Highcliffe is a designated bathing water in Dorset. Its water quality was classed Excellent at the Environment Agency's last classification. It is one of 41 designated bathing waters in the county.
The nearest railway station is Hinton Admiral, 2.1 km to the north-west. Christchurch Highcliffe Castle and Christchurch Friar`s Cliff are among the bathing waters within 2.2 km.