Castle on sunny day with Parterre hedge in the foreground

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About

Welcome to Highcliffe Castle, a Grade 1 listed building situated on the cliff top overlooking Christchurch Bay.

On your visit you will be introduced to the stories of the people who have lived in the Castle, and hear about how this once lavish aristocrat's home was destroyed by two fires and subsequently rescued from ruin. You can often observe our on-site conservator at work in our Stained Glass Studio, restoring pieces of the Castle’s medieval collection. Onsite refreshments available, or you can enjoy a picnic on the lawns whilst enjoying the sea view. 

There is plenty to do for all of the family; from our interactive displays and extensive array of period dressing up clothes, to our programme of trails and crafts.

The Castle also hosts a changing programme of exhibitions, and exciting events throught the year, including our popular outdoor theatre events on the lawns.

*Temporary takeaway service available. 

Guide Prices

Highcliffe Castle Members, Historic Houses Members, children under 5 and carers: FREE.

Facilities

Other

  • Gift Shop
  • Website

Accessibility

  • Accessible to Wheelchair Users
  • Assistance Dogs
  • Changing Places Toilet
  • Designated parking provided for guests with disabilities
  • Easy access from main roads/good public transport links
  • Facilities for Disabled Visitors
  • Guide Dogs Permitted
  • Handrail by steps
  • Level access, ramp or lift to a public toilet
  • Ramp/Level Access
  • Toilets for Disabled Visitors

Attraction Facilities

  • Dogs on Lead Only
  • Shop

Children & Infants

  • Accept children all ages
  • Baby Changing Facilities

Establishment Features

  • Available for wedding receptions
  • Coach drop-off point
  • Event venue
  • Groups Welcome
  • Licenced for civil marriages
  • Shop
  • Toilets
  • Wedding Venue

Key Features

  • Groups
  • Indoor Attraction
  • Of historic, literary or architectural interest
  • Weddings

Parking & Transport

  • Coach Parking
  • On Bus Route
  • On-Site Coach Parking
  • Parking (charge)

Payment Methods

  • All major credit cards accepted
  • Contactless payment accepted
  • Special group rates

Tours and Demonstrations

  • Guided Tours Available for Groups
  • Guided Tours Available for Individuals

Travel & Trade

  • Group discounts available
  • Groups Welcome
  • Wi-fi available

Venue Facilities

  • Groups Accepted

Map & Directions

Highcliffe Castle

Type:Castle/Fort

Rothesay Drive, Lymington Road, Highcliffe, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 4LE

Tel: 01202 093377

Opening Times

Castle Opening Times (4 Feb 2025 - 23 Dec 2025)
DayTimes
Monday - Thursday10:00 - 16:00
Friday - SaturdayClosed
Sunday10:00 - 16:00

* The Castle takes a winter break 23 December until 3 February 2025, except for these weekend openings: 4-5 January, 11-12 January, 18-19 January, 25-26 January 10am-4pm.


Gates open from 7am every day. Close at 6:30pm from November to March, 7:30pm in April and October, 9pm in May and September and 10pm 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.

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