Highcliffe Castle is considered the most important surviving example of Romantic and Picturesque architecture, which flourished in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Built between 1831 and 1836, mainly from French medieval salvage and 14 types of stone, the castle is unique and has Grade 1 status on the List of Buildings of Special Architectural and Historical Interest.
Its social history is as rich as its architectural heritage and has been visited by more than 30 kings, queens and crown princes and princesses, as well as other heads of state, politicians, aristocracy and celebrities.