Highcliffe Castle is a beautiful and historical building and the surrounding grounds are perfect for a relaxing stroll or a family picnic on the lawns. There is direct access to both a sandy beach and the nature reserve of nearby Steamer Point.
The magnificent building, once lavishly furnished in the 18th century French style, remained a family home until the 1950’s. Whilst two fires destroyed the rich interiors in the 1960’s, 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 1990’s.
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.
Tickets to go inside the Castle must be pre-booked. The Castle grounds are open daily at 7am and currently close at 7pm. Entry to the grounds is free, parking charges apply.
Telephone: +44 01425 278807
Rothesay Drive, Lymington Road, Highcliffe, CHRISTCHURCH, Dorset, BH23 4LE
