An old couple enjoying a lovely walk surrounded by nature in the Christchurch countryside

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Outdoor Activities

Whether it’s cycling along the coast, through the town centre with a stop off for a coffee or refreshments along the way, Christchurch has over 24 miles of cycle networks and half of it is traffic-free which makes it great not only for individuals but families too.

If you don’t have bicycles or are a visitor then getting around Christchurch is not a problem. Beryl Bikes are available throughout the area or you can also use Cyclexperience Bike Hire, adjacent to Brockenhurst Train Station and start your exploration from the New Forest which is just a short train ride away.

If it’s the sights and sounds of the town you want to see there are a myriad of cycle paths to get you around. Sit in the shade of the beautiful Priory, catch your breath or grab a coffee and some lunch in one of the many fantastic cafés and restaurants dotted throughout the area. You can also cycle all the way to Mudeford and reach the coast in a relatively short space of time arriving at Avon Beach; a beautiful spot peppered with pretty beach huts.

The Mude Valley Greenway, not far from Highcliffe, is also a beautiful route that follows part of the National Cycle Network Route 2 taking you from the sea at Mudeford safely into the countryside of the New Forest via Watery Lane, opposite Sainsbury’s superstore. For the more adventurous there is a 17-mile bike ride from Burton Green all the way to Burley, in the heart of the New Forest; a picturesque village with quaint shops, pubs, cafés and restaurants together with places to stay.

In addition to the New Forest the area offers further opportunities for some rural cycling. A little further into the countryside, you can pick up the inland trails and head in the direction of Burton and Sopley - both nestled in the picturesque valley of the River Avon. Highcliffe Castle is also a short journey and a real joy to visit at any time of year.

Walking and Hiking

Whether it’s the rugged coastal path you are looking to walk or a quiet, peaceful meander through Stanpit Marsh Nature Reserve or Hengistbury Head there is plenty to keep you moving around the surrounding area. If you fancy more of a historic walk around Christchurch then the Convent Walk is the perfect way to enjoy tranquil scenes and learn about some of Christchurch’s rich history.

Stanpit Marsh

Getting away from the hustle and bustle of the town is almost effortless. With a short walk you can enjoy the splendid views across Stanpit Marsh Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the beauty that this protected nature reserve has to offer. If you love wildlife the reserve has a fantastic circular walk; it is a haven for birds together with over 300 species of plant, 14 of which are nationally endangered. It is quite a beautiful contrast to the busy town and a real hidden little gem just north of Christchurch Harbour.

Hengistbury Head

This is a breath-taking area to walk around, again forming part of the Christchurch Harbour SSSI, with its outstanding beauty, rugged cliffs, sandy beach as well places to stop for refreshments. It has fabulous views across to the iconic Needles on the Isle of White and Purbeck Hills to the west. The extensive archaeological evidence at Hengistbury Head make it one of the best known case studies in British archaeology, dating as far back as paleolithic times. It is also a haven for nature and wildlife and is home to the rare Natterjack Toad, 14 species of dragonfly, 260 species of beetle, rare bird species such as Cetti’s Warbler and the fish-eating bird of prey the Osprey. You can walk all the way around Hengistbury Head to the Spit which is peppered with beautiful beach huts that have stunning views across to Christchurch on one side and the Isle of Wight on the other.

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RockReef Activity Centre & Pier Zip

Bournemouth

If you’re looking for a fun, adrenaline fueled day out for all the family, visit RockReef, the all-year all-weather exciting attraction located on the iconic Bournemouth Pier!
Centre VR

Bournemouth

Centre VR brings the wonder of virtual reality to life, with some of the most amazing and fun immersive experiences around!
Beryl

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Beryl Bike share is now available in Christchurch. You can hire the bikes and and get riding instantly by using the Beryl App available on the Google and iOS app stores.
AFC Bournemouth

Dean Court, Kings Park Drive, Bournemouth

AFC Bournemouth are a professional football club, formed in 1899, currently playing in the Premier League – the top tier of English Football. They are based at Vitality Stadium.
Stour Valley Way

Tuckton, CHRISTCHURCH

The Stour Valley Way is a 64 mile, long distance walk that follows the River Stour from its source at Stourhead in Wiltshire to the point where it flows into the sea from Christchurch Harbour in Dorset. It passes by Christchurch, Bournemouth,…
Convent Walk

CHRISTCHURCH

The Convent Walk is a tranquil route that follows the course of Mill Stream, as it runs parallel to the River Avon, from Town Bridge to Place Mill on Christchurch Quay. It is approximately 500 metres (0.5 km) long on a wide tarmac path suitable for…
Snowtrax

Hurn, Christchurch

A dry ski slope with fully licensed bar and restaurant. Fully equipped ski and snowboard shop with hire facilities.
Ideal for the children to enjoy an exhilarating ski-bob or ringo ride and then explore the Alpine Adventure Park.
Shoresports

Christchurch

ShoreSports is a watersports school that uses the safe and shallow waters of Christchurch Harbour, operating from Mudeford Quay, Dorset. Learn to sail, windsurf, wingsurf, kayak or stand-up-paddleboard (SUP) with our qualified instructors. Join one…
Muscliff Park Petanque Club

Bournemouth

Founded in February 2017 on a brand new purpose built terrain, Muscliff Park is the only petanque club in Bournemouth.
Dudmoor Farm Riding School

Christchurch

Situated in the Avon Valley, Dudmoor Farm offers horse-riding lessons for all abilities.
Parley Golf Centre

Parley Golf Centre offers first class practice facilities and highly professional golf tuition.
Highcliffe Castle Golf Club

A very friendly and welcoming club in the beautiful coastal village of Highcliffe.
Driving Range Bournemouth

Christchurch

The two-tier, heated, 40-bay Premier Driving Range at Playgolf Bournemouth is a spectacular piece of architecture. It enables golfers to practice all shots – from short wedges to booming drives – by providing clear, accurate and attractive targets.…
Chapel Gate Sports Facility

Christchurch

65-acre sports facility home to a variety of sports.
Highcliffe Bowling Club

Highcliffe

Highcliffe Bowling Club is a vibrant club with six outdoor rinks and adjoining pavilion. Situated in Nea Meadows close to the village of Highcliffe in the Borough of Christchurch.
Nea Meadows is a Local Nature Reserve covering 5.5 hectares. The…
Playgolf Bournemouth

Bournemouth

Playgolf Bournemouth
Littledown Centre

Bournemouth

The award-winning Littledown Centre boasts some of the finest leisure, swimming, football and gym facilities in the country. Home to the Bournemouth Swimming Academy and the Littledown Juniors Football Club, we have a programme of over 140 fitness…
Dorset Cricket Centre

Christchurch

The Dorset Cricket Board support the development of cricket in Dorset.

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Outdoor Activities

Walking and Hiking

Stanpit Marsh

Hengistbury Head

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RockReef Activity Centre & Pier Zip

Centre VR

Beryl

AFC Bournemouth

Stour Valley Way

Convent Walk

Snowtrax

Shoresports

Muscliff Park Petanque Club

Dudmoor Farm Riding School

Parley Golf Centre

Highcliffe Castle Golf Club

Driving Range Bournemouth

Chapel Gate Sports Facility

Highcliffe Bowling Club

Playgolf Bournemouth

Littledown Centre

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