Highcliffe Castle
BEST FOR
Ages 5+
ENTRY
from £3.50
WHERE
Christchurch
What it’s like
A clifftop castle with grounds to roam, craft activities and a scavenger hunt for older kids to get their teeth into.
This one's more for kids who can handle a proper look round a historic house than for toddlers, the minimum age they mention is five and the guided tours reward the ones who'll actually listen. You turn up on the day and sign up for a tour at the desk, no need to book ahead, though the site says spaces are limited so it's not a bad idea to head there first before you get distracted by the grounds.
There's a good run of activities depending on when you go: a scavenger hunt for hidden stars over October half term, rocket and planet suncatcher crafts, and a Christmas tree festival with an elf trail running into late December. Half term also brings 50% off admission on the Wednesday, which is worth timing your visit around if you can.
Entry is £3.50 for a child and £10 for an adult, or £25 for a family of two adults and up to three kids, so the family ticket saves you a few quid if there's more than one of you going. Last entry's 3pm even though the grounds stay open much later, especially in summer when they're open right up to 10pm, so you could do the castle in the afternoon and come back for a wander after tea.
The Tea Rooms open earlier and close later than the castle itself, from 9am to 5pm, so breakfast or a late cake stop both work. Level access into the castle is via the shop with lifts to every floor, and there's a decent car park on site with blue badge spaces, plus two backup car parks nearby if it's full.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 5 and up; younger kids will find little to hold their attention indoors
- Last entry
- 3pm
- Booking
- Pre-booking available online. Walk-ins usually accommodated subject to availability
- Parking
- On-site car park with 130 spaces including 6 blue badge spaces
- Wheelchairs
- Level access via Castle Shop with platform lifts to all levels
- Dogs
- Assistance dogs only inside Castle
- Getting there by bus or train
- Hinton Admiral Train station 1 mile away, 15-20 min walk to Castle
- Half term brings 50% off admission on the Wednesday, 28 October 2026
- The Christmas Tree Festival and elf trail run 28 November to 23 December 2026
- Grounds hours change through the year, shortest in winter and open until 10pm in June to August
- Guided tour spots are limited, sign up as soon as you arrive rather than leaving it till later
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
£10 for an adult, £3.50 for a child aged 5 to 15, and £25 for a family of two adults and up to three kids.
Do we need to book?
Not essential, you can just turn up, though you can pre-book online if you'd rather.
Is it suitable for a toddler?
The minimum age listed is 5, so it's really built around kids old enough to follow a tour or join in the craft activities.
What time is last entry?
3pm, even though the castle itself is open from 10am.
Are the grounds open longer than the castle?
Yes, the grounds open from 7am and stay open well into the evening in summer, up to 10pm in June, July and August.
Can we do a guided tour?
Guided tours run on the day of admission, you just sign up when you arrive. Space is limited so it's best to sort it out early.
Is there anywhere to eat?
The Castle Tea Rooms are open 9am to 5pm, seven days a week, and only close on Christmas Day.
Is there parking?
There's an on-site car park with 130 spaces including 6 blue badge bays. If that's full there are two other car parks nearby, one a couple of minutes' drive and one a 10 minute walk along the coastal path.
Can we bring the dog?
Only assistance dogs are allowed inside the castle, but dogs on a lead are welcome in the grounds and the gift shop. Beaches nearby are off limits to dogs from May to September.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
There's level access into the castle through the shop and platform lifts to every floor. Wheelchairs can be borrowed for indoor use if you ask.
Can we do group bookings, like for school trips?
They take group bookings by phone or email.
Is the castle open all year?
It's open from 1 February to 23 December, so it does close over the depths of winter.
Featured in 1 Huddlepin list
See all Castles, Historic Houses & Heritage in Southampton · Things to do in Southampton
MAKE A DAY OF IT
