HIGHCLIFFE CASTLE, HIGHCLIFFE-ON-SEA, DORSET

THIS grade 1 listed cliff top mansion is open daily throughout winter until December 23.

Built mainly between 1831 and 1836, the castle is the realisation of one man’s fantasy. He was Lord Stuart de Rothesay, a distinguished diplomat who had known and loved the cliff-top site overlooking Christchurch Bay since he was a boy.

The former state rooms house a heritage centre and there is also a spectacular Great Hall to view.

Harry Gordon Selfridge rented and lived at Highcliffe Castle between 1916 and 1922. Hear all about this period of the castle's story and enjoy a high tea at the castle tearooms. He is buried nearby at St Mark's Church.

There is also a nearby beach you can visit and wildlife to see at the Steamer Point Nature Reserve.

See highcliffecastle.co.uk for more information.