Skip To Main Content

You are here: Home > > Highcliffe Castle

Highcliffe Castle

Castle on sunny day with Parterre hedge in the foreground

About

Highcliffe Castle is 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. Our Tearooms provide drinks and snacks, 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.

 

Book Now

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Adult Ticket£8.00 per person per day
Child aged 5 - 16£3.00 per person per day
Family (2 Adults 2 Children or 1 Adult 3 Children)£18.00 per person per day

Highcliffe Castle Members, Historic Houses Members, children under 5 and carers: FREE. Seniors and students £7.50.

Opening Times

Castle Opening Times (12 Feb 2023 - 22 Dec 2023)
DayTimes
Monday - Thursday10:00 - 16:00
Friday - SaturdayClosed
Sunday10:00 - 16:00

* The Castle will be closed for the winter season from 22 December 2022 to 12 February 2023.

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.

Rothesay Drive
Lymington Road
Highcliffe
Christchurch
Dorset
BH23 4LE
Close window

Call direct on:

Tel01202 093377

Visit Website

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4 of 5 stars
724 reviews
    • Excellent
      326
    • Very Good
      235
    • Average
      97
    • Poor
      40
    • Terrible
      26

    Recent Reviews:

      Write a review
      © TripAdvisor 2023

      Awards

      • Regional and MiscellaneousWTTC Safe Travels WTTC Safe Travels 2021

      Map & Directions

      View Map

      Road Directions

      The Castle car park has 100 spaces including a bay for wedding car parking which can accommodate 30 spaces. There are also a further 6 spaces for blue badge holders. During summer months this car park often becomes busy from early in the day. Alternative car parking is provided nearby at Highcliffe Cliff Top car park in Wharncliffe Road (see map) or at Steamer Point car park in Mudeford. From Steamer Point car park, Highcliffe Castle can be reached in 10 minutes by following the Coastal Path which follows a cliff top route through the nature reserve with stunning sea views of Christchurch Bay.

      Public Transport Directions

      Coach:

      Coach passengers can be dropped off at the designated Coach drop off point situated at the front entrance of the Castle. The Castle offers group discounts for groups of 10 or more visitors.

      Bus:

      More Bus run the X1 and X2 services from Bournemouth. This route takes you through Christchurch and Highcliffe with a stop outside the Castle, next to the Lord Bute Hotel. This service runs Mon-Sat in the daytime up to every 30 minutes, and on Sundays every two hours.

      Yellow buses service 1 runs from Christchurch, stopping outside the Castle next to the Lord Bute Hotel.This service runs at variable times every hour to hour and a half. 

      Please check the bus companies' websites for up to date and correct information. 

       

      Train:

      Hinton Admiral Train station is located 1 mile from the Castle, which is a 15-20 minute walk away. The train route services a number of stations on its through journey from and to London. Bikes can also be transported on the train.

       

       

      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
      • Tea Rooms

      Catering

      • On-Site café/restaurant
      • Picnic Site
      • Tea Room

      Children & Infants

      • Accept children all ages
      • Baby Changing Facilities

      Establishment Features

      • Available for wedding receptions
      • Cater for groups
      • Coach drop-off point
      • Event venue
      • Groups Welcome
      • Licenced for civil marriages
      • On-site coach parking
      • On-site Restaurant/Cafe
      • Picnic Area
      • Shop
      • Toilets
      • Wedding Venue

      Key Features

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

      Parking & Transport

      • Coach Parking
      • On Bus Route
      • 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

      Hide Facilities

      What's Nearby

      1. Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

        The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum houses important collections of paintings,…

        7.01 miles away

      2. Compton Acres

        Enjoy over 10 acres of horticultural heaven with spectacular themed gardens, relax in the…

        9.53 miles away

      3. Lemur Landings

        Multi award-winning children’s entertainment centre, Lemur Landings is one of the biggest…

        10.43 miles away

      1. Tower Park Leisure Complex

        At Tower Park, Poole, a galaxy of entertainment unfolds. With Splashdown water park,…

        10.45 miles away

      2. Splashdown Poole

        Splashdown Poole is the South’s favourite all-action waterpark! Whatever the weather,…

        10.46 miles away

      3. Brownsea Island - National Trust

        Take a short boat trip from Poole Quay to discover an island rich in history, wildlife &…

        11.13 miles away

      4. Poole Park

        Just a short walk from the centre of town you'll discover a haven of peace and rare…

        11.24 miles away

      5. Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts

        Experience, explore, discover and join in with the arts at Lighthouse, the largest…

        11.68 miles away

      6. Poole Speedway

        Poole Pirates are a motorcycle speedway team based in Poole, England, competing in the…

        11.76 miles away

      7. Poole Old Lifeboat Museum & Shop

        Housing one of Poole's historic lifeboats, Thomas Kirk Wright, the old boathouse offers…

        11.85 miles away

      8. Poole Museum & Scaplen's Court

        Discover the story of Poole - Harbour, Town & People from prehistory to the 21st century.

        12.14 miles away

      9. Sea Music Sculpture

        Sea Music. located on Poole Quay is the only British public site specific sculpture made…

        12.17 miles away

      10. Twin Sails Lifting Bridge

        Poole's landmark structure and the first bridge of its type to be built in the world.

        12.29 miles away

      11. Upton Country Park

        Whatever the season, there's something for everyone - enjoy the wildlife along the…

        13 miles away

      12. Swanage Railway

        What’s better than a leisurely trip behind an historic steam engine through an area of…

        13.97 miles away

      13. Paultons Park Home of Peppa Pig World

        Paultons Family Theme Park has over 70 wonderful rides and attractions. Paultons is of…

        16.38 miles away
      Previous Next
      More
      Home Things to Do What's On
      Accommodation Food & Drink Inspire Me
      Shopping Explore Special Offers
      Your Visit Work With Us Poole Blogs
      Media

      Follow Us...