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Christchurch offers a truly beautiful staycation choice during the winter months. Picture yourself with a mug of hot chocolate watching the night skies outside your holiday accommodation or enjoying a sumptuous dinner of local delights. Our beaches offer embracing winter walks along the shoreline taking in the views of the Isle of Wight and beyond. It is a great place to recharge your batteries and take some well-deserved time out after a busy summer season. There are so many fabulous attractions and activities to choose from, both indoors and outdoors, not to mention the magic of our Christmas festivities in Christchurch and the surrounding towns and villages.
There are lots of exciting, exhilarating, and fascinating things to see and do during the winter months whether you’re with friends, family, young children, on a romantic getaway, or traveling solo …you won’t be short of options in Christchurch.
A winter walk wrapped up in your favourite hat and gloves is a must… our coastline offers miles and miles of beautiful coastal paths and shoreline walks to explore, and a chance to breathe in the sea air and watch the waves roll back and forth. Our beautiful gardens, parks, and nature reserves also offer tranquil walks with wildlife wonders. On our doorstep is the enchanting New Forest with miles of tracks leading to unspoiled woodland, heathland, and river valleys.
Our local eateries, from traditional public houses, Michelin starred restaurants to local family-run cafes and bars offer a well-deserved break to enjoy local produce and varied menus from vegan and vegetarian to beautiful seafood dishes and of course not forgetting a delightful Dorset Cream Tea.
Enjoy the ‘blue health’ wellbeing benefits, by enjoying an active break by the sea and on our tranquil rivers….pack your wetsuits or hire one from our local watersports and activities providers and enjoy a spot of paddleboarding, sailing, or kayaking. Head to our activities pages to find out more…..
Don’t forget a visit to Christchurch Quay which offers a lovely harbour walk to take in the picturesque views, surrounding wildlife, and passing boats. It’s also a great opportunity to visit one of our local cafes, tearooms, or restaurants for a bite to eat or indulge in a winter warming drink.
Looking to discover some history and culture, Christchurch is home to the beautiful Priory which is the largest parish church in England, and just a short walk away is the castle ruins which really give an olde worlde charm to our attractive historic town. Visit the Red House Museum, once a former Georgian workhouse, now a museum exploring the story of Christchurch from before the Ice Age to modern times. Just a few miles from Christchurch town centre is the stunning Highcliffe Castle once the home of Mr. Selfridge and one of the most important surviving houses of the Romantic and Picturesque style of architecture.
Looking for a new winter outfit or a souvenir to remind you of your holiday on the ‘coast with the most’…. Christchurch offers a choice of boutiques, independent shops, and well-known high street brands and not forgetting its Monday outdoor market.
Christchurch is awash with so many places where you can sit and relax with a coffee and a good book or enjoy a meal at a traditional pub surrounded by lots of history and heritage. The town, with its modern wine bars, international restaurants, and lovely family restaurants, bars, and cafes offers a great dining experience for everyone. If you are looking for a special night out with added luxury, Christchurch is not short of upmarket eateries, some of which overlook the beautiful harbour.
If you’re making plans for a winter break check out our accommodation pages, from family-run bed and breakfasts to luxury hotels in the town and on the waterfront to self-catering apartments and houses helping you to enjoy a winter break by the coast.
Christchurch in the winter months is a magical time to visit and an opportunity to enjoy our winter festivities. The stunning art deco Regent Centre, in the high street, offers a programme of festive entertainment from local shows, a fantastic array of concerts as well as a programme of film nights.
During the cooler months, you can relax in front of a cosy fire in one of the many traditional pubs, local hotels, or bars and enjoy entertainment from local bands and performers whilst enjoying a bite to eat or sampling some local ale.
Look out for the up-and-coming classical music and choral concerts at the beautiful 11th century Priory especially towards the Christmas period, a magical moment to take in the beautiful surroundings and sounds.
During the Christmas Festivities there are lots of local attractions and activity providers that will have themed and special events, look at our What’s On pages for more information.
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