The market town of Christchurch is the gateway from the New Forest and Hampshire to Bournemouth, Poole and beyond. With its unique location in between the Stour and Avon rivers the town boasts a spectacular natural harbour. Visitors can enjoy a bustling high street, riverside walks and an 11th century castle, as well as a variety of attractions and activities. Explore the great outdoors teaming with wildlife along miles of coastal wetland and shingle and sandy beaches.
Just beyond the clifftop village of Highcliffe lies endless coastal villages nestled beautifully between the sea and the New Forest national park. If cliff top walks are what you crave then head to Barton-on-Sea. From there you can catch a ferry from Hurst Castle – a stone’s throw from the Isle of Wight - at neighbouring Milford-on Sea to Keyhaven harbour. Beyond there is the bustling market town of Lymington with its own serene quayside, historic cobbled and hilly streets as well as a ferry link to the Isle of Wight.
Heading back west to Bournemouth – a vibrant town with a city-feel and all at the water’s edge. Dotted with Victorian gardens, this active town centre boasts independent shops as well as large department stores, an abundance of cafés and restaurants and an energetic nightlife.
Further on, nestled between the World Heritage Jurassic Coast and Bournemouth, is the historic town of Poole. With its fascinating maritime history and Europe’s largest natural harbour, watersports is an intrinsic part of life in these parts. Take a walk along the cobbled Old Town streets to the historic quayside where you’ll find everything from tall ships, fishing vessels, luxury powerboats and excursions across the water to the beautiful Brownsea Island.
It’s just a short journey by car, bus or chain ferry to the Isle of Purbeck – a unique peninsula with a dramatic coastline, incredible clifftop paths and beautiful countryside. The seaside resort of Swanage and nearby picture-postcard villages, such as the iconic Corfe Castle, will see you step back in time. Beyond stretches the Jurassic Coast – a World Heritage site with breath-taking beauty spots from Old Harry Rocks close to Swanage all the way to Orcombe Point in East Devon. Take in Durlston Head, Dancing Ledge, Lulworth Cove and the famous rock archway of Durdle Door – landscapes as far as the eye can see.
