Just outside the peaceful harbour town of Christchurch in Dorset lies Highcliffe Castle, a Grade I listed historical gem built in the 1830s by visionary diplomat Baron Stuart de Rothesay.
The house is a fabulous example of the Romantic and Picturesque styles that flourished in the 18th and early 19th centuries, and a must-see for anyone with an interest in history and architecture. In places the house appears much older due to the mediaeval stone that was shipped over from France, some ancient stained glass in the large north window of the majestic great hall, and some of its gothic revival features.
This remarkable building has seen its fair share of adventures and has many colourful stories to tell. In its time as a country house and estate, it welcomed some illustrious visitors that included royalty, Gladstone, Harry Selfridge and Nancy Mitford. In another life it was a seminary, then a children’s home, and then in 1967 the building was completely devastated by fire.
After extensive renovations and restoration, Highcliffe Castle has definitely risen from the ashes to begin a new, fresh incarnation and is now open to everyone to enjoy once again.
Your day out at Highcliffe might start with you popping into the visitor centre to learn all about its background and history, before you really get into character in the castle’s well-stocked dressing up room! There are plenty of creative resources, quizzes, trails and themed activities available too, all fantastic for families with children, keeping them engaged and busily creating even after your visit.
Guided tours invite you behind the scenes and down hidden corridors to peek behind the curtains of this fascinating place, and after exploring the interiors, you might take a stroll within the 14 acres of gardens originally inspired by the work of Capability Brown.
There are magical woodland walks and perfect spots to enjoy a picnic at Highcliffe in the warmer months, and it’s just a short walk to Highcliffe beach with its incredible views over to the iconic Isle of Wight and Hengistbury Head.
The castle often plays host to theatre shows, live music and events, and exhibitions of the work of local artists. It’s best to visit Sunday to Thursday for the whole experience as there are often private events taking place inside on weekends, though the grounds and tearooms remain open every day. Also bear in mind that things do slow down over winter when the house itself closes from Christmas until February.
After a fantastic day exploring the castle and enjoying the beach, you’ll want to come back to a luxurious and relaxing home-from-home. This area boasts some stunning hotels nearby, with the New Forest Collection offering some of the very best.
Nearby Beaulieu Inn is nestled within the wild heathland of the forest, and as a former coaching inn, has plenty of its own stories to tell. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind, leaving the cares of the modern day world behind you for a while.
With some delightfully quirky touches a reminder of its past lives, the fresh, modern interiors at Beaulieu are supremely welcoming and comfortable. There’s a heated pool and steam room too, and you’re guaranteed sweet dreams in any of its cosy rooms or peaceful suites.
There are plenty of New Forest delights to explore right on the doorstep of Beaulieu Inn, and a short stroll takes you to The Drift, the laid-back and stylish country pub next door.
Like all the New Forest Collection restaurants featured here, The Drift proudly showcases locally sourced and seasonal ingredients on its ever-evolving menu, and offers an award-winning range of modern-British and traditional favourites sure to please everyone.
Another fantastic place to stay near Highcliffe Castle is Forest Lodge near Lyndhurst. The Lodge was famously used as a hunting box by King George IV, and guests today still make the most of its perfect location on the edge of the forest and its well-deserved reputation as an intimate, stylish townhouse retreat.
Its elegant, contemporary interiors have a boutique feel, you can take a dip in its heated pool, and its in-house brasserie,1820, offers a delicious range of grill classics and modern British plates for guests to savour.
If you’re looking to indulge in a little more historic charm after a day at Highcliffe Castle then 800-year-old Burley Manor, within the ancient village of Burley, is for you. Relaxation and wellbeing are key here, with its sumptuous suites, luxurious wellbeing facilities and a renowned mediterranean-inspired menu.
And like all the New Forest Collection hotels, Burley offers the very best in traditional comfort whilst making sure all the contemporary touches you would expect are included; complimentary parking, EV charging points and WiFi come as standard, and you’ll find all sorts of extra luxe details sure to surprise and delight you.
After a busy day, another delightful option is to come home to Grade II listed Bartley Lodge in Cadnam. With its elegant and calming interiors, comfortable suites and exquisite menu, Bartley Lodge is another heritage treasure nestling invitingly within the spectacular New Forest countryside, and is only around half an hour away from Highcliffe Castle along the A35.
In fact, all these hotels are located close by, with a pleasant trip by car along the A35 taking you straight to the castle. Burley Manor is a short 15-minute drive, Forest Lodge 21 minutes, and both Bartley Lodge and Beaulieu Inn are just 27 minutes by car along the A35. In fact, the entire New Forest area is well served by road and rail links, and Bournemouth Airport is close by too.
Choosing to stay in any one of these glorious hotels and enjoy an inspiring day out at Highcliffe Castle is a wonderful opportunity to create new memories, all sure to become part of your own treasured family history.
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