Discovering Highcliffe

Just a stone's throw from Westbourne lies one of Dorset's most captivating coastal gems, where dramatic cliffs meet golden sands and history whispers through every clifftop path. Highcliffe offers the perfect escape for those seeking a blend of natural beauty, fascinating heritage, and quintessentially English seaside charm without the lengthy journey to more distant destinations.

Dominating the clifftops with Gothic Revival splendour, Highcliffe Castle stands as one of England's most important Romantic ruins. Built in the 1830s by Lord Stuart de Rothesay, the castle incorporates genuine medieval stonework rescued from French monasteries during the Revolution. Today, this English Heritage property offers a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century aristocratic life, with beautifully restored rooms showcasing period furniture and art.

The castle's tearoom provides an elegant setting for afternoon tea, complete with homemade cakes and spectacular sea views through the Gothic windows. The surrounding gardens, lovingly maintained by volunteers, burst with seasonal colour and offer peaceful walking paths that meander towards the cliff edge.

The castle frequently hosts family events throughout the year, from medieval re-enactments to ghost walks, bringing history alive for younger visitors. The visitor centre provides engaging displays that capture children's imagination whilst educating them about the site's remarkable story.

Below the castle, Highcliffe Beach stretches invitingly with its mixture of sand and shingle, backed by colourful beach huts that add a cheerful note to the dramatic landscape. The beach enjoys a Blue Flag status, testament to its excellent water quality and facilities. During low tide, fascinating rock pools emerge, delighting children and adults alike with their miniature marine worlds. Highcliffe excels as a family destination, with the beach offering safe swimming conditions and plenty of space for sandcastle construction. The cliff-top play area keeps children entertained whilst parents enjoy the views, and the relatively short walks make the area accessible for little legs.

The South West Coast Path passes directly through Highcliffe, offering some of the most spectacular clifftop walking in Dorset. Westward, the path leads towards Barton-on-Sea with its striking clay cliffs and fossil-hunting opportunities. Eastward, walkers can continue towards Mudeford and Christchurch, with the route offering constantly changing vistas of the Solent and Isle of Wight.

For families, the gentler inland paths provide easier walking whilst still offering beautiful countryside views. The Highcliffe to Hinton Admiral trail follows quiet lanes and footpaths through typical Dorset heathland, perfect for those seeking a more sheltered walk on blustery days.

The beauty of Highcliffe lies not only in its destination but in its accessibility. A leisurely fifteen-minute drive eastward along the A35 brings you to this clifftop paradise, with the route offering tantalising glimpses of the coastline through the trees. For those preferring public transport, the regular bus service connects Westbourne to Highcliffe village, though having your own transport provides greater flexibility for exploring the area's hidden corners.

Parking is readily available at Highcliffe Castle, where a well-maintained car park serves both the castle grounds and beach access. The modest parking fee supports the upkeep of this treasured site, and spaces are generally plentiful outside of peak summer weekends.

Highcliffe offers that rare combination of cultural interest, natural beauty, and relaxation that makes for a truly satisfying day out. Whether your interest lies in Gothic architecture, coastal walking, family beach time, or simply enjoying excellent cake with a view, this clifftop treasure delivers in abundance.