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Photo: Dave Pape, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Situated on the cliffs at Highcliffe is Highcliffe Castle, a Grade I listed mansion. The building was designed by William Donthorne for Charles Stuart, 1st Baron Stuart de Rothesay, and built between 1831 and 1835. It stands on the site of "High Cliff", a demolished Georgian mansion which belonged to Charles Stuart's grandfather John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute. An important remaining example of the Gothic Revival architecture, Donothorne's design incorporated French mediaeval stonework, stained glass and 18th century French panelling. The house was sold in 1950 and was briefly used as a children's home and a Catholic seminary. After a devastating fire and years of neglect the castle was sold to Christchurch Borough Council in 1977 and underwent restoration. Highcliffe Castle is open to the general public throughout the year and is used for weddings, private functions, exhibitions and other public events.
Highcliffe Castle, situated on the cliffs at Highcliffe, Dorset, was built between 1831 and 1835 by Charles Stuart, 1st Baron Stuart de Rothesay in a Romantic and Picturesque, Gothic Revival style near the site of High Cliff House, a Georgian Mansion designed for the 3rd Earl of Bute with the gardens laid out by Capability Brown. The design, by William Donthorne, a founder member of RIBA, incorporated large quantities of carved Medieval stonework salvaged from the ruined Benedictine Abbey of St Peter at Jumieges and the Grand' Maison des Andelys, both situated in Normandy, France. A historic Grade I listed building, it is now owned by the Christchurch, Dorset Council.
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A large beach with several shops and a restaurant The Noisy Lobster.
Very pretty harbour, which is great for a stroll around. There is lots of green spaces and heaths around, and a golf course too. The varied habitats include saltmarsh, wet meadows, grassland, heath, sand dune, woodland and scrub, which makes it classified by the government as an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest). The water is popular for sailing, and for racing toy-boats and pedalos too. If you're brave/mental enough you could venture for a swim (it's clean but freezing). The Mudeford ferry operates between Mudeford Quay and Mudeford Sandbank on Hengistbury Head, near the mouth of the harbour with a nice pub with enjoyable views. There is toy train for the kids too.
Consists of earthworks and a couple of surviving walls.
Dating back more than 1000 years, it is very large (Cathedral-sized) and was very important in ecclesiastical terms back in the day.
A Grade II* listed Anglo-Saxon watermill located a short distance to the south of the Priory. It is listed in the Doomsday book.