Highcliffe Castle
A 19th-century Romantic Gothic Revival mansion standing on a sea cliff, with a beach and forest trails below.
Highcliffe Castle was built between 1831 and 1836 by Lord Stuart in the Norman style of France. Its exterior walls are set with medieval stone carvings salvaged from an ancient abbey in Normandy, and it is celebrated as a leading example of British Romantic architecture. The restored house has some rooms open for visits and exhibitions, and its lawns face the sea. A path leads down to Highcliffe Beach and connects to the Steamer Trail forest walk. The grounds are free, while the interior charges admission, and the castle tearoom has excellent views. It sits on the southwestern edge of the New Forest, in Dorset.
Opening hours
Approx. Feb–Dec 11:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum
- Burley
- Rhinefield Ornamental Drive & Tall Trees Trail
- Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary
- Knightwood Oak
- Brockenhurst
- Hurst Castle
- Lymington