Highcliffe Castle

Very interesting 19th century castle built by a collector of architecture and stained glass. Interior had been destroyed by fire and left derilect. Restored by local council for access with lots of photos so you could see what the interior had been like. Lot of interesting information available. Wheelchair accessible throughout - lifts and ramps. Accessible toilet with grab rails. Accessible gift shop and cafe. We sat outside at the cafe as very nice day- there were ramps to go inside. My husband (able bodied) went in and got the food. There was a wheelchair accessible path down to the beach, but I didn't go on it. While accessible, it would have needed my husband to push me back uphill, so I stayed in the cafe while he went down. Views over to the Isle of Wight Parking onsite with blue badge bays - charged. Payment by coin or card (different machines). The car park and entrance to the castle have gravel paths which wasn't ideal for the wheelchair, but was accessible with my husband's help.

The house is interesting to visit and fully accessible for wheelchairs. The gardens are lovely too with an outside cafe and the sea views are fantastic. The completely accessible and realtively short zigzag path down to the beach is fantastic, with lots of places to stop and sit on the way and admire the view across to the Isle of Wight and the Needles.