About Highcliffe Cliff Top Car Park
Highcliffe Cliff Top is an expansive 24-hour coastal car park (max ~594 vehicles (www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk )) perched atop the Highcliffe cliffs in Dorset. Far from a mundane parking lot, it is notable as a seaside vantage point with breathtaking views. Its setting – just above Highcliffe Beach with the Isle of Wight and Solent on the horizon – makes it a natural draw for visitors (wanderlog.com ). A council refit in 2021 added sculpted sheltered benches, emphasizing its role as a scenic lookout (www.bcpseafrontprojects.net ). Managed by Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Council, the car park includes 26 accessible bays and six EV charging points (www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk ), reflecting modern design features. Historically, the site developed alongside Highcliffe’s rise as a Victorian seaside resort (near the 19th-century Highcliffe Castle) and today serves both tourists and locals. In short, this long-stay lot is notable for its panoramic ocean vistas and northern exposure – a rare “spot” where the parking area itself provides outstanding scenery.
Events and Programming
Though primarily a car park, the cliff-top site doubles as an occasional event venue, especially for community music festivals. Since 2023 the Highcliffe Action Team (HAT) has staged the annual Cliff Top Music Festival here. For example, on 9 September 2023 this free all-ages festival (a 1970s theme) was held on the grassy area adjoining the car park (www.eventsbystir.co.uk ). Headliners have included major acts and tribute bands: 2023’s festival brought funk/disco legends Heatwave to Highcliffe (www.eventsbystir.co.uk ). Subsequent years (2024, 2025 etc.) continued this one-day tradition, expanding line-ups with soul and Motown shows – in 2024 the bill included Diamond Divas Choir, Susie Kimber’s SKB Band, Lou Taylor’s Soul Train and an O’Jays tribute (www.advertiserandtimes.co.uk ). In 2026 the festival is set to grow into a two-day seaside music celebration, featuring Robert Arkins (star of the film *The Commitments*) and The Fleetwood Mac Experience (www.highcliffevillage.com ). Outside these headline events, the car park is used for occasional community gatherings or pop-up activities. Visitors should note that most crowd events here are family-friendly, with daytime hours (typically 11:00–19:00), food stalls and local vendor stalls alongside live music (www.eventsbystir.co.uk ) (www.bcpseafrontprojects.net ). These festivals attract thousands (one report expected ~5,000 attendees for a single day (www.advertiserandtimes.co.uk )), energizing the local scene and supporting Highcliffe’s reputation as a seaside community hub.
Tickets and Booking
Most special events at the cliff-top site (like the annual music festival) require advance tickets. Organizers (e.g. Stir Events CIC for Cliff Top festival) typically announce sales in summer, with early-bird pricing available. For example, 2026 festival tickets were on sale at about £9 for an adult day pass and £6 for a child (12–16) (www.ticketfairy.com ), with full weekend passes around £16 (adults) and ~£30 for a family (www.ticketfairy.com ). Concession prices (seniors, carers, Blue Light card holders) have been offered ~£7 per day (www.ticketfairy.com ). Under-12s are usually free when accompanied by a paying adult (www.ticketfairy.com ). Tickets are sold through official channels (festival websites, the Highcliffe community site run by Stir Events (www.highcliffevillage.com ) and general event platforms like Eventbrite or Ticketfairy), not at the venue itself. There is no on-site box office; patrons should buy tickets well in advance to secure entry. Occasionally a limited number of tickets may be available on the day if the event isn’t sold out. Watch local press or the HighcliffeVillage (Highcliffe Dorset community) news pages for announcements about sale dates, pricing tiers and door admission (when offered).
Seating and Layout
There are no permanent seats in this outdoor “venue” – it is essentially open ground. During events, promoters set up a temporary stage (often on the grass patch adjacent to the car park, near the Cliffhanger Café (www.eventsbystir.co.uk )) and basic PA and lighting rigs. Audiences stand or sit on the open slope. Attendees often bring picnic blankets or folding chairs for comfort. The best viewing spots are typically near the front center of the audience area, or elevated on the grassy banks that surround the car park. The pair of cliff-top shelters (one just south of the café, one a bit west) also provide built-in seating, which voters appreciate – the latest shelter even features sculpted seats (www.bcpseafrontprojects.net ). These shelters double as excellent lookout points over the stage or coastline. Spectators sensitive to sound should note that loudspeakers (and occasional sound bleed) can affect those right beside them. As an open-air space, there are no closed booths or enclosed balconies; it’s a general-admission, relaxed viewing environment. During festivals, organizers usually cordon off a small viewing platform (potentially for wheelchair access) but otherwise it is free-ranging. Away from events, the “layout” is simply a flat asphalt lot with painted bays and a toll barrier – at non-event times there’s no seating other than the shelters by the cliff edge.
Getting There and Parking
The address is Waterford Road (off Lymington Road A337), Highcliffe-on-Sea, Christchurch, Dorset (postcode BH23 5DF) (www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk ). By car, it is easily accessible from the A337: turn east at the Highcliffe roundabout onto Waterford Road. The car park itself offers 594 spaces (www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk ). Parking is metered from 15 March to 31 October (£2.30 up to 1hr, £12.50 for 12hrs (www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk )); off-season (1 Nov–14 Mar) parking is free (www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk ), making it an ideal time for a scenic drive. Payments are via pay machines or the RingGo app (credit card/cash/phone) (www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk ). There are five coach bays on-site (free for licensed coaches) (www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk ), useful for group arrivals. If the Cliff Top car park is full (summer events fill up fast), an overflow parking option is Saxon Square car park nearby (www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk ). Public transport options: Morebus routes **1A, 1C and 788** connect Highcliffe with Bournemouth and Christchurch, with stops near Cliffhanger Café (a short walk from the car park entrance) (moovitapp.com ). Taxis or rideshares can easily drop visitors at the Waterford Road entrance to the lot. For travel by train, take South Western Railway to Christchurch or Bournemouth station and then a bus or taxi. On-foot or cycling arrival is pleasant too – there are seaside footpaths from Highcliffe Village and cycle racks by the café. The car park’s elevated coastal location means roads leading here can be windy and narrow in places, so allow extra time. Note: in event weekends planners often arrange shuttles or spurs (e.g. a sports field lot at Fawcetts Field was used for parking at one festival (www.advertiserandtimes.co.uk )). Always check event FAQs for any special travel advice.
Inside the Venue
Even though it’s an open-air car park, there are a few amenities to know. Entry gates (for paid events) are set up at the main barrier – tickets will be scanned or wristbands issued. Expect basic security checks on bags. Restroom facilities: a public toilet block sits near the car park (with an accessible stall) and additional toilets are available at the adjacent Cliffhanger cafe. The car park itself is lit by lampposts, so it’s safe to enter early or leave late after an event (though darkness and coastal fog can reduce visibility). There’s no permanent food outlet, but the Cliffhanger Restaurant/Café (at the lot’s north end) serves breakfast through dinner with panoramic views; they often run themed dinner shows during festival weekends (www.highcliffedorset.co.uk ). During events, food trucks or stalls typically arrive selling snacks, burgers, hot drinks, ice cream and local ales. A few merchandise stalls or craft vendors may sell band memorabilia and souvenirs. There is no on-site cloakroom or stroller check, but volunteers often spot-check for lost children or valuables. Mobile reception is generally good in this open area (4G cell signals reach the site). No public Wi-Fi is provided, so mobile internet or offline planning is recommended. Seating at the shelters gives some shade, but most of the car park is exposed – dress for weather (sun protection in summer, warm layers and rain gear in cooler months). No permanent supporting tech (like speakers or lights) is installed between events – each festival brings in its own stage, sound system and lighting rig on the day.
Nearby Amenities
Just outside the car park, on Waterford Road, is the **Cliffhanger Café & Restaurant**, a top spot for everything from afternoon tea to a full dinner. Its menu of fresh seafood and British fare comes with “great views” of the bay (www.highcliffedorset.co.uk ). Down the road in Highcliffe village (along Lymington Road) there are several eateries: for example, *Bistro My Way* (modern European cuisine) and *The Beach Hut Café* (casual grill, seasonal) are popular with locals. The nearby Tides Bistro at Highcliffe Leisure Centre serves bar meals; five minutes’ drive into Christchurch doubles your options with pubs like The George and more restaurants. For late-night or post-show drinks, Christchurch has several lively bars (e.g. The Angel or Two Rivers) – taxi back to Highcliffe is straightforward. If staying overnight, the **Premier Inn Christchurch/Highcliffe** is one of the closest hotels (just a 5-minute drive to the cliffs (www.premierinn.com ), with parking and an on-site restaurant). Other options include small guesthouses and B&Bs in Highcliffe village and larger hotels slightly farther out in Christchurch or Bournemouth. Supermarkets and convenience stores are in town for any supplies. Crowd-wise, expect these local venues to be busy on event days – it’s wise to arrive early for dinner or book reservations.
What Makes This Venue Special
Highcliffe Cliff Top Car Park is special largely for its **setting and community spirit**. Architecturally it’s unremarkable – but its clifftop location is rare and breathtaking. The views from here (sunset over the Solent, sweeping Jurassic Coast vistas) are often called “lovely” by visitors (wanderlog.com ). The new sculpted benches and shelters add charm and make it a distinctive spot for selfies or painting sessions. Culturally, it has become the home of Highcliffe’s annual music fest, creating a tradition for locals. The 2023 festival, for example, was described as “in a simply stunning location” with vintage cars and dancing in the sunshine (www.eventsbystir.co.uk ). Locals take pride in hosting big acts in such an intimate setting by the sea – it’s not every day you see a soul tribute band performing at a cliff edge. Economically and socially, the festivals integrate with the community: Highcliffe shops sponsor stages, local choirs perform on site, and the event promotes Highcliffe as a cultural hub (www.eventsbystir.co.uk ) (www.advertiserandtimes.co.uk ). On a quiet day, the car park remains beloved by dog walkers and photographers – one visitor guide encourages “family walks with dogs along the coastline” from this car park (wanderlog.com ). In sum, its combination of **sea views, community events, and Little-Britain friendliness** makes it more than just a place to park; it has become an iconic local gathering place.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The Cliff Top car park is largely flat and step-free, with 26 marked disabled parking bays (www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk ) close to the entrance. Recent improvements include **accessible seating** in the shelters (www.bcpseafrontprojects.net ). A pathway leads to the cliff-edge viewing area, making it generally wheelchair-friendly. (The steep steps down to the beach itself are not slope-wheelchair-accessible.) Assistance dogs are welcome; otherwise pets should be leashed, especially near the cliff edge. What to Bring: If you’re attending an event, bring seating (folding chair or picnic blanket), waterproofs and layers (it can be windy on the cliffs), plus sunscreen or hats. Pack some cash as a backup (vendors may take card or phone, but weak signal can affect contactless). No outside alcohol or large coolers – organisers enforce standard festival rules. A small backpack or fanny pack for personal items is fine; large backpacks may be searched. If you plan to walk the coastal paths, sturdy shoes are recommended.Arrival: Events here start midday, so arriving 30–60 minutes early secures a good spot. The car park’s opening hours are 24/7 – arrive well ahead of showtime to avoid queues. If you plan a leisure visit, note that from November to early March parking is free (www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk ) (wanderlog.com ), so those winter days are ideal for a quieter cliff-top picnic. Common Mistakes: Don’t park beyond the marked bays – the cliff edge drops sharply; stick to the paved area. After parking, head toward the shoreline – that’s where the vantage is. Some visitors mistakenly stay down at street level or the wrong car park (Earth’s Quay vs Cliff Top – make sure you’re on Waterford Road).Age and Families: The festival events are all-ages (children under 12 often free (www.ticketfairy.com )), and the spot is family-friendly. Keep an eye on little ones near the edge. Dress Code: Casual and outdoorsy. Many attendees dress in fun retro styles (70s outfits at themed editions are popular) (www.eventsbystir.co.uk ), but no costume is required. Insider Tip: Check the weather. Even sunny days can blow cool after sunset on the level cliff – bring a light jacket or blanket. Also, the cliff-top shelters provide a nice snack stop even when no event is on; one has an ice-cream kiosk nearby in warmer months (as noted by reviewers (wanderlog.com )). If parking fees are high (March–Oct), consider the off-season for a free outing or try carpooling. Lastly, since mobile coverage is good, feel free to use maps or apps, but due to glare you may not see screens well – consider polarised sunglasses. Overall, this venue rewards a bit of preparation with unforgettable seaside evening entertainment and scenic memories.
How much does it cost to park at Highcliffe Cliff Top Car Park?
What events are held at Highcliffe Cliff Top Car Park?
The main event is the annual Cliff Top Music Festival (typically early September), a family-friendly outdoor music festival featuring soul, pop and tribute acts (www.eventsbystir.co.uk ) (www.advertiserandtimes.co.uk ). In 2023 it was a free local event with 70s themes (www.eventsbystir.co.uk ). Since 2024 it has been ticketed. Other occasional events (car boot sales, community gatherings or mild open-air cinema nights) have been rare. Normally, outside festival dates, the car park’s an ordinary scenic parking area without scheduled performances.
Where can I buy tickets for events at Cliff Top Car Park?
Tickets are sold online through event organisers (for example, Stir Events CIC runs the Cliff Top Festival) or official platforms such as Eventbrite or TicketFairy (www.highcliffevillage.com ). Check local Highcliffe community websites or social pages for ticket links. There is no on-site box office. If an event isn’t sold out, limited tickets are sometimes available at the gate, but it’s safer to buy in advance once sale dates are announced (usually a few weeks before the event). Follow “Highcliffe Cliff Top” festival announcements for presale info.
What are the best places to sit and view the stage?
There are no fixed seats. Best viewing spots are on the grassy banks facing the stage, which is usually at one end of the car park. Spectators often sit on the grass or bring folding chairs. The sheltered benches by the cliff edge (recently upgraded with sculpted seats (www.bcpseafrontprojects.net )) offer great angled views. For the clearest sightlines, avoid standing right next to the speakers and instead find a central position uphill from them. If you have mobility needs, organizers often reserve a flat area near the front as an accessible viewing zone.
Is Highcliffe Cliff Top Car Park accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes. The car park surface is level asphalt, and 26 disabled parking bays are provided (www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk ) close to the entrance. New sculpted benches in the shelters have accessible seating (www.bcpseafrontprojects.net ). Wheelchair users can reach the main viewing area via ramps. The cliff-top promenade and shelters are generally wheelchair-friendly, though the steep steps down to the beach are not. Accessible toilets are located on site. Overall, the venue offers good provision for mobility-impaired visitors.
What public transport serves Highcliffe Cliff Top Car Park?
Local BCP buses 1A, 1C and 788 run from Christchurch and Bournemouth to Highcliffe, stopping near the Cliffhanger Café at the car park entrance (moovitapp.com ). The key stop is “Highcliffe Cliffhanger Café” or simply “Waterford Road.” From Christchurch train station or both Bournemouth stations, you can catch one of these buses (morebus). Outside event days, check the current timetable. Taxis and rideshares can drop off at Waterford Road. The South Western Railway line serves nearby Christchurch station (a few miles away) if traveling by train.
Are there food and drink options at the venue?
There’s no permanent snack bar, but the adjacent Cliffhanger Café/Restaurant offers meals, snacks, coffee and an ice-cream stand in summer (www.highcliffedorset.co.uk ). During events, food trucks and vendors usually line the site selling burgers, pizzas, ice creams, and hot drinks. A licensed bar stand often appears for refreshments. Otherwise, a handful of cafés and pubs are a short walk or drive away in Highcliffe village (e.g. Bistro My Way, The Beach Hut). Bringing your own non-alcoholic picnic is also common.
What should visitors not do at Highcliffe Cliff Top Car Park?
Visitors should respect the cliff-edge (don’t climb the railings or wander too close) and obey any event rules. No drones are allowed overhead. Outside events, keep cars in marked bays only. Common mistakes include arriving too late in summer (finding it full) or forgetting it’s free off-season. During festivals, large bags may be searched, and outside alcohol or coolers are generally prohibited. Also, note that silting in steps means you can’t drive or walk down to the beach from here – stick to marked paths.
• Does the car park get full, and is there overflow parking?
Yes, especially on sunny weekends or event days it can fill up. If full, the Council advises using the nearby Saxon Square car park instead (www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk ). For big events, organisers sometimes arrange extra parking (for example, hundreds of cars were sent to a New Milton sports field in 2024 (www.advertiserandtimes.co.uk )). Arriving early is safest.
Is photography allowed?
During daytime there are no special restrictions on personal photography. Visitors often take pictures of the views and bands. If professional cameras/tripods are used at an event, permission might be needed from organisers (as with most concert venues). Always respect performers’ image rights. Drones should not be flown for safety. For scenic photos, early morning or sunset (when the car park is quiet) offers best light.
Are pets allowed on site?
Yes, on non-event days many visitors walk dogs here thanks to the cliff-top paths (wanderlog.com ). Dogs must be on a leash and kept away from edges. Service animals are welcome during events, but otherwise pets should be left at home for safety during crowded concerts.
What storm or weather policies exist?
In case of severe weather (high winds, heavy rain), outdoor events are often delayed or cancelled by the organisers for safety. The car park itself remains open 24/7, but it is exposed – it can be chilly or wet even when nearby towns aren’t. On stormy days, strong winds off the sea can make it hazardous near the cliff edge, so extra caution (or delaying your visit) is advised. Check weather and event announcements on the day.
Is there a coat check or cloakroom at events?
No permanent cloakroom is provided at this outdoor site. Attendees are responsible for their belongings. At major events, do bring only what you need. If rain is expected, securely bag valuables. While staff or volunteers may offer common-sense assistance, there is no formal coat-check service. Consider a lightweight poncho that packs away easily if weather turns.
