Highcliffe Castle hosts a varied programme of exhibitions, live performances, family activities, heritage experiences and seasonal celebrations throughout the year. Upcoming highlights include Dorset Architectural Heritage Week, autumn concerts, October half-term crafts, a community poppy installation and two festive events. Our regularly updated guide brings together the main events taking place at this historic clifftop attraction near Christchurch.
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Weekly events
Saturday 12-Sunday 20 September 2026
Highcliffe Castle celebrates Dorset Architectural Heritage Week with special activities exploring the building, its collection and its restoration.
The programme includes:
The archive and salvage sessions cost £15 per person, including Castle admission, and are limited to ten visitors. Admission on Heritage Open Day is free, although donations are welcomed. The advertised guided tours for the free open day are now fully booked.
Friday 25 September 2026 at 7pm
Light Up the Sky is a special memorial event held in the atmospheric surroundings of Highcliffe Castle. Organised with Macmillan Local, the evening provides an opportunity to remember and celebrate loved ones.
Check the official event information for admission arrangements and further details.
Sunday 27 September 2026 at 4pm
New Forest Chamber Choir brings its choral production of The Sound of Music back to Highcliffe Castle following two previous sell-out performances.
The performance combines songs from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s much-loved musical with opportunities for the audience to sing along. Doors open at 3.30pm, with the performance running from 4pm until approximately 5pm.
Sunday 4 October-Tuesday 17 November 2026
More than 2,000 handmade poppies will fill the Great Hall as part of a community installation created for Remembrance.
The project began with the Castle’s volunteer wellbeing group, Hooks and Heritage, before expanding to include contributions from community groups and individuals. The resulting display offers visitors a peaceful place to reflect and remember.
Admission is free for members of the Armed Forces, veterans and people who helped make the poppies.
Sunday 18 October 2026 at 4pm
Highcliffe Castle launches its Castle Classics concert series with an autumn recital in the Wintergarden.
Award-winning soprano Henrietta Russell-Hayward will perform alongside London harpist Heather Wrighton, bringing live classical music to one of the Castle’s most elegant rooms.
Advance booking is recommended.
Sunday 25 October-Sunday 1 November 2026
Families can explore a night-sky-themed trail around the Castle during the October school holiday. Children can search for hidden stars and design a planet to add to the Castle’s night-sky display.
Additional craft sessions take place from 10am-3pm on:
Wednesday 28 October 2026, 10am-4pm
Families can receive 50% off Castle admission during this special October half-term day. Last admission is at 3pm.
Booking ahead is recommended, particularly during the school holidays.
Saturday 21 November, 10am-5pm
Sunday 22 November 2026, 10am-4pm
Highcliffe Castle’s Christmas market returns with more than 40 independent traders and makers.
Visitors can browse gifts inside the decorated State Rooms, explore the Castle’s visitor route and enjoy seasonal refreshments, including mulled wine and mince pies.
Admission includes entry to the Christmas market, Highcliffe Castle and its winter exhibition.
Admission:
Saturday 28 November-Wednesday 23 December 2026
The Christmas Tree Festival returns for its third year, filling the Castle with decorated trees created by businesses, charities, community organisations and local groups.
Younger visitors can follow a festive elf trail through the displays. Admission also includes the Castle’s art exhibition presented by the Hengist Group of Artists.
On selected peak days, visitors can also enjoy live music, festive food and refreshments from the Castle bar. Check the official programme before travelling, as activities may vary by date.
Open from 14 June 2026
Discover how Highcliffe developed from a small rural hamlet into the seaside community we recognise today.
The exhibition explores changing streets, landmarks and local life while revealing the important role Highcliffe Castle played in the area’s transformation.
Entry is included with standard Castle admission.
Location: Highcliffe Castle, Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 4LE
The Castle is currently open Sunday to Thursday from 10am-4pm, although separate times may apply to performances and special events. Some activities are included with normal admission, while concerts and limited-capacity experiences require separate tickets.
Parking is available beside the Castle, but spaces can fill early on busy days. Alternative parking is available at Steamer Point and Highcliffe Cliff Top car parks. Visitors can also reach the Castle using the X1 and X2 bus services or walk from Hinton Admiral railway station.
Dates, availability and ticket arrangements may change. We recommend confirming the latest information with Highcliffe Castle before travelling.
Book Highcliffe Castle tickets
Read our Highcliffe Castle Highlights Guide to discover the historic rooms, architecture, stained glass, grounds, tearoom and clifftop path to Highcliffe Beach.
Please complete this form to request more information.
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