Highcliffe Castle

Highcliffe Castle Tea Rooms, Rothesay Dr, Highcliffe, Christchurch BH23 4LE, UK
1-99 Years
Paid

Description

Highcliffe Castle is owned and operated by BCP Council. An award winning visitor attraction and function venue. The Castle has been described as arguably the most important surviving house of the romantic and picturesque style of architecture, which flourished at the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century. 

Its significance is recognised nationally by its Grade 1 status on the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural and Historical Interest. Lucanart is an artist, designer and photographer predominantly known for his street art murals and illustrative works, which often take inspiration from the world of nature and old technologies.

Price starts from £10.00 for Adults(15+), £3.20 for Children(5-17) and £22.00 for Family of five. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: No

Features

  • Exhibitions: Lucanart is an artist, designer and photographer predominantly known for his street art murals and illustrative works, which often take inspiration from the world of nature and old technologies.
  • Highcliffe Beach: Did you know that Highcliffe beach is located within walking distance of the Castle? Highcliffe Beach is accessed by a sloping zig zag path, simple for wheelchairs or pushchairs. If you fancy a fitness challenge you can take the steps adjacent to the Castle car park; there are 118 of them!
  • Castle Grounds: The Castle sits in 14 acres of land from the manicured Parterre by the Wintergarden to woodland connecting up to Steamer Point Nature Reserve. Woodland walks, outstanding view points and excellent picnic sites make the grounds very popular. First inspired by the work of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, the grounds and estate at Highcliffe Castle have seen many changes through the centuries but still retain some of Capability Brown’s original alterations.

Facilities

Parking: The car park is owned and run by BCP Council. There are 130 spaces, including 6 blue badge holder spaces. Price starts from £2.10 for up to 1 hour in 15 March to 31 October and from 1 November to 14 March is £1.00 up to 4 hours.

What to see

Events: 

  • Community Art Project in Partnership with LucanArt: Whether you're a seasoned artist, an amateur, community group or someone who simply loves to create, we welcome your participation. This project is a fantastic opportunity to collaborate, share your creativity, and connect with fellow art enthusiasts.
  • An Afternoon with Paul Martin: 4 October, 1:30pm. Join Paul Martin at Highcliffe Castle for a unique afternoon in the majestic Great Hall. The event will feature talks from both the Castle and Paul himself, as well as opportunities to ask questions and receive personal valuations.
  • Wizards & Witches October Half Term: 26 October - 2 November.
  • Creatives at the Castle at Christmas: 22 - 23 November 2025. Join talented local makers and creators at Highcliffe Castle for our Christmas Fair. Find unique gifts, festive decorations and seasonal treats. 
  • Highcliffe Castle Christmas Tree Festival 2025: 5 December - 23 December. The Highcliffe Castle Christmas Tree Festival is back this December. The decorated trees will take pride of place in our State Rooms. Visitors can enjoy a festive trail which will incorporate the trees contributed by local businesses, charities and individuals to create a delightful experience for all.

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

  • Adult (16+): £10.00
  • Child (Age 5-15): £3.20
  • Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): £22.00
  • Under 5s: Free

Membership: 

  • Highcliffe Castle Standard Membership: £33.00 for an annual entry for 1 adult plus 1 guest
  • Highcliffe Castle Family Membership: £46.00 for an annual entry for (2 adults and up to 3 children)

For more information please visit: https://www.highcliffecastle.co.uk/get-involved/membership

Pricing URL: https://www.highcliffecastle.co.uk/visit/planning-your-visit

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

  • Castle: 2 February – 23 December 2025: Sunday – Thursday 10am – 4pm (last entry 3pm)
  • Shop: 2 February – 23 December 2025: 7 days a week 10am – 4pm
  • Castle Tea Rooms: Open 7 days a week 9am-5pm (except Christmas day)
  • Castle Grounds: Open All Year Round 07:00am
  • November - March: 06:30pm
  • April and October: 07:30pm
  • May and September: 09:00pm
  • June, July and August: 10:00pm

Address: Highcliffe Castle Tea Rooms, Rothesay Dr, Highcliffe, Christchurch BH23 4LE, UK

Post Code: BH23 4LE

Council: Bournemouth, Christc

County: Dorset

  • By Car: The Castle Car Park currently holds 130 spaces including a bay for wedding car parking which when in use takes up 30 spaces and there is 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.
  • By Bus: Visitors can board a bus in Bournemouth which is run by More Bus service on the X1 and X2 route, this route takes you through Christchurch and Highcliffe with a stop right outside the Castle next to the Lord Bute Hotel.
  • By Train: Hinton Admiral Train station is located 1 mile from the Castle and from this point visitors have a 15-20 min walk to reach the Castle. The train route services a number of stations on its through journey, notably the main being London, in just under 2 hours to the Castle. Bikes can also be transported on the train and then cycle from the station.
  • By Bike: There are cycle paths across the area and there are planned cycle routes depending on your start location. Once visitors have arrived on site we have provided bike racks in two locations for safe storage of bikes. By the tearooms and also the public toilet block in the car park. We also stock cycling books and maps for further possible routes onwards from the Castle.
  • On Foot: The Cliff Top car park is situated in Wharncliffe Road; it is a two minute drive from the Castle and it is possible to walk the 2.5 miles route along the beach to the Castle, where there is a zipzag leading up to the grounds.
  • Parking: The car park is owned and run by BCP Council. There are 130 spaces, including 6 blue badge holder spaces. Price starts from £2.10 for up to 1 hour in 15 March to 31 October and from 1 November to 14 March is £1.00 up to 4 hours.

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