August.
The gates are locked promptly in the evening, so please do leave enough time to get back to your car if you are out walking.
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 enquiries@highcliffecastle.co.uk 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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