Events
Summer Holidays at Highcliffe Castle
Do you love being by the seaside? We have so much to keep you entertained this summer at Highcliffe Castle.
Included in Castle admission (Sunday - Thursday)*
- Indoor Seaside Trail
- Design a rainbow fish or beach hut to add to our seaside scene
- Crafts on Tuesday and Thursday 10am-3pm
*The Castle is closed on Sunday 16 August for the South Coast Wine Festival
Seaside Summer Outdoor Trail
Running on selected dates from 26 July-30 August
Set off on our outdoor adventure with our I Do Like to Be Beside the Seaside summer trail. Begin your journey by collecting your trail card from the Castle Gift Shop, then make your way around the Castle grounds, following clues and answering seaside‑themed questions as you go.
This gentle, self‑guided trail is perfect for families looking to enjoy the outdoors, learn a little, and have a lot of fun. Once completed, every participating child receives a seaside‑themed gift bag to celebrate their achievement.
- Participating Child: £3.50
- Child Castle Member: £2.00
- Adults: Free!
The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny
Thursday 20th August 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Join us on the lawns at Highcliffe Castle for another brilliant performance from Quantum Theatre.
Quantum Theatre are coming to Highcliffe Castle once again with their brilliant take on the tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny. This performance takes place on the Castle lawns, so bring a picnic and something to sit on.
Pop Up Sunday at the Castle
Sunday 23 August
Discover talented local makers, inspiring charities, live music and unique cultural experiences at our next Pop Up Sunday.
Live Entertainment
- Aliyah 5 Band | 11am to 12.30pm
- Sound of Soul Choir | 1pm to 3pm
- Tibetan Monks (Scroll down for more event info)
Featuring Local Artists, Makers & Charities Liveedge Wood • Quay Pieces • Beautiful Visions • UK Wearable Crystals • Copplestone Creations • Coast Resin Art • Honey by Ian • BCP Lifeline Charity • Lewis-Manning Hospice Care
The Castle grounds are FREE to access where you can enjoy local creatives, charities, live music and BBQ from the Castle Pantry
Tibetan Monks from the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery
Sunday 23 August
Join us for a very special day at Highcliffe Castle with the return of the Tibetan Monks from the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery as part of our ‘Pop up Sunday’ event.
The Monks will be creating a Sand Mandala inside the Castle between 10am-4pm with the ceremonial destruction at 5pm.
- Entry to the Castle £6 - Visit the Castle and see the Sand Mandala construction
- Your admission ticket is valid for the day and you may re-enter at anytime
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Evening performance £15 - one hour performance 7pm-8pm
The Castle grounds are FREE to access where you can enjoy local creatives, charities, live music and BBQ from the Castle Pantry
The Sound of Music - with Sing Along
Sunday 27th September 2026 4:00pm
Following the two sell-out performances at Highcliffe Castle in May we are delighted to return with an afternoon September performance. A stunning choral production of Rogers & Hammerstein's 'The Sound of Music' with audience Sing Along in the magical setting of Highcliffe Castle.
Doors Open at 3:30pm
Performance from 4pm to 5pm
Community Poppy Project
Sunday 4 October - Tuesday 17 November 2026
The poppy project was started by the Castle’s volunteer wellbeing ‘Hooks and Heritage’ crochet group who initially came up with the idea to crochet poppies to mark Remembrance Day. The idea grew and we will now have over 2000 handmade poppies on display in the Great Hall.
A space to reflect, remember and enjoy a beautiful display created by our Castle volunteers, community groups and individuals.
More information and tickets coming soon.
October Half Term
Sunday 25 October - Sunday 1 November
Join us at Highcliffe Castle this October Half Term - Can you find the stars hidden around the Castle?
Design a planet to add to our night sky scene
Castle Crafts
Make your own rocket or design your own planet suncatcher on Tuesday 27 and Thursday 29 10am-3pm.
50% off Family Day
Wednesday 28 October 10am-4pm (last admission 3pm)
Enjoy 50% off Castle admission on Wednesday 28 October for our Night Sky October Half Term.
Tickets coming soon.
Creatives at the Castle 2026
Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 November
So many creatives are already thinking about Christmas!
If you have attended a previous event, an email with a link to register your interest has been sent to you. Exhibitors will be contacted in April to confirm acceptance of their application.
If you are a new creative, register your interest by emailing events@highcliffecastle.co.uk
Christmas Tree Festival 2026
28 November - 23 December
Are you a local business, community group, or individual eager to showcase your work or services in a stunning Grade 1 listed building?
After the resounding success of our 2024/25 Christmas Tree Festivals, we're excited to bring another magical December filled with twinkling lights, festive cheer and beautifully decorated trees!
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Why not join our mailing list to receive notification of our upcoming events?
Contact commercial@highcliffecastle.co.uk to receive updates.
