Highcliffe Castle

If you’re planning a trip to the Dorset coast, Highcliffe Castle makes for a cracking day out, blending history with stunning sea views and plenty of family-friendly fun.

Perched on the cliffs overlooking Christchurch Bay, this Grade I listed gem offers a glimpse into a bygone era while being right next to sandy beaches and nature reserves. It’s ideal for UK holidaymakers looking for something a touch more relaxed than the busier tourist spots.

The castle’s story kicks off in the early 1800s when Lord Stuart de Rothesay, a diplomat with a flair for the dramatic, decided to build his dream home. He constructed it between 1831 and 1836, drawing on the romantic Gothic Revival style that was all the rage.

To give it an authentic medieval feel, he shipped over carved stonework and stained glass from ruined French abbeys, leftovers from the French Revolution. The result was a lavish mansion furnished in opulent French style, complete with grand halls and intricate details.

It stayed in the family for generations, but one of its most famous residents was Harry Gordon Selfridge, the American retail magnate behind the London department store. He rented the place from 1916 to 1922, hosting glamorous parties and entertaining the elite.

The castle remained a private home until the 1950s, but tragedy struck in the 1960s with two devastating fires that gutted the interiors. It fell into disrepair until the local council stepped in during the 1970s, launching a massive restoration project in the 1990s that’s still ongoing today.

Wandering through the castle, you’ll see how the restoration has brought back its charm without hiding the scars from the fires. Rooms feature interactive displays that tell the tales of its former inhabitants, and there’s a stained glass studio where you might catch a conservator at work on ancient pieces.

Kids will love the dressing-up clothes in period styles, while everyone can enjoy the changing exhibitions on local history or art. Outside, the grounds are perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic on the lawns, with paths leading down to the beach for some sea air. The views across to the Isle of Wight are breathtaking on a clear day.

Don’t miss the Castle Pantry tearoom for a cuppa and cake on the terrace, or check the events calendar for outdoor theatre shows and family trails that pop up throughout the year.

Getting there is straightforward, with buses like the X1 and X2 dropping you nearby from Bournemouth or Christchurch. The castle opens most days from morning till late afternoon, though it takes a short winter break with some weekend exceptions.

It’s accessible for many, with ramps, lifts, and facilities for disabled visitors, but do ring ahead if you have specific needs as some areas have uneven surfaces. Guided tours are available for those wanting deeper insights, showing off hidden spots not open otherwise.

Pair your visit with a ramble through Steamer Point Nature Reserve next door or a dip at Highcliffe Beach below the cliffs. It’s close to the New Forest for more exploring, making it a fab base for a coastal holiday.

Whether you’re into history, relaxed walks, or just soaking up the scenery, Highcliffe Castle delivers a memorable outing without the crowds.