Pictures of Highcliffe
in the county of 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 HighcliffeAll attractions in DorsetComplete A to Z of attractions in EnglandRecommended 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 DorsetComplete A to Z of towns in EnglandNearby 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 Name | Approximate 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 |
