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!
Dorset Architectural Heritage Week
Join us for a very special week at Highcliffe Castle celebrating Dorset Architectural Heritage week.
We will be open from Saturday 12 – Sunday 20 September for a week full of special days and activities.
Tuesday 15 September 11:30am – Meet the Archive team
A special opportunity to meet the Archive team at Highcliffe Castle. Explore our unique collection of art work, documents and fascinating history.
- Ticket price includes 45 minutes with the Archive team and Castle entry.
- Ticket price: £15.00
- Due to the nature of this event, ticket numbers are limited to 10 visitors.
Wednesday 16 September 10am-4pm ( last admission 3pm) Heritage Open Day
In Conjunction with Heritage Open Days, the Castle will be open for free but donations warmly welcome.
Please note, the advertised tours on Heritage Open Day are now full.
Tuesday 15 September 11:30am – Meet the Salvage team
A special opportunity to meet the Salvage team at Highcliffe Castle. Explore our unique collection of conserved stonework, wood panelling and discover more about the construction of the building.
- Ticket price includes 45 minutes with the Salvage team and Castle entry.
- Ticket price: £15.00
- Due to the nature of this event, ticket numbers are limited to 10 visitors.
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.
Free admission for Armed Forces, Veterans and Poppy Makers
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.
Creatives at the Castle 2026
Saturday 21 Nov 10am-5pm & Sunday 22 Nov 10am-4pm
Highcliffe Castle's popular Christmas market returns for another year with over 40 local traders and makers, you'll be sure to find the perfect gift for everyone.
Visitors can enjoy a festive day out at the Castle. Explore the full visitor route, beautifully dressed for Christmas, shop with local makers in the glittering State Rooms, and warm up with a mulled wine or mince pie from the Castle bar. Tickets include entry to Creatives at the Castle, admission to Highcliffe Castle and our winter exhibition.
Tickets:
- Adult - £4.00
- Children - Free
- Castle Members - £1.00
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.
