Christchurch is a great place to explore with plenty to do for a day, a long weekend, or even longer. With its rich history and quaint riverside setting, the small town has a unique charm to it that differs in comparison with neighbouring Bournemouth and Poole. Discover the idyllic setting just a few miles inland on the Coast with the Most.
With its bustling Monday market and expanding café culture, Christchurch High Street and town centre is often full of visitors. Boutique stores can be found dotted around the town centre and pedestrianised Saxon Square contains familiar high street chains. At one end of the high street is Marks & Spencer’s Food Hall and, on the opposite side of the roundabout, Waitrose. Fairmile Road, which leads up to Christchurch Train Station, contains more specialist shops and the nearby residential area of Somerford features an industrial estate with fast food restaurants, supermarkets and well known franchise outlets.
This iconic 1930s Art Deco building is divided into the Christchurch Tourist Information Centre and a theatre. With a variety of shows on throughout the week, the Regent is at the heart of the Christchurch community and is frequented by residents and visitors alike who come to experience theatre, concerts, film screenings and more.
Nightlife
Christchurch has a small but busy nightlife. The circle of pubs at the historic end of town have been part of the fabric of Christchurch pub culture for centuries. Grade II listed buildings Ye Olde George Inn and The Ship Inn are visited for their history as much as for their hospitality. Locals' favourite The Thomas Tripp is favoured for its frequent live music and restaurant-stroke-nightclub Soho bar is equally popular on weekends. A growing number of craft ale bars populate the town as well as several restaurants making Christchurch an equally suitable spot for a romantic meal for two or a big night-out.
Festivals
At the heart and soul of Christchurch culture are its festivals. The Christchurch Food Festival is one of the busiest weekends of the year and every May bank holiday* the high street and quay are transformed into a foodie's haven. Other popular festivals during the year include the Mudeford Seafood Festival, the Cheese and Chilli Festival, Stompin' on the Quomps, the Christchurch Music Festival and the Bournemouth Rugby 7s which takes place at nearby Hurn.
Watersports
Another unique event that draws visitors to Christchurch is the Dorset Dinghy Day. At this free event people of all ages will float down the River Stour in inflatables from Iford Bridge to Tuckton. Riverside activities are a big part of Christchurch life and both the Stour and Avon are often filled with boats of all sizes. You can hire self-drive motorboats from Bournemouth Boating Services at Tuckton and Kayaks and Stand-Up Paddle Boards can be hired from various locations along the river such as; The SUP Store near two Riversmeet and Shore Sports at Mudeford Quay.
If you’re interested in discovering more about Christchurch’s rich history, then there are a range of self-led walking trails to help you explore the local area.
Christchurch also features some great outdoor walks suited to all levels of fitness. The coastal path is a popular route which joins Mudeford up with Highcliffe, while longer inland routes into rural Dorset and Hampshire will whet the appetites of more adventurous ramblers. St Catherine’s Hill, which can be accessed from Fairmile Road, has some steeper hilly tracks perfect for dog-walking and mountain-biking too.
With six unique beaches, Christchurch is an underrated spot on the Coast with the Most. Friars Cliff and Avon Beach are popular family hotspots accessed from Mudeford. With its exclusive beach huts, Mudeford Sandbank is a picturesque stretch with views of Christchurch Harbour on one side and the Isle of Wight on the other, it can be accessed from Mudeford Quay via ferry or on foot from Hengistbury Head. Further east, Highcliffe Beach is a shingle and sand beach that is often quieter. Recent renovations to the zigzag walkway up to Highcliffe Castle and gardens give visitors a beautiful viewpoint of the seascape.
Prev
