Highcliffe Castle is unlike any other, and if you’re looking for something that will grab your interest and is not your ‘typical’ well-dressed historical house, then this is the place to go.
What gives Highcliffe its uniqueness is the fact that there is little left of what it was like when it was first built after two devastating fires left it derelict for a long time and open to the elements.
Today, the castle is slowly being given a new lease of life and is open to the public.
Highcliffe Castle is a fantastic day out for everyone and is full of history, activities for children and lots of opportunities to explore!
What makes Highcliffe Castle in Dorset a great place to visit? Read below to find out more!
Highcliffe Castle, once a beautiful home full of amazing Gothic and romantic style architecture, flourished in the late 18th century and early 19th century.
Lord Stuart de Rothesay had the house built between 1831 and 1836. Lord Stuart de Rothesay was a successful diplomat who was well-educated and well-read.
When building Highcliffe Castle, he sparred no expense, shipping in furniture from other countries and filling the rooms with large paintings, mirrors and Aubusson carpets.
The castle was built on a cliff and surrounded by heathland. There is a Latin inscription built into the walls (seen above) that reads, ‘Sweet it is, when on the great sea the winds buffeting the waters, to look from the land on another’s great struggles.’
The quotation is fitting to the castle overlooking the sea and to Lord Stuart de Rothesay’s refuge from a turbulent career as a diplomat.
Lord Rothesay had two daughters, Charlotte and Louisa. Charlotte sadly died at the age of 41 from jungle fever in India after her husband was appointed there.
Louisa, after marrying, became Lady Waterford, who is the more well-known of the sisters when it comes to Highcliffe’s history.
She became the owner of the castle after her mother’s death in 1867.
When Lady Waterford passed away, there were no children to pass the castle onto; it was given to a distant cousin, Edward Stuart Wortley.
Edward Stuart Wortley kept the castle in his family until it was sold in the 1950s.
From the 50’s, the castle has been used for many reasons. It was an orphanage for a short time and even a place to train students for the priesthood.
Throughout all the many years of history, arguably the most famous piece of history is the fires that broke out in the 60’s at the castle.
Leaving devastation and ultimately leaving the building abandoned, neglected and a hotspot for vandals and victim to the great British weather.
In the castle’s prime, it was a hotspot for celebrities and famous people such as Prime Minister William Gladstone, best-selling author Nancy Mitford and Australian singer Dame Nellie Melba.
However, more notably owner of the London department store Selfridges, Harry Gordon Selfridge, rented the castle between 1916 and 1922.
He was extremely fond of the area and castle and wanted to buy it from Edward Wortley, who refused to sell it.
Harry Selfridge is buried at St Marks church in Highcliffe along with his mother and wife.
💡Fun Fact: The castle also featured in the ITV drama series Mr Selfridge.
After years of neglect, the castle has been owned by the council since 1977; through funding, the castle is being brought back to life and used as a visitor centre, wedding and events venue.
Some parts of the castle are out of bounds due to not being restored yet, and evidence from the fires is still noticeable, but that adds to the charm and the rich history of the castle.
Dotted around the castle, there are lots of fun, educational and interactive activities for children to enjoy.
Such as dressing up in 18th and 19th-century clothes, making your own stained glass pattern and role-playing in the kitchen as a maid with the child-size oven and kitchen toys.
An onsite cafe also serves light bits, alcoholic beverages and hot drinks. There is a large outside seating area to sit and relax with views of the pretty garden and castle.
There is also a gift shop stocked with lots of interesting books related to the castle and Dorset, toys, gifts and homeware.
As well as the beautiful castle you can take a small stroll to beautiful Highcliffe Beach.
A secluded and rustic beach with amazing views of the Isle of Wight and Mudeford Quay.
Part stone and part white sand, this is the perfect spot to sit and relax or enjoy a picnic after exploring the castle grounds.
💡 Important Info:
- The Highcliffe Castle car park charges a fee, so remember to get your ticket!
- Ticket prices vary; adults are £9, and children are £3.20 each, but there is a family ticket deal, which is 2 adults and 2 children for £20. Seniors are £8.50 and under 5’s are free.
- Card payments only
For more information, visit the official website.
Thanks for reading, and have a great time at Highcliffe Castle.
