Photo: Highcliffe Castle by Dave Pape, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
About this place
Highcliffe Castle was built between 1831 and 1835 for Charles Stuart, 1st Baron Stuart de Rothesay on the cliffs at Highcliffe in Dorset.
This Grade I listed Gothic Revival house is distinctive for the carved medieval stonework worked into its walls, much of it salvaged from ruined abbeys in Normandy.
Christchurch, Dorset Council now looks after the castle, which operates as a visitor attraction and event venue with rooms open for exhibitions and weddings.
Read more on WikipediaHistory
The castle stands near the site of High Cliff House, an earlier Georgian mansion built for the 3rd Earl of Bute, a founder of Kew Gardens. The grounds of the earlier house were laid out by Capability Brown. William Donthorne, architect and founding member of the Royal Institute of British Architects, designed Highcliffe Castle and incorporated carved stonework rescued from the ruined Benedictine abbey of St Peter at Jumièges and from the Grand' Maison des Andelys, both in Normandy.
Architecture
Designed in Romantic, Picturesque Gothic Revival style by William Donthorne, the house sets genuine medieval French masonry into its walls and window surrounds rather than merely imitating it.
Worth knowing
The site's earlier Georgian house was built for the 3rd Earl of Bute, a founder of Kew Gardens. The castle's dramatic coastal setting has made it a popular location for filming and photography.
Gardens & grounds
The grounds overlook Christchurch Bay and retain traces of the landscaping originally laid out for the earlier Georgian house by Capability Brown.
Facilities
Plan your visit
Nearest station: Hinton Admiral Rail Station (1 miles)
Open Sunday to Thursday; check official website for current hours and seasonal variations.
Nearby properties
Christchurch Castle
View Christchurch Castle on heritage mapHurst Castle
View Hurst Castle on heritage mapThe Needles
View The Needles on heritage mapThe Needles Batteries
View The Needles Batteries on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 5 miles of Highcliffe Castle there are 1 historic properties, including 1 castle.
Within 10 miles of Highcliffe Castle there are 6 historic properties, including 3 historic buildings and 2 castles, across English Heritage, National Trust and Historic Houses sites.
Within 20 miles of Highcliffe Castle there are 26 historic properties, including 11 historic buildings, 4 castles and 4 historic houses, across English Heritage, National Trust and Historic Houses sites.
Facts
A Gothic Revival castle built partly from salvaged medieval French abbey stone, set above Christchurch Bay.
- Type
- historic house
- Location
- Dorset, England
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