Highcliffe Castle was built between 1831-1836 by Lord Stuart de Rothesay, who wanted to build a castle on the same grounds his grandfather’s 16th Century mansion was on. The castle was built from a large amount of French masonry, shipped across the channel. It also features Norman and Renaissance carved stone, gothic revival features and ancient stained glass.

Lord Stuart and his family lived in the castle until he died, and the succession ended. The castle then became a rental home for noble men. One of the men who rented the castle for his family, from 1916-1922, was Harry Gordan Selfridge the owner of Selfridge’s Department Store in London. At the same time, he owned a plot of land on Hengistbury Head, which he planned to build a mansion on as a permanent residence.

After the Selfridges left the castle, most of its contents was sold and it was no longer used as a family home. In the 1950’s the castle was used as a children’s home, however a fire in the late 1950’s meant many parts of the castle had to be closed. The 1960’s saw the castle being used as a seminary, but after another fire, the castle closed completely.

In 1997, the castle was refurbished by Christchurch Council, with funding from the National Lottery and English Heritage. Today the castle is a popular tourist attraction, featuring gift shops, kiosks, a café, and exhibition. The castle and grounds are used to host weddings and stage productions.