VISITORS to Highcliffe Castle this Easter will be given the chance to comment on £2.9m restoration plans.

The historic castle has been granted nearly £3million from the Heritage Lottery Fund to restore and display their medieval stained glass collection as well as repairs of the derelict Penleaze Wing.

But before the plans can be given the official go-ahead, the attraction must liaise with the public.

The restoration project is entitled ‘The Phoenix Flies’, a reference to the fires which started the Castle's decline in the 1960s before repairs started to lift the Castle from the ashes in the mid 1980s.

David Hopkins, Highcliffe Castle manager, said: "This will be a further stage of consultation aimed at not only the local castle users but also our visitors from further afield.

"Easter is recognised as the beginning of the tourist year and is a time when we start to get increased numbers of visitors from not only all over the UK but also from around the world.

"The process is very simple and is part of the visitor experience. The proposals, including those for the grounds, will be on display and visitors are invited to comment on post-it notes."

The consultation runs between this Saturday and Monday April 6.

The Castle will also be trialling family craft activities, intended to be incorporated into future programmes.

This will include glass painting design sessions for families from Tuesday April 7 until Thursday April 9.

Sessions will take place between 11am-4pm.

In an annual report to Christchurch council on Highcliffe Castle, Mr Hopkins added: "With the prospect of a £3.8million investment, the future for Highcliffe Castle is very positive.

"There will, no doubt, be challenges along the way, particularly as we have elected to continue to trade on a business-as-usual basis throughout the project.

"The current service review will provide a robust, resilient team to develop the business income and reputation of the Castle on a local and national stage."