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!
South Coast Wine Festival
Friday 14-Sunday 16 August
Step into a world of wine, culture, and unforgettable experiences as Highcliffe Castle once again becomes the grand stage for the South Coast Wine Festival. From Friday 14th to Sunday 16th August 2026, join over 2,500 wine lovers for a weekend that blends history, elegance, and the very best wines from across the UK and beyond.
Luke Combs Experience
Friday 14 August 6pm-10pm
Calling all country music fans…
Join us for a special open-air summer evening of live country music set within the stunning grounds of Highcliffe Castle.
As the sun sets over the castle, The Luke Combs Experience will take to the stage with a full two-hour live show. The evening will also feature rising UK country artist Ollie Hawkins, alongside local favourite country DJ Big T.
Guests can enjoy festival-style bars, street food, and an unforgettable night of live music in one of the South Coast’s most beautiful and historic settings.
THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT
Please note this is a ticketed and licensed event, so no external food or drink is permitted to be brought onto the event site
Cocoloco Garden Party at Highcliffe Castle
Saturday 15 August 2pm-10pm
Set within the grounds of the historic Highcliffe Castle, with sweeping views across to the Isle of Wight, this summer garden party takes place on Saturday 15th August (2pm–10pm).
At the heart of the event is a beautiful open-air stage, bringing together a full day of music in a truly quintessential British setting.
Headlining are The George Michael Singers — Shirley Lewis, Jo Garland, and Jay Henry - the original vocalists who worked, recorded, and toured with George Michael for over three decades, and were also close friends. Now performing together, they deliver a powerful and authentic live set celebrating his greatest hits.
The day continues with an 80s vs 90s DJ battle going head-to-head, playing tribute to the eras that shaped our love for music.
They are by Djs who will be playing the very best in disco classics, keeping the dancefloor alive from afternoon into evening.
Alongside the music, guests can enjoy street food, pop-up bars, and a relaxed yet vibrant garden party crowd.
From drinks on the lawn to dancing as the sun sets behind the castle, this is a summer event designed for those who appreciate great music, a beautiful setting, and a proper day out.
Please note this is a ticketed and licensed event, so no external food or drink is permitted to be brought onto the event site
Theatre Thursdays - Peter Rabbit
Thursday 20 August 5.30pm
Peter Rabbit and his naughty cousin Benjamin know very well that they are not to go into Mr McGregor’s garden, but they cannot resist and soon they find themselves face to face Mr McGregor himself! But how will they ever escape?
Join Peter and Benjamin on their hair-raising adventures in this enchanting adaptation of the much loved Beatrix Potter classic – a treat for all the family.
Pop Up Sunday
Sunday 23 August 10am-4pm
Join us this summer in the beautiful grounds of Highcliffe Castle to enjoy live music, vintage cars, local creatives and delicious food from the Castle Pantry!
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Aliyah 5 Band 11am-12.30pm
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Sound of Soul Choir 1pm-3pm
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Tibetan Monks
Local Creatives and Charities
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Liveedge Wood
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Quay Pieces
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Beautiful Visions
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UK Wearable Crystals
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Copplestone Creations
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Coast Resin Art
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Honey by Ian
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BCP Lifeline Charity
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Lewis Manning Hospice
All ‘Pop Up Sunday’ Events are free of charge but donations to the band and the development of the Castle Collection are welcomed.
If you would like to take part, please email commercial@highcliffecastle.co.uk for more information.
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
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.
