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Highcliffe Castle

Castle on sunny day with Parterre hedge in the foreground

About Us

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.

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.

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Guide Prices

Ticket Type	Ticket Tariff
Adult Ticket	£9.00 per person per day
Child aged 5 - 16	£3.20 per person per day
Family (2 Adults 2 Children or 1 Adult 3 Children)	£20.00 per person per day
Seniors	£8.50 per person per day
Students	£8.50 per person per day

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

Opening Times

Castle Opening Times (4 Feb 2025 - 23 Dec 2025)
Day	Times
Monday - Thursday	10:00	- 16:00
Friday - Saturday	Closed
Sunday	10:00	- 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.

Rothesay Drive
Lymington Road
Highcliffe
Christchurch
Dorset
BH23 4LE

Call direct on:

Tel01202 093377

Visit Website

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

772 reviews

Excellent
357
Very Good
243
Average
102
Poor
40
Terrible
30

Recent Reviews:

Alison B
A morning well spent at Highcliff castle
Friday, 13th December 2024
We were warmly welcomed by the festive volunteers in the gift shop and then taken on a fascinating tour of the castle by a very enthusiastic and knowledgeable young member of staff. This was our... Read full review
Beth C
United Kingdom
Trip Type:
Family
Lovely but Modernised.
Monday, 27th January 2025
Went here for the first time. It is absolutely beautiful from the outside and it is a shame that fires and neglect have ruined the inside. There has been great work done on restoration but I think it... Read full review
Traveler55287205685
Portsmouth, United Kingdom
Trip Type:
Couples
A beautiful place to explore.
Tuesday, 25th February 2025
Wonderful place, very beautiful and a stunning setting for a fancy house. My partner often came here as a child and it was good to see that there was some investment into the museum that tells the... Read full review

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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

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

Hide Facilities

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