Christchurch

Destination

Situated on the spectacular Dorset Heritage coastline at the edge of the New Forest, Christchurch lies on the shores of its own natural harbour at the confluence of the Rivers Stour and Avon. Historic Christchurch is a Saxon market town steeped in history, with many beautiful buildings, interesting museums, excellent restaurants and award-winning attractions.
The borough of Christchurch encompasses Highcliffe-on-Sea, a pretty floral village and Mudeford, a charming fishing village.
Mudeford, only two miles from Christchurch, is at the entrance to Christchurch Harbour. The picturesque quay with its lobster pots, old fishermen’s cottages and inn have been linked traditionally with smuggling over the centuries and is still the centre of the local fishing industry.
The attractive village of Highcliffe, four miles to the east of Christchurch, is famous for the Grade 1 listed building, Highcliffe Castle.

What's on Offer

Beach & Amenities

Six safe, sandy beaches span Christchurch Bay from Mudeford to Highcliffe: designated areas for board sailing, body boarding and facilities for disabled people and families, deck chair and canoe hire.

Places to Visit

Christchurch Priory, Highcliffe Castle, Red House Museum & Gardens, Place Mill Gallery, Norman House and Castle ruins, Bournemouth Aviation Museum, Museum of Electricity, Adventure Wonderland and Wild Thing, Stewarts Gardenlands, The Clay Studio and Peeks Party Store. Christchurch Quay, Mudeford Quay, New Zealand Gardens, Stanpit Marsh, Steamer Point, Mudeford Wood, St Catherine’s Hill, Mude Valley Nature Reserves and Christchurch Coastal Path.

Entertainment

Regent Centre - films, plays and musicals.
Thomas Tripp Late n' Live - Bargates.
The Priory Church - local concerts.
Highcliffe Castle - variety of concerts.

Shopping

Christchurch: High Street, Saxon Square, Bargates, Church Street, Castle Street and Wick Lane.
Every Monday - Market Day.
Dorset Farmers Market - first Friday of every month.
Every Friday - Highcliffe Market - 9am-3pm, Globe Inn Car Park, Highcliffe.

Eating Out

Extensive range of restaurants, cafes, tea rooms and pubs that offer cuisine from all over the world.

Recreation & Sport

The waters of Christchurch's coastline and harbour are ideal for most water sports: sailing, boardsailing, jet skiing, water skiing and yachting.
Hurn has centres for golf, riding, skiing and flying.

Holiday & Activity Centres

Snowtrax
Action Paintball
Splat
The Clay Studio

Conference & Business Facilities

List available from the Christchurch Information Centre.

Accommodation

Inspected accommodation to suit a wide variety of budgets - from 4 star hotels, travel inns, guest houses and B&Bs, self catering accommodation & caravan/camping parks.

Getting There

Road

M3 & M27 from London & the South East, M40 & A34 from the Midlands. A35 links Southampton to Christchurch.
Free coach parking at Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre and Mayor's Mead car parks.

Rail

South-West trains - London Waterloo, Southampton, Christchurch, Bournemouth, Poole & Weymouth.

Sea

Condor Ferries to the Channel Islands.
Lymington ferries to the Isle of Wight.

Air

Bournemouth Airport - Regular scheduled flights to British and major European destinations.