Highcliffe Castle stands as Britain’s most important surviving example of Romantic and Picturesque Gothic Revival architecture. Built between 1831-1835 for Lord Stuart de Rothesay, the Grade I listed castle incorporates Medieval carved stonework salvaged from French abbeys in Normandy. Notable guests included Kaiser Wilhelm II who recovered from illness here in 1907, and retail pioneer Harry Gordon Selfridge who lived here 1916-1922. Devastating fires in the 1960s left the castle a roofless ruin until Christchurch Council purchased it in 1977, undertaking a 20-year restoration. Today visitors can explore the magnificent rooms with views across Christchurch Bay to the Isle of Wight, discovering the castle’s fascinating history through guided tours and exhibitions.
Photo by Chris Downer from Geograph, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Highcliffe Castle
Location
Photo Gallery
Gallery images from Geograph Britain and Ireland, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Hover over images to see photographer credits.
Nearby Attractions
Explore more places within 10km
Christchurch Castle & Norman House
Norman castle ruins and exceptionally preserved 12th-century Constable's House - rare medieval domestic architecture.
Christchurch Priory
Magnificent priory church - one of England's longest and finest, with superb Norman and Gothic…
Christchurch Priory
Magnificent priory church - one of England's longest and finest, with superb Norman and Gothic…
Place Mill
Historic Saxon-era watermill with working machinery on Christchurch's picturesque quay.
Red House Museum & Gardens
Award-winning Georgian workhouse museum with interactive displays and beautiful gardens. Free entry.
Hengistbury Head
Dramatic headland with 12,000 years of human history, stunning views, and diverse wildlife habitats.