Highcliffe-On-Sea's attractive coastline, with its panoramic views of the Isle of Wight to the east and Bournemouth to the west is just a few minutes walk from the village centre. The unspoilt beaches are great for watersports, swimming and body-boarding or for just lazing around and can be accessed through a series of zig-zag paths from the large cliff top car park.
The 2.4 mile Christchurch Coastal Path extends from Highcliffe cliff top to Highcliffe Castle (a magnificent Grade 1 listed mansion set in attractive cliff-top grounds) and then through Steamer Point Nature Reserve to Mudeford Quay.
Highcliffe Castle was built between 1831 and 1835 and is described as 'the most important remaining example of the Romantic and Picturesque style of architecture'. The castle was host to visiting royalty from Europe and Mr Harry Gorden Selfridge of London's Selfridges fame lived there between 1916 and 1922. Events are held throughout the year inside the castle and its beautiful grounds. Below the castle, you will find a sand and shingle beach via steps or a zig-zag path.
Set inland, Nea Meadows nature reserve has a variety of natural habitats such as meadow, wetland, and woodland as well as gravel paths and places to sit. It is part of the former grounds of a large 18th Century estate of which landscaping, wooded areas, trees, ornamental species and remnants of the original fishpond survive.
Highcliffe has a good range of accommodation and places to eat and drink, a variety of unique and interesting shops and has a reputation for being a second hand searcher's dream location.
The Highcliffe Festival of Food and Arts is held annually where you can browse the food and drink stalls, shops for arts and crafts and enjoy music and performances.
There are two excellent local schools, St Marks Junior School, and Highcliffe Comprehensive. From Hinton Admiral train station, you can take a direct route to London and be there just over an hour.
The Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa - An Iconic Luxury Hotel has a luxurious spa featuring a sauna, steam room, and whirlpool. A range of treatments and massages are available. This impressive 5-star country house hotel has an award-winning restaurant, spa, gym, outdoor pool and 130 acres of land to explore. The property has a golf course and 4 tennis courts, both indoor and outdoor, and the New Forest is a 10-minute drive away.
Good to know:
Schools:
Highcliffe St Mark Primary School, Greenways, 01425 273029
Highcliffe Comprehensive School, Parkside, 01425 273381
Distance to:
Bournemouth Town Centre – 10.2m
Southbourne – 5m
Lyndhurst – 12.2m
Lymington – 8.4m
Bransgore – 3.6m
Southampton – 26.7m
London (Trafalgar square) 101m