Highcliffe Castle (mansion), Christchurch, Hampshire BH23 4LE

Details

Accessibility

• Level access into the castle (via the gift shop ) 
• Wheelchair loan (request prior to visit)
• Ground floor completely accessible 
• Main visitor route of castle - 3 levels all accessible by lift 
• Blue badge parking (6 spaces)
• Assistance dogs allowed in grounds & castle
• Wheelchair/ pushchair access to Highcliffe Beach (sloping zig zag path which they say is simple for wheelchair users.)
• Disability Toilet

Brief description

This venue is a beautiful grade 1 building, built in the 1830's by Lord Stuart de Rothesay. It is full of fine architecture, history and breathtaking grounds to explore. The Great Hall in the castle will take your breath away (as will every part ) but the great hall is the main heritage room with the castle's history displayed on the walls and a remarkable 30ft stained glass window which is a must see. There are also plenty of woodland walks perfect for some fresh air and a picnic in beautiful scenery. Highcliffe beach is right beside the castle too and who doesn't love a beach day. Or if you fancy some down time, then a nice cup of tea and a bun then the Castle tearoom is right up your street.

Highcliffe castle was originally owned by John Stuart - third earl of Bute who lived there with his family,  and passed onto his daughter, then onto a distant cousin until it was sold in 1950. The castle has welcomed many famous faces as guests over the years visits. From Queens, Kings, Princesses, to Kaiser Wilhelm, William Gladstone (four times Prime Minister) and many more. Also Harry Gordon Selfridge- owner of Selfridge's the successful London department store rented and lived in the castle from 1916-1922.

The castle's fate changed it became a children's home for a short time in the 1950's and then it was used for training students in priesthood.  Just before they moved out a fire struck through the castle's Great Hall. An even more disastrous fire happened the following year. Later on the Castle was abandoned and left in neglected ruin exposed to harsh impacts of weather and vandals. There were no visitors or residents - just derelict rooms and a very damaged building that was hard to believe was once a castle. 

However since it is a castle it makes sense to have a happily ever after right? The castle is once again a beautiful building today with help from the Council, English Heritage funding and National Lottery Grants the castle is proud to host fairs, exhibitions, events, weddings, tours, health & fitness classes and so much more.  What a turn around. Why not come and check it out for yourselves? 

*There is even a chance to explore the castle digitally if COVID and lock downs are stopping you getting out and about. Perfect for children in lock down to keep them busy and their minds curious Highcliffe offers lots of interactive online activities for children. 

Address

Highcliffe Castle
Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe
Dorset BH23 4LE
Email

enquiries@highcliffecastle.co.uk

See general enquiry form on their website for any queries. 

Phone

https://www.highcliffecastle.co.uk/visit/directions/

Directions

0.6 miles from Highcliffe Village

Head west on Lymington Road towards Wharncliffe Road.

Then turn left onto Rothesay Drive. 

Continue straight for 0.047 miles 

Turn left for 0.012 miles 

Destination will be on your right.

Opening Times

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

The Castle usually opens from 20th December 2020 (currently closed due to COVID until further notice.)

Castle Grounds- are open all year round. Opening times are 07:00 - 18:30. 

Castle Tearooms - open Thursday- Sunday 09:30- 15:00 (currently due to Covid offering takeaway only.)

Transport

TRAVELLING 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 Castle Kitchen 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.

We have a weekly volunteer-led health cycle ride which begin from the Castle and explores the surrounding area.

From Autumn 2020 we have bikes Beryl available for hire on site, follow the link to find out more, you access them through an app on your phone and pay per use. There are two Beryl bays on the Castle site, one located by the public toilets and one by the tearooms.

TRAVELLING ON FOOT

There are number of walking routes leading to the Castle, following the coastal path is the easiest option, there are a number of starting points:

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 ramp leading  up to the grounds.

There is also a walk starting from Hengistbury Head, Bournemouth, which starts out on foot linking to a ferry trip towards Mudeford, on foot through Steamer Point Nature Reserve resulting in the Castle being one of the stops along the way. 

TRAVELLING 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.

TRAVELLING BY COACH

The Castle can be accessed by coach, passengers can be dropped off at the designated Coach drop off situated at the front entrance of the Castle, and the driver would then park the coach at the Cliff Top car park, returning for the passenger departure at a pre-agreed time. The Castle offers group discounts for groups of 10 or more visitors.

TRAVELLING 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. This service runs Mon-Sat in the daytime up to every 30 mins and on Sundays every two hours.

Yellow buses are also running a route on the 1 service running from Christchurch stopping right outside the Castle next to the Lord Bute Hotel, this service runs on variable times every hour to hour and a half.

Please check the bus company’s websites for up to date and correct information.

• Yellow Buses
• More Buses

TRAVELLING 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.

TRAVELLING BY PLANE

Visitors can use the local airports, Southampton and Bournemouth; visitors can use the train service linking Southampton to the local train station Hinton Admiral. At Bournemouth there are accessible links to trains and buses by taxi.

TRAVELLING BY FERRY

Visitors travelling from the Channel Isles and northern France can use Condor Ferries via Poole Ferry Terminal, which is a 12 mile drive from the Castle. Please see their website for timetables and routes.

Amenities

Family friendly venue

Baby Changing Facilities 

Castle tours 

Tearooms 

Castle shop 

Highcliffe Beach

Nature and woodland walks 

Highcliffe village 20 minutes walk/ 5 minutes drive from Castle - for shopping or bite to eat. 

Christchurch- 10 minutes drive away historic little town to explore. 

Bournemouth is approx 9 miles from the castle- with lots of options of accommodation, beaches & shopping