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You are here: Things To Do > Highcliffe Castle
Highcliffe Castle is not only a beautiful and historical building, but the surrounding grounds are perfect for a relaxing stroll or a family picnic on the lawns. There is direct access to both a wonderful sandy beach and the unspoilt nature reserve of nearby Steamer Point.
The Castle has been described as arguably the most important surviving house of the Romantic and Picturesque style of architecture. It is a grade 1 listed building built mainly between 1831 and 1836 by Lord Stuart de Rothesay.
The magnificent building, once lavishly furnished in the 18th century French style, remained a family home until the 1950s. Whilst two fires destroyed the rich interiors in the 1960s, the Castle’s renovated exterior is testimony to the remarkable skills of craftsmen and women who carried out a huge repair and conservation programme in the 1990s.
A team of knowledgeable room hosts will bring to life the detailed history of the building and its residents, amongst whom was Harry Gordon Selfridge, who founded the London based department store Selfridges. Mr Selfridge lived in the Castle between 1916 and 1922, and is buried with his wife and mother at St Mark’s churchyard just across the road from the Castle.
You will find the The Castle Kitchen Tearooms within the grounds, which provides hot and cold drinks along with delicious snacks and homemade cakes. In summer you can sit outside and admire the Castle and grounds while enjoying your meal.
Located just 10 miles from Bournemouth and 3 miles from Christchurch, there is easy access by car, public transport, on foot or by bike. If you don't have your own bike, you can use the Beryl Bike Share scheme to visit as we have two bays in the grounds.
Closed Long Term |
---|
Season (1 April 2021 - 23 December 2021) | ||
---|---|---|
Day | Times | |
Monday - Thursday | 10:00 | - 15:30 |
Friday - Saturday | Closed | |
Sunday | 10:00 | - 15:30 |
Bank Holiday | 10:00 | - 15:30 |
Season (1 April 2021 - 23 December 2021) | ||
---|---|---|
Day | Times | |
Monday - Thursday | 10:00 | - 15:30 |
Friday - Saturday | Closed | |
Sunday | 10:00 | - 15:30 |
Bank Holiday | 10:00 | - 15:30 |
* The Castle is currently closed. The Castle grounds are open daily at 7am and currently close at 6.30pm. Entry to the grounds is free, parking charges apply.
Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
---|---|
Family | £15.00 per ticket |
Adult admission charge | £7.00 per ticket |
Carer | Free |
Children 5 - 16 years old | £3.00 per ticket |
Children under 5 years old | Free |
Highcliffe Castle Season Ticket holders | Free |
Historic Houses Association Members | Free |
Season Ticket from | £24.00 per ticket |
Senior/Student admission charge | £6.50 per ticket |
The Castle is currently closed due to to Covid - 19. When open charges are as follows:
Accompanied children under 5 are free.
Family tickets are for 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children.
Behind the Scenes Tours take place daily* at 12pm. These take in some of the unseen areas such as the wine cellar. This is an add on option at £3 for adults or £1 for children on top of the admission price.
For more information, go to www.highcliffecastle.co.uk/visit/faqs/
Road From A35 follow signs to Highcliffe.
Bus: Wilts & Dorset and Yellow Buses operate services to and from Highcliffe town centre.
Rail: 15 minutess walk from Hinton Admiral Railway Station.
Air: 20 minutes drive from Bournemouth Airport.
Journey planning: Contact Traveline on 0871 200 2233 or visit their website: www.travelinesw.com to look up bus timetables. From 1st January 2019, calls cost 12p per minute plus your phone company's access charge.
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