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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:

777 reviews

Excellent
361
Very Good
244
Average
102
Poor
40
Terrible
30

Recent Reviews:

Lizbef L
Bideford, United Kingdom
Brilliant wet weather visit. If you love history this is full of it.
Wednesday, 21st May 2025
Today dawned wet and we had to change our plans so thanks to Visit Dorset we picked Highcliffe castle. Not National Trust or English Heritage, ie reasonably priced, indoor historical building. It is... Read full review
lizpI271KH
A great local attraction
Monday, 26th May 2025
We visited the castle this afternoon. Absolutely brilliant place to visit. Our girls loved the magical unicorn trail around the castle. Exhibition was very informative. A big shout out to Tony the... Read full review
Cyberdyne_T-101
West Country
Well Worth a Visit, Excellent Restaurant
Monday, 9th June 2025
Free entry with membership of the excellent Historic Houses Association. You have to pay for parking. It is very worth a visit even though, like Lulworth Castle, the castle was gutted by fire and... 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

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