Highcliffe Castle
Christchurch, Dorset
Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, BH23 4LE
Tel: 01202 093377
Highcliffe 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 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.
Our team of knowledgeable room hosts will bring to life the detailed history of the building and its residents, amongst whom was Harry Gordon Selfridge. 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.
Behind the scenes guided tours last approximately one hour and provide access to the unrestored parts of the Castle, as well as the heritage rooms.
The beautiful grounds are perfect for a relaxing stroll or a family picnic on the lawns and there is direct access to both the wonderful sandy beach and the unspoilt nature reserve of nearby Steamer Point.
The Castle Kitchen Tearooms provide hot and cold drinks along with delicious snacks and homemade cakes.
Situated just 10 miles from Bournemouth and 3 miles from Christchurch, there is easy access by car and public transport.
Castle open from 17th March.
Full details can be found at www.highcliffecastle.co.uk
Nearby...
Christchurch Events
Highcliffe Castle Christmas Tree Festival
A Christmas Spectacular
Latest Christchurch Features
The October half-term is now synonymous with Halloween and the themed fun that takes place. If you’re out and about in Dorset, you’ll find many a Halloween event happening, so grab your broomsticks, sharpen those fangs, and prepare to have one hell of a good time!
It's scary how much there is to choose from...
Halloween Events
Read more...
Top things to do in Dorset this Summer!
Here is a snapshot of some of the great things to do taken from Resort Dorset.
1. Hop on the Swanage Railway, sit back and let your senses take you back in time!
2. Take a break from the beach and visit one of Dorset’s delightful gardens, Sherborne Castle, Mapperton Estate, Athelhampton and Abbotsbury Gardens have some of the most beautiful grounds. Take a leisurely stroll and build up the appetite for tea and cake!
3. For ... Read more...
Celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with us here in Dorset. Dress for the occasion in red white and blue and join in the fun to be had at events right across the county (scroll down for events listings).
Little ones can dress up as princes and princesses and head for Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park where, as well as all the animals to see, there’ll be cream teas to enjoy – just be sure to pre-book!
Fancy a celebratory picnic lunch with sea views? Then ... Read more...
Monday 17th February marks the start of half-term. Dorset always has so much to offer whenever half-term comes around, whether that involves exploring the countryside and coastline, visiting some of Dorset’s best attractions, or attending local events, you won’t be let down.
We’ve compiled a list of events, including some amazing offers followed by some features that we think can inspire your half-term fun. From visiting the cheeky monkeys at Monkey World or getting ... Read more...
New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration. We raise a glass to the year that’s gone by, everything we’ve achieved, and that glass is also raised to the year ahead.
It is often spent with family and friends, the ones who have been by our side for last 12 months, and the ones we look to spend the next 12 months with.
For many of us, a change is about to happen. We step into the New Year with a fresh vision of exciting things to come.
Whatever you’re ... Read more...