Visiting Highcliffe Castle from Marsham Court Hotel
April 26, 2023IN BLOG POSTS BY MARSHAM COURT HOTEL
A holiday in Bournemouth can include a wide range of activities and some of these are both historical and picturesque at the same time. This includes Highcliffe Castle, a magnificent grade-1 listed building from the early 19th century that stands just east of Christchurch. And Bournemouth family hotel Marsham Court Hotel provides the perfect base to visit it.
The History of Highcliffe Castle
Although it incorporates a couple of sections of an older building, Highcliffe Castle was built in the 1830s by Charles Stuart, 1st Baron Stuart de Rothsay. The grandson of the former prime minister, the Earl of Bute, Stuart had been a key aide to the Duke of Wellington, subsequently serving as ambassador to France and Russia.
Having bought back part of his grandfather’s estate, he built Highcliffe Castle, incorporating stone from two demolished mediaeval buildings in Normandy, as well as a 16th-century oriel window and a stained-glass window. The castle passed down in his family until just after World War 2, although it had several tenants during the 20th century — including Harry Gordon Selfridge, founder of the London department store.
During the 50s and 60s, it served as a children’s convalescent home and a Catholic seminary, but two devastating fires in the late 60s left it badly damaged. Since then, a partnership of Christchurch Council and English Heritage has successfully restored Highcliffe Castle to its original glory, and it’s now available for the public to visit.
Things to Do at Highcliffe Castle
Highcliffe Castle itself, along with its grounds (part of a park laid out by Capability Brown), is well worth looking around, both for their beauty and for the history soaked into them. The castle itself is open Sunday to Thursday, although the grounds are open every day, and tours are available.
However, there’s plenty else to do. There are activities for both adults and kids, as well as a range of exhibitions featuring everything from paintings and photography to clothes.
Visiting Highcliffe Castle from Marsham Court Hotel
Marsham Court, a four-star Bournemouth family hotel, provides the perfect base for visiting the whole Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch area. This includes Highcliffe Castle, which is easily accessible by either car or public transport — or, if you’re feeling more energetic, you can cycle in around 45 minutes.
Although the castle and its grounds offer plenty to keep you busy, you could combine your visit with other iconic destinations. Besides Highcliffe Beach, with its views of the Isle of Wight, you could also visit the old smuggling village of Mudeford or the Ancient Monument of Hengistbury Head.
Marsham Court Hotel, situated on Bournemouth’s seafront, is a friendly, welcoming place where you’ll enjoy relaxing when you return from your days out. It offers award-winning accessible facilities, and well-behaved dogs are encouraged if you prefer to share your holiday with the canine members of your family.
Get in touch with us to find out more about visiting Highcliffe Castle and the rest of the area from Marsham Court Hotel.
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