Highcliffe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Highcliffe-on-Sea |
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 Beach at Highcliffe |
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 Highcliffe-on-Sea
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| Population | 3,673 |
| OS grid reference | SZ214936 |
| Civil parish |
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| Unitary authority |
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| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | CHRISTCHURCH |
| Postcode district | BH23 |
| Dialling code | 01425 |
| Police | Dorset |
| Fire | Dorset |
| Ambulance | South Western |
| EU Parliament | South West England |
| UK Parliament |
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Highcliffe-on-Sea, often just called Highcliffe, is a lovely small town in Dorset, southern England. Since 2019, it's been part of the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area. This town is right on the English Channel coast, offering amazing views of the Isle of Wight and its famous 'Needles' rocks. It's a beautiful spot that was historically part of Hampshire.
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Where is Highcliffe?
Highcliffe is located on the south coast of England. It sits east of the historic town of Christchurch and the popular resort town of Bournemouth. To its west are Barton on Sea and New Milton. The beautiful New Forest National Park is just to the north.
Highcliffe's Climate
Because Highcliffe is on the south coast, it has milder winters. It also gets less rain than places further west. This pleasant weather helped the town become a popular place for holidays and health breaks. This was especially true in the late Victorian and early Edwardian times.
Highcliffe's History
The area we know as Highcliffe today grew from a few smaller places. These included a tiny village called Slop Pond, and the Chewton Estate and Chewton Common, which had large farms.
From Slop Pond to Highcliffe
Slop Pond was a group of small thatched cottages. It got its name from a big pond nearby. People said that farm workers and fishermen lived in these cottages. They were known for smuggling and poaching, which is a big part of local history.
When more tourists started visiting the area in the Victorian era, Slop Pond was renamed Newtown. Later, it was changed to Highcliff. This name came from the first house built on the high cliff, which soon led to the name Highcliffe-on-Sea.
Highcliffe Castle's Story
Between 1831 and 1835, Lord Stuart de Rothesay built Highcliffe Castle. This amazing home was built in the Gothic Revival style. It was built near where his father's old house, High Cliff House, once stood.
The castle's design, by William Donthorne, used many carved medieval stones. These stones were saved from an old Benedictine Abbey in France called St Peter at Jumièges. They also came from the Grande Maison des Andelys.
In the early 1900s, Highcliffe was very famous. In 1907, Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany even stayed at Highcliffe Castle. He was resting there after some political problems in Germany.
Today, Highcliffe Castle is a very important building. It's known as "the most important remaining example of the Romantic and Picturesque style of architecture." The castle hosts many events for visitors all year round. It's also a popular place for weddings.
Harry Gordon Selfridge, who started the famous Selfridges store, rented the castle from 1916 to 1922. He is buried in a simple grave at St Marks Churchyard. The castle was even shown in Mr Selfridge, a TV show about the department store owner.
Famous Writers and Highcliffe
Highcliffe has strong links to literature. It was once a center for Wicca, with Gerald Gardner and Dorothy Clutterbuck living there.
Captain Frederick Marryat, who wrote The Children of The New Forest, often visited the Chewton estate. This estate is now the Chewton Glen Hotel, Spa and Country Club. Also, the adventure writer Colonel R.W. Campbell, who fought in the Boer and Great wars, lived in Highcliffe.
Highcliffe became part of Christchurch in 1932.
Highcliffe Today
Highcliffe has several schools for young people. These include Highcliffe St Mark Primary School and Highcliffe School. There are also private schools nearby in New Milton and Barton on Sea.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency used to have its national training center at Steamer Point.
Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival
Since 2014, the Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival has been held every June. This festival is run by volunteers and doesn't aim to make a profit. It's a great way to show off local food, drinks, and art. The festival started as an idea from the nearby Christchurch Food Festival.
Highcliffe's Government
Highcliffe is part of the Christchurch parliamentary area. This is where people vote for their representative in the House of Commons. Currently, the town is represented by Conservative MP Christopher Chope.
