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There is nothing quite like a brisk hike or casual stroll across Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve to Mudeford Sandbank, around the idyllic Christchurch Quay (known as The Quomps), exploring the magnificent Christchurch Priory, all the while sipping a takeaway coffee or throwing a ball to your wagging and happy dog!
The 11th Century Priory stands in the epicentre of East Dorset town at the point of the Rivers Avon and Stour and is clearly visible from long distances. The grounds and beautiful church itself can be visited, and there's so much historical interest to see inside.
A gentle stroll through the charming cobbled streets is always a good idea in Christchurch, while the nearby village of Mudeford, with its idyllic quay and coveted beach, is a perfect destination for a post-Easter Sunday lunch walk.
There are also plenty of pubs and cafes in Christchurch, some with inviting outside space, for a sunny spring day.
Christchurch is home to a variety of natural beauty spots ideal for walking and exploring, from stunning seaside settings to inland nature reserves. Hengistbury Head is situated at the easternmost tip of Poole Bay and boasts spectacular panoramic views of Christchurch Harbour, the Isle of Wight, and the sweeping bay that stretches back towards Bournemouth and Poole.
Located on the north side of Christchurch Harbour, you will find the wetlands of Stanpit Marsh. This nature reserve contains an unusual combination of habitats due to its confluence of salt and fresh water. Over 300 species of plants can be found here, some rare and endangered, and you can often see cows and ponies. Steamer Point Nature Reserve is a 24-acre clifftop park and garden that stretches from Friars Cliff to Highcliffe Castle on the Christchurch coastline.
Highcliffe Castle and its grounds are well worth a visit this Easter, and do check their website as the castle holds events and workshops throughout the year. There's also a tea room for that mid-visit relaxation!
There are some amazing outdoor venues in the wider area that can be visited this Easter weekend, such as the 12th Century Sherborne Old Castle in North Dorset with its plethora of wildlife, birds, and flowers, and Upton Country Park in Poole, which boasts acres of woodland, a beautiful botanical Walled Garden, the Pleasure Grounds (the area between the Georgian Upton House and the shoreline), children’s play areas, and various walk and cycle trails. Further west in the Dorset countryside is the iconic thousand-year-old Corfe Castle.
Christchurch and its environs are very cycle-friendly, with a number of bike trails and the super successful community cycle and scooter scheme from Beryl. Other outdoor activities to get the family out this Easter include tennis, golf, rowing, and open-water swimming.
There are numerous popular places to discover across the coastline, showing the joys of springtime and new life, as well as fabulous popular attractions such as The Tank Museum, The Oceanarium, Monkey World, Paulton’s Park and Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park. They are all waiting to welcome you and your family this Easter.
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