|
The
Visitor Centre
|
|
The castle is open daily from 1st February- 23rd
December, inside the Castle there are 5 partially restored staterooms housing
a gift shop, visitor centre and galleries featuring a changing programme of exhibitions.
Guided tours* of the un-restored parts of the building run at 2pm every Sunday
and Tuesday until July 2008**. Guided Tours will commence once the internal construction
work is completed. Guided tours can be pre-booked for groups (minimum 10 people)
at other times. An enthusiastic and dedicated team of over 70 people from the
local community staff the Castle and are on hand to answer your questions about
the Castle and it's chequered history. Galleries
and other rooms may be closed due to exhibition change-over or events. We recommend
that you phone beforehand if you are coming to visit a specific exhibition. |
|
2007
Interior Refurbishment |
| During
2007 the original State Dining Room will undergo refurbishment to add to the visitor
experience and create a suite for functions and events. Internal toilets and heating
will also be a welcome addition. Some disruption to day to day activities is anticipated
although should be kept to a minimum. Work is scheduled to start in July 2007
and should be finished by January 2008, but is subject to change. Please
telephone us before your visit to check if you are unsure. |
|
Entrance Charges |
Adults:
£2.20 | Children
(accompanied
under 16): Free | Please
check Events page, any changes to prices will be indicated, some events organised
by 3rd parties may incur additional admission fee. | We
accept
 vouchers | |
| Season
tickets allow entrance to all exhibitions, the flower festival (worth £8
for two) and discounts to some talks, workshops, concerts and other events. Please
ask for details. Season
Ticket: (admits two): £14.00
Discounts of up to £4 may apply
in some instances Guided
Tours:
Adults £3.50 Accompanied Children U16: Free *Some
areas of the tour may be unsuitable for people with mobility problems - if unsure
please speak to a member of staff before booking. **
Due to the internal building work, guided tours will cease at the end of June/beginning
of July. Please phone us for exact dates. |
|
Opening
Times | |
|
| Visitor
Centre Opening Hours. |
| | | | |
| 1st
February - 23
December | 11am
- 5pm
Last admission 4.30pm | |
| The
Grounds of Highcliffe Castle are open to the public free of charge all year round
between the hours of: | | | | | |
| 1st
November | -
31st March | 0700
- 1830 | |
| 1st
April | -
30th April | 0700
- 1930 | |
| 1st
May | -
31st May | 0700
- 21.00 | |
| | 1st
June | -
31st August | 0700
- 22.00 | | | | 1st
September | -
30 September | 0700
- 21.00 | | | 1st
October | -
31st October | 0700
- 19.30 | |
|
| Gift
Shop | | |
|
| Our
gift shop, in its unique setting offers a wide range of original products to suit
the whole family. From
jams to jewellery, fossils to fridge magnets, books to bubble bath, pencils to
postcards, come and enjoy our friendly service in a relaxed atmosphere. |
| Car
Park | | |
|
| A
small pay and display public car park is available between the hours the grounds
are normally open. There is a maximum stay in the car park of 4 hours. |
| | Up
to 1 hour | 1
- 2 hours | 3
hours | 4
hours | |
| Price | 90p | £1.60 | £3.00 | £4.50 | |
| During
summer months this car park often becomes congested early in the day. Ample alternative
car parking is provided nearby at Highcliffe Cliff Top car park in Wharncliffe
Road (see map)
or at Steamer Point car park in Mudeford. From Highcliffe Cliff Top car park,
Highcliffe Castle can be reached in 15 minutes by walking west along the beach.
Follow signs when you reach the zig-zag path. From
Steamer Point car park, Highcliffe Castle can be reached in 10 minutes by following
the Coastal Path which follows a cliff top route with beautiful sea views of Christchurch
Bay. |
| Toilets | | |
|
| "Loo
of the Year" award-winning public conveniences are provided within the grounds
at Highcliffe Castle with additional facilities for the disabled and baby changing.
There are no toilets inside the building. |
| Refreshments | | |
|
|
Highcliffe
Castle tea rooms opens from mid-morning every day, except Christmas Day, and serves
a range of hot and cold drinks, snacks, light lunches and cream teas.
Seating
is available inside and outside accommodating over 100, this includes a function
room which can seat 60 people, which can be hired for private parties. Ice creams,
drinks and various take-away nibbles are available if you don't have time to stop. For
details, bookings or hiring please contact Highcliffe Castle Tearooms on
01425 270924. |
