During the glorious long days of summer, when the sunshine gets warmer, the skies bluer and the restaurants and bars busier it’s fun to think about the gems that lie beyond the seafront across the conurbation of Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole. Of course, the miles of beautiful, sandy, awarding-winning beaches are unmissable when visiting the region at any time of the year but there are many other extraordinary things to do and places to visit. Castles and quays, harbours and museums, parks, gardens, and nature reserves are all available to visit across the region alongside a plethora of interesting shopping, drinking, and eating venues and a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, on and off the water.
For the ultimate beyond the beach experience the historic and bustling town of Christchurch is a perfect option. Steeped in history, it luxuriates in its gorgeous riverside setting, flanked with glistening golden sands on one side and the green vistas of the New Forest on the other.
Attractions
The majestic 11th Century Priory takes centre stage in the old town and with its tall spires, is both a geographical and historical landmark. The ancient buildings, including the Castle ruins and Norman House, sprawl out around historic Church Street. Very close to the Priory is The Red House Museum and Gardens, housed in a charming Georgian Grade - II listed building which opened in 1951. It is packed with fascinating local social history items and artefacts dating from the ice age to modern times, taking in the stories of Saxon princes and Iron Age dwellers. The outside space is equally wonderful and features an aromatic walled herb garden and a small woodland walk where dinosaurs maybe lurking! This niche little local museum which also has an art gallery and café is the ultimate hidden gem.
The busy and popular Christchurch Quay lies in the upper reaches of the stunning Christchurch Harbour where rowing, kayaking, sailing and stand up paddle boarding are all incredibly popular. Picturesque Mudeford sits to the north of the Harbour and is home to the Christchurch Harbour Hotel, with its amazing views and the multi award winning restaurant, The Jetty with its impeccable service, locally caught seafood and seasonal produce from the surrounding New Forest. Other great places to eat and drink include the splendid river side Captains Club Hotel. Meanwhile the best milk shakes, ice creams and floral decorations in East Dorset can be found at The Ducking Stool, tucked away on a quiet street in the old town.
Highcliffe Castle, built between 1831 and 1835, is a few kilometres outside of Christchurch, enjoys Grade 1 Listed status and this once lavish home has a fascinating history of fire, ruin, and glorious reconstruction. it is situated near the Steamer Point Nature Reserve, a great venue for walking, cycling, and spotting a huge variety of flora and fauna. Nearby is Hengistbury Head another area of natural beauty, that includes fascinating heathland, freshwater wetland, and woodland. It is the home of rare birds and insects and is of great interest to environmentalists, ornithologists, archaeologists, and geologists as well as the many outdoor countryside loving tourists and residents, ramblers, and cyclists.
The whole region is perfect for cycling, walking, dog walking, running, hiking and every type of water sport. There are many trails and routes through the glorious gardens, around bustling harbours, along winding rivers and across areas of stunning natural beauty.
Just a short drive from Christchurch you will find Adventure Wonderland. Enjoy a fun-filled day of family rides, indoor and outdoor play areas, animals, entertainment and more!
Food and drink
With its sea-faring history and celebrity chef connections it is little wonder Christchurch has such gastronomic appeal. The Boathouse is situated in an idyllic setting on the banks of the River Stour, and is just two minutes’ walk from Christchurch Priory and Christchurch town centre. Offering an al fresco setting, as well as a stylish indoor interior, enjoy breakfast, coffee, lunch, afternoon tea and cake, and dinner.
Nature and the great outdoors
The whole region is perfect for cycling, walking, dog walking, running, hiking and every type of water sport. There are many trails and routes through the glorious gardens, around bustling harbours, along winding rivers and across areas of stunning natural beauty. Why not tour Christchurch on a hired Beryl bicycle or e-scooter where you will be able to take in the beautiful sites, as well as getting that all important exercise in.
Further afield in the east, west and north of Dorset the varied delights of Swanage , Lyme Regis Dorchester, Corfe Castle, Monkey World, Wimborne Model Town , Paultons Park, Farmer Palmers Farm Park and Sherborne Castle can be enjoyed by everybody.
There is so much to do Beyond the Beach!
Beyond our award-winning sands across Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole, there are many other extraordinary things to do and places to visit! From castles and quays, harbours and museums to parks, gardens and nature reserves as well as a plethora of interesting shopping, drinking and eating venues. Discover #BeyondTheBeach this Summer!
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