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Highcliffe Castle
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Highcliffe Castle

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Highcliffe Castle
4
#3 of 7 things to do in Highcliffe
Visitor CentresHistoric SitesCastles
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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About
Opening Times: Sunday - Thursday 10am to 4pm (last entry 3pm) Takeaway catering offer - 7 days a week 10am-4pm (weather permitting) Every castle has a history, but ours is as colourful as the Jesse stained glass window in the Great Hall. In the 1830s, a rather extravagant (some say egotistic) lord envisioned his dream home. Throughout the years the Castle has changed ownership and has been ravaged by two fires, but it still remains standing. Today, our Grade 1 listed Castle is magnificent and charming in its own unique way. And while it doesn’t possess all the grandeur and opulence it had in 1836, it has inherited something equally as impressive along the way – fascinating stories that will be brought to life on your visit.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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See what travellers are saying
  • Michael H
    Ipswich, United Kingdom109 contributions
    History of Highcliffe
    The architecture of the outside was very good. Worth waiting for a guide to take you around it and explain. The inside is bare apart from the rooms giving you the history including the two fires. A walk down to the beach was also good.
    Highcliffe Castle
    Thank you for your review. We are pleased that you were able to take advantage of the outside tour. Our guides are very knowledgeable, and it gives a very good introduction before going on to visit inside the Castle. With best wishes from the Castle Team.
    Written 3 July 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited June 2023
    Written 1 July 2023
  • AvidTraveler12
    Winchester, United Kingdom1,814 contributions
    Gutted by fire but still an interesting visit
    The hotel overlooks the beach at Mudeford and can be accessed by car or a nice walk from Mudeford Beach. Unfortunately the castle was completely gutted by fire many years ago and the place was completely gutted, so there are hardly any furniture items there. The conservatory and associated rooms are utilised for weddings and wedding receptions. The castle is still worth a visit and you should be able to complete your tour in under an hour.
    Highcliffe Castle
    Thank you for your review. We are pleased you enjoyed your visit. We hope that you found our interpretation interesting, and that it gave you a good insight into the previous owners of the Castle, the story of the fires, and the subsequent restoration of the building.
    Written 10 August 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 1 August 2023
  • DAVID B
    Reading, United Kingdom95 contributions
    Best wait until the cafe re-opens
    We arrived around 1.00pm and the temporary food and drink station had already virtually run out of food. The castle grounds are pleasant enough to walk round. We never went into the castle as we had a dog with us. The main toilets are in the castle building so you have to pay to use them. There are other more basic toilet facilities in the car park. We would not go again until the proper cafe re-opens.
    Highcliffe Castle
    Thank-you for your review, as you say the tearooms is temporarily closed whilst a full tender process is carried out, to appoint a new operator. This has been delayed for reasons outside of our control and we are working on the future solution to open in the new year. The temporary takeaway offer is provided by The Cliffhanger, Highcliffe and we will pass on your comments. We apologise your visit was not up to the usual high standards. We are now allowing dogs into the Castle shop, so pop in next time you are passing on a dog walk, we offer the use of the Castle toilets to some visitors if the toilets located in the car park are too far away for some individuals. We look forward to welcoming you inside the Castle next time you visit and we hope that we can improve your rating. Kind regards The Castle Team
    Written 29 September 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 29 August 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
748 reviews
Excellent
341
Very good
237
Average
101
Poor
40
Terrible
29
Jean P
7 contributions
a real gem
Aug 2023
What a find – a real gem! Highcliffe Castle is a wonderful example of sympathetic conservation after such a dreadful fire. There are lots of boards in the castle explaining the history of the property including the fires and previous occupants e.g. Mr Selfridge. We found there was just enough interesting information to inform but not overload. As members of Historic Houses and other similar organisations, we are regular visitors of interesting properties and we both agreed that Highcliffe Castle is amongst the best. Well done!
Written 14 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Highcliffe Castle
Thank you for such a kind review. We have tried hard with our interpretation to bring to life the story of the Castle, its owners and the two fires that nearly destroyed it completely. It means a lot that as Historic Houses members, and regular visitors to houses such as ours, you enjoyed your visit so much. Best wishes the Castle Team.
Written 20 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rexgom
Christchurch, UK168 contributions
Children's entertainment = Grandparent rest
Aug 2023
The kitchen was our favourite as our three grandchildren played in there with the cooker, utensils and food whilst dressed up for ages, and ages :-)

They also made seagulls in the craft room. Coloured drawings and more dressing up kept them entertained with very little effort on our part. A good respite day!!!!!

We would probably have stayed longer but the car parking limit called!
Written 8 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Highcliffe Castle
Thank you for your kind review. We are pleased you had such a good visit and your grandchildren were so entertained by our children's activities.
Written 10 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Peter D
Christchurch, UK274 contributions
Great summer holiday visit with grandchildren
Aug 2023 • Family
Been before as we live very close by. Took 2 granddaughters aged 9&11. They loved it. Plenty of activities for them including craft, dressing up, etc. we were there around 2.5 hours.
If we’d gone just as adults we’d have been round way more quickly and not found it too interesting
Written 2 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Highcliffe Castle
Thank you for your review. We are pleased your granddaughters were kept amused by our interactive children's activities and crafts.
Written 10 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AvidTraveler12
Winchester, UK1,814 contributions
Gutted by fire but still an interesting visit
Jul 2023 • Friends
The hotel overlooks the beach at Mudeford and can be accessed by car or a nice walk from Mudeford Beach.
Unfortunately the castle was completely gutted by fire many years ago and the place was completely gutted, so there are hardly any furniture items there. The conservatory and associated rooms are utilised for weddings and wedding receptions. The castle is still worth a visit and you should be able to complete your tour in under an hour.
Written 1 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Highcliffe Castle
Thank you for your review. We are pleased you enjoyed your visit. We hope that you found our interpretation interesting, and that it gave you a good insight into the previous owners of the Castle, the story of the fires, and the subsequent restoration of the building.
Written 10 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mark3500
Nottinghamshire, UK73 contributions
A great day out
Jul 2023 • Couples
We had a great day out here. We had lunch on the east accessible beach. We then went around the castle. This is well set out. There’s lots of information about the history of the castle, its previous owners, and what’s happened through the years, including recent period of renovation. Thoroughly recommended. The tea shop is currently properly active, but there is a van that sells snacks and drinks. This is perfect in the good weather. There’s lots of parking which Kemp paid for on site or via one of many apps. There is a cost to go round the castle, but in July 2023 this was a very reasonable £8 per person. You can also go to visit the Selfridge graves. These are in a local churchyard and are well directed on the leaflet from the castle. It’s a short walk.
Written 21 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Highcliffe Castle
Hello and thank you for such a positive review of your visit. It sounds like you had a full day; making the most of the beach, your visit inside the Castle and also popping across the road to visit the Selfridge graves. We are pleased you enjoyed everything on offer. Best wishes the Castle Team.
Written 6 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
app23
Wigan, UK155 contributions
Family
Jul 2023 • Family
We had been here before, so we decided to again after five years. It was alright we did not go round the castle it was closed. The cafe was closed has well. There was van selling drinks and food.
Written 13 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Highcliffe Castle
Thank you for your review. Whilst a full tender process is completed, the main Tea Rooms building is closed. The Cliffhanger, Highcliffe, is running a convenient take away option for Castle visitors. Best wishes the Castle Team.
Written 6 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michael H
Ipswich, UK109 contributions
History of Highcliffe
Jun 2023
The architecture of the outside was very good. Worth waiting for a guide to take you around it and explain. The inside is bare apart from the rooms giving you the history including the two fires. A walk down to the beach was also good.
Written 1 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Highcliffe Castle
Thank you for your review. We are pleased that you were able to take advantage of the outside tour. Our guides are very knowledgeable, and it gives a very good introduction before going on to visit inside the Castle. With best wishes from the Castle Team.
Written 3 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Restless59
Bournemouth, UK1,039 contributions
Chillout in the Garden:
Jun 2023 • Solo
I live locally to the castle so cycle in just sit on the lawn with a coffee:)

The old cafe seems to be permanently closed now which is a shame as it offered a good selection of cake & snacks

The pop up cafe outside is OK but limited choice & the coffee not so good
Written 18 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Highcliffe Castle
Thank you for your review. Whilst a full tender process is completed, the main Tea Rooms building is closed. The Cliffhanger, Highcliffe, is running a convenient take away option for Castle visitors. With best wishes from the Castle Team.
Written 3 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stella A
Southampton, UK57 contributions
Gardens we’re pleased
Jun 2023 • Couples
The castle looked very impressive, very grand and large.
Me and my other half were very disappointed, that it seemed more like an information centre. I was expecting.beautiful old rooms in as near to their original condition but they had lost a lot of features. The rooms were bland with information in glass cabinets. I don’t mind some information and pictures around to look and read about the history of the building but there was too much. Was looking forward in seeing beautiful big grand rooms. There was a lot that the public couldn’t see, lots that wasn’t even open to the public. I was so looking forward to walk round.
Grounds were nice and I believe you can get to beach. I like an old house/castle to almost look like it was. I’ve been better places for free.
I do appreciate that buildings like this cost a lot of money to run and restore
Written 8 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Highcliffe Castle
Dear Stella Thank-you for your review. We are sorry that your visit didn't meet your expectations. We are a partially restored building and are proud of the heritage story we can display but we are at times limited on what we can show, due to the original fabric of the building surviving two devastating fires and most of the contents now, not being in the Castle's ownership but rather held in collections around the world. We do take your points on board and the team are currently re-evaluating our interpretation vision and we will work on improving elements of the visitor journey. There are some rooms not situated on the main public route, but these are available to explore on our daily guided tours. If there are any specific suggestions you would like to see developed here at the Castle, then please do email us at enquiries@highcliffecastle.co.uk, we would love to hear your suggestions. Kind regards The Castle Team
Written 11 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kelly B
Brisbane, Australia61 contributions
Not happy.
Jun 2023 • Family
Arrived after driving 60 miles but couldn’t get a park in the car park as everyone was using it to go to the beach. Drove around multiple times and left without even getting out of the car. Extremely disappointed and from Australia so won’t be able to come back.
Written 1 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Highcliffe Castle
Dear Benson We apologise you struggled to park on the day of your visit. We understand you had travelled a long distance and you must have been very frustrated on your arrival to not secure a parking space, we are disappointed that you could not reach the alternative parking location listed on our website. The car park is very busy at times, due to its very close proximity to Highcliffe beach and we are working on a future solution to secure parking for Castle visitors. If you booked your tickets in advance through our portal on Eventbrite please email enquiries@highcliffecastle.co.uk and we can arrange a full refund. Kind regards The Castle Team
Written 11 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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HIGHCLIFFE CASTLE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)