Highcliffe Castle
A 19th-century Romantic Gothic mansion on a sea cliff, built with carved medieval stonework from French abbeys, overlooking the Isle of Wight.
Highcliffe Castle was built between 1831 and 1836. Its owner, Lord Stuart, bought carved stonework and stained glass from medieval abbeys and manor houses in Normandy, France, and had them shipped to England to be reassembled. It is a leading example of Romantic and picturesque architecture in Britain and is a Grade I listed building. The rooms inside tell the story of the family, and Kaiser Wilhelm II once stayed here for a short while. The castle sits in a clifftop park, where the lawns offer views of the Isle of Wight and the Needles. A path leads down to Highcliffe Beach. The interior has limited opening times and charges admission, while the park and tea room are free. It lies about 5 km east of Christchurch and is best reached by car or bus.
Opening hours
Park open all day; castle approx. 11:00–17:00 (seasonal)
Nearby sights
- Mudeford Spit
- Hengistbury Head
- Christchurch Priory
- Boscombe Pier
- Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
- St Peter's Church, Bournemouth
- Bournemouth Lower Gardens
- Oceanarium Bournemouth