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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. 

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 TypeTicket 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 2024 - 23 Dec 2024)
DayTimes
Monday - Thursday10:00 - 16:00
Friday - SaturdayClosed
Sunday10:00 - 16:00
Castle Opening Times (4 Feb 2024 - 23 Dec 2024)
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.

Rothesay Drive
Lymington Road
Highcliffe
Christchurch
Dorset
BH23 4LE
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Call direct on:

Tel01202 093377

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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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