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Pictures of Highcliffe

in the county of Dorset

Highcliffe, Dorset

About Highcliffe

Highcliffe is dominated by the fine castle built there in the early part of the 19th century. It was built by Lord Stuart de Rothsay on the site of a former mansion which was the home of the 3rd Earl of Bute. The mansion, called High Cliff was set in spectacular grounds laid out by Capability Brown. Little remains of this now, save for two entrance lodges used as a restaurant. Highcliffe castle, after quite a chequered history, was purchased by Christchurch Borough Council in 1977. Together, with English Heritage in partnership, the castle is being restored, and is fast becoming one of Dorset's most popular attractions.

That being said, Highcliffe itself is an extremely attractive resort town which unsurprisingly has been the recipient of the Village in Bloom award on a number of occasions. The village is surrounded by sweeping beaches backed by gorse-clad low cliffs from which the visitor can enjoy superb vista's of rolling frothy waves tumbling into Christchurch Bay.

Looking around the village you can see a pleasant mix of attractive properties, these include The Old Schoolhouse - the oldest building here, the Globe a pub which possibly originated in the 18th century, several pretty cottages and some older handsome houses. The village has shops and a market. The church in Hinton Wood Avenue was built in 1843 by the generosity of the de Rothsay family, it is dedicated to St.Mark, and makes an interesting visit.

This whole region offers a wealth of interest for everyone, there are pleasant walks along magnificent cliffs, numerous nature reserves, all showing rich wildlife habitation, flora and fauna. Activities include; sailing, boating, walking and fishing.

There are many seafaring traditions kept alive here, these include the annual blessing of the waters, an old custom continued to this day intended to keep the fishermen safe from any harm which may befall them in seas more turbulent than the quiet waters of the bay.

From here there is easy access to the historic paths and villages of the New Forest, and from Lymington, a short drive away the Puffin line offers morning, afternoon and full day sea trips.


Planning a visit? Please see below for other recommended towns, attractions and recommended hotels nearby.

Distances and directions below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner

Recommended attractions near Highcliffe

Highcliffe Castle(0.6 miles, 1.0 km)Pictures
Christchurch Castle(2.2 miles, 3.5 km, direction SW)Pictures
Hengistbury Head(2.7 miles, 4.3 km, direction SW)Pictures
Christchurch Priory(2.8 miles, 4.5 km, direction W)Pictures
Alice in Wonderland Maze, Hurn(5.9 miles, 9.5 km, direction W)Pictures
Avon Heath Country Park(7.0 miles, 11.3 km, direction NW)Pictures
Russell Cotes Art Gallery and Museum(7.1 miles, 11.4 km, direction W)Pictures
The Bournemouth Eye(7.4 miles, 11.9 km, direction W)Pictures
Hurst Castle(7.4 miles, 11.9 km, direction E)Pictures
Hurst Lighthouse(7.7 miles, 12.4 km, direction E)Pictures
Spinners Garden(8.1 miles, 13.1 km, direction E)Pictures
The Needles Park(8.5 miles, 13.7 km, direction SE)Pictures
Fort Victoria Country Park(9.0 miles, 14.4 km, direction E)Pictures
The New Forest(9.3 miles, 15.0 km, direction NE)Pictures
Compton Acres Gardens(9.6 miles, 15.4 km, direction W)Pictures

All attractions in Highcliffe
All attractions in Dorset
Complete A to Z of attractions in England

Recommended towns near Highcliffe

Mudeford, in the county of Dorset (1.7 miles, 2.7 km, direction SW)
Picturesque holiday resort nestling at the point where the River Avon rushes into the sea at Christchurch Bay.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

New Milton, in the county of Hampshire (2.3 miles, 3.7 km, direction E)
New Milton is a small sea-side town, with a variety of shops ranging from the charismatic old-fashioned department store Bradbeers, to modern shops such as New Look and Woolworths.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Christchurch, in the county of Dorset (2.8 miles, 4.5 km, direction W)
Christchurch is one of Dorset's "gems" it is set on the confluence of two rivers, the Stour and the Avon. In Saxon times it was...
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Southbourne, in the county of Dorset (3.7 miles, 6.0 km, direction W)
Southbourne is a sedate coastal resort lying close to the mouth of the River Stour, just a few minutes drive from its more famous...
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Ripley, in the county of Hampshire (3.9 miles, 6.3 km, direction NW)
One could be forgiven for thinking that this Yorkshire village has a faintly French air for Ripley was indeed remodelled in 1827 along the lines of a typical French village of Alsace Lorraine.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Hurn, in the county of Dorset (4.8 miles, 7.7 km, direction NW)
This is a pretty Dorset village with pleasant period buildings from the 18th-century.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Burley, in the county of Hampshire (5.5 miles, 8.8 km, direction N)
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Milford on Sea, in the county of Hampshire (5.7 miles, 9.2 km, direction E)
The advent of the railways brought the Victorians flocking the enjoy the delights of Milford beach, which is mostly sand and shingle and from which, safe bathing can be enjoyed.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Keyhaven, in the county of Hampshire (6.5 miles, 10.5 km, direction E)
The village is lovely and peaceful with moorings for boats along the quayside and unrivalled views across to the Isle of Wight and Hurst Castle.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Lymington, in the county of Hampshire (7.5 miles, 12.1 km, direction E)
A lovely Georgian port town on the Solent and at the edge of The New Forest, Hampshire. Lymington is a popular sailing resort...
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Boldre, in the county of Hampshire (7.5 miles, 12.1 km, direction E)
This is a beautiful village situated a short distance from the edge of the New Forest National Park and the shoreline of Lymington, in the Solent.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Bournemouth, in the county of Dorset (7.6 miles, 12.2 km, direction W)
Seven miles of glorious golden sands, fringed by the bluest of seas lapping the shore, make Bournemouth a firm favourite for family holidays.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Brockenhurst, in the county of Hampshire (8.0 miles, 12.9 km, direction NE)
Gloriously set, like a jewel in a crown, between woodland and heathland, is the picturesque place called Brockenhurst.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Pilley, in the county of Hampshire (8.9 miles, 14.3 km, direction E)
The attractive village of Pilley lies in a landscape famous for its scenic beauty, it encompasses a vast variety of valley's, hills, downs and the glorious New Forest National Park.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Totland, in the county of Isle of Wight (9.0 miles, 14.4 km, direction SE)
Picturesque resort with a sea wall extending over one mile. Attractive sand and shingle beach that is particularly safe for children.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

All towns in Dorset
Complete A to Z of towns in England

Nearby travel help

Hinton Admiral Station(0.5 miles, 0.7 km)
New Milton Station(2.5 miles, 4.0 km, direction E)
Bournemouth Airport(5.6 miles, 9.0 km, direction NW)
M27 Junction 1(13.4 miles, 21.5 km, direction NE)
M27 Junction 2(16.2 miles, 26.1 km, direction NE)
Southampton Airport(21.4 miles, 34.4 km, direction NE)
Highcliffe to London(87.0 miles, 140.0 km, direction NE)

Hotels & Accommodation in Highcliffe

Hotel NameApproximate distance from Highcliffe center
The White House(1.0 miles, 1.6 km)
Waterford Lodge(1.1 miles, 1.7 km)
Chewton Glen Hotel(1.5 miles, 2.5 km, direction E)
Avonmouth Hotel & Restaurant(1.7 miles, 2.8 km, direction SW)
Fisherman's Haunt Hotel(2.8 miles, 4.6 km, direction NW)
Captains Club Hotel and Spa(3.0 miles, 4.9 km, direction W)
Village Hotel Bournemouth & Leisure Club(4.6 miles, 7.3 km, direction W)
The Moorhill House Hotel(5.3 miles, 8.5 km, direction N)
Kingsley Hotel(5.6 miles, 9.0 km, direction W)
The White Buck Inn(5.7 miles, 9.1 km, direction N)
All hotels in Highcliffe

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