Highcliffe Castle

Highcliffe Castle

Click to enlarge images below:

Type: Viewpoint

Highcliffe Castle is a magnificent Grade 1 Listed 1830s mansion built by Lord Stuart de Rothesay and is situated just four miles east of Christchurch. The cliff-top grounds, with wonderful views of the Dorset coastline and the Isle of Wight, provide access to the beach and to the Christchurch Coastal Path.

The Castle became derelict in the late 1960s following two fires and although it no longer has its rich interiors, the Castle now houses a Heritage Centre containing stateroom galleries, which provide the backdrop to an exciting programme of events and exhibitions. Entertainment highlights for 2012 include outdoor theatre (Richard III, The Importance of Being Earnest, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Grimm Fairy Tales), stone carving and photography workshops, children’s activities, vintage car shows, big band concerts, as well as indoor concerts, a Jazz supper evening and much more. The galleries will also host an array of work by local artists that include pottery, textiles, woodwork and photography.

Finally, relax and enjoy a cream tea or some lunch in the Tea Rooms and stroll around the grounds and down to the beach or browse in the fascinating Gift Shop.

The castle is also licensed for civil ceremonies, receptions, banquets and events.

Ticket Information

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Accompanied childFree
Adult admission charge£3.00 per ticket

Guided Tours - Adults £4.00 Accompanied children U16 Free Combined Tour and Heritage Centre Admission £5.

Opening Times

Open All Year
2012 Opening (01/02/2012 - 23/12/2012)

Contact Details

Rothesay Drive
off Lymington Road
Highcliffe
CHRISTCHURCH
Dorset
BH23 4LE

Tel: +44 01425 278807

Fax: +44 01425 280423

Awards

  • Regional and MiscellaneousChristchurch Tourism Association Christchurch Tourism Association 2012

Facilities

  • Accept Children over 7
  • Gift Shop

Provider Preferences

  • In town/city centre - 10mins from Highcliffe village
  • Indoor Attraction
  • No Smoking Attraction
  • Of historic, literary or architectural interest - Grade 1 listed building, once the home of Lord Stuart de Rothesay.
  • Outdoor Attraction - for events

Accessibility

  • Guide Dogs Permitted
  • Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
  • Toilets for Disabled Visitors

Children & Infants

  • Facilities for children - special events

Parking & Transport

  • On Bus Route - Wilts & Dorset bus X1 and X2 and Yellow bus 111 from the centre of Christchurch
  • On site parking
  • Parking (charge)

Catering

  • On-Site café/restaurant - Tearooms. Contact (01425) 270924
  • Picnic Site

Payment Methods

  • Approx length of visit - 03:00
  • Delta accepted
  • Groups Accepted - Essential to prebook.None
  • Maestro accepted
  • MasterCard accepted
  • Open by appointment outside normal opening times
  • Visa accepted

Establishment Features

  • Available for wedding receptions
  • Cater for groups
  • Conference facilities
  • Event venue
  • Event Venue - see www.highcliffecastle.co.uk/events for all event listings
  • Licenced for civil marriages - see www.highcliffecastle.co.uk/weddings for comprehensive information
  • Toilets

Specialist Features

  • Family Fun
  • Marketed towards children
  • Marketed towards families
  • Marketed towards senior citizens

Tours and Demonstrations

  • Educational Visits Accepted
  • Guided Tours Available for Groups
  • Guided Tours Available for Individuals

Road Directions

From A35 follow signs to Highcliffe. Follow brown signs and turn left into Rothesay Drive.

Public Transport Directions

Bus: Wilts & Dorset X1 and X2 buses and the Yellow Bus 111 operate services to and from Highcliffe centre.
Rail: 15 mins walk from Hinton Admiral Station
Air: 20mins drive from Bournemouth Airport