Address: Rothesay Dr, Highcliffe, Christchurch BH23 4LE, United Kingdom
Phone: +441202093377
Rating: 4.5
based on 372 reviews.
Building & Grounds
Pros:
"A very interesting building that us still undergoing major renovation."
"Highcliffe Castle is not only a beautiful and historical building, but the surrounding grounds are perfect for a relaxing stroll or a family picnic on the lawns."
"A beautiful building, great grounds to walk in. a real pleasure to go to."
"A really outstanding building that looks fantastic from the outside, sadly not much to see inside as there was a devastating fire that destroyed the inside."
"An absolute must to visit plenty of history attached here, now used for all sorts of events."
"Lovely setting. Play area for kids. A nice big area for picnics etc on the cluff top."
"What a fabulous job the Council and partners have done in saving this lovely house."
Cons:
"It looks like the inside of a council building. They have just left the walls without plaster and added plasterboard panels and modern lighting."
"I'm still trying to work out what the money has been spent on, the inside looks like it's a new building."
"There is nothing to see but the external structure which is free to any car park visitors."
"Unfortunately, there is not much left of the interior due to a couple of fires in the sixties."
"Grounds and exterior are lovely, interior is a bit bare bones but I understand it's a work in progress."
"The whole place looked as if it needed some tlc."
"Worth a visit if in the local area however possibly my fault for not reading up first but it is more manor house than castle and doesn't have the extensive grounds I expected to walk round."
Weddings & Events
Pros:
"As the most popular place in Dorset for an out off church wedding Highcliffe Castle certainly gains favour with many."
"Fantastic wedding venue, everything was great from start to finish."
"What an amazing place to visit, use as a corporate venue or have a wedding."
"A truly magical fairytale wedding venue."
"Stunning location. A historic building that's been lovingly brought back to life."
"Our event was complete success and everyone loved it."
"The whole package from the day we booked till 2 days after the wedding the service was like no other we've ever experienced."
Cons:
"Too many visitors strolling across in front of the wedding party."
"Unfortunately after paying for the car park, we were not allowed to go into the castle as a wedding was on!"
"When we came Saturday entrance to the castle was closed due to wedding."
"Not for the castle it's self but the Gin festival held there. It was very cold, no heating, the large room was set out like a school hall, not like a 'party place'."
"One star for the castle itself, outside and around the castle its amazing but don't go inside the castle they charge 3 pounds and all you can see is one non authentic room and use the toilet total disgrace."
"Place ruined by modern insides more of a wedding venue than a historical house."
"Visiting Highcliffe Castle was a charmless experience."
Cafe & Refreshments
Pros:
"Cafe always good quality food and coffee."
"We stop for a really good coffee at the café and pick up a couple of free doggy biscuits which our dog knows that he is getting now!"
"There is lovely café with scrummy food."
"There's a cafe selling teas coffee cake etc."
"Lovely coffee shop which is great for lunches and tea + cake."
"Cafe has a good selection on the menu and the food is good."
"The small cafe by the side of the castle sells a nice selection of food and the cakes are very good indeed."
Cons:
"The tea we were served in a takeaway cup was wishy washy."
"The service was slow. There was a notice explaining they are looking for a caterer for the site."
"The cafe has clearly changed hands. Now there is not so much to choose from."
"Very disappointed, 2.30pm and virtually no food available."
"The cafe is a joke. £21 midday monday, to be told in 15 minute wait, they only have 1 portion of scampi left, would I like fish."
"Cafe was fab....but not now, refreshments from mobile unit, hot drinks served in uninsulated disposable containers."
"The cafe in the castle closed to serving lunch at 13.00 without any warning."
Parking & Accessibility
Pros:
"It was a great place to visit with parking at a reasonable rate."
"Parking is available at 0.80p for 4 hours (payable by cash, card or app) so plenty of time to take in all the wonders."