Stunning aerial shot of Highcliffe castle illuminated by the warm sun

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With its gorgeous riverside setting and rich history Christchurch is a wonderful place to discover. Maybe you’ve heard of its castle ruins, its charming Priory or want to discover your own piece of paradise away from the busier beaches. Whatever the draw, Christchurch has more than meets the eye.

Historical Sites

There are several listed buildings in Christchurch including most notably The Priory and Castle ruins which date back to the 11^th Century. From its central setting at the point of rivers Avon and Stour, Christchurch Priory is visible from many neighbouring locations and landmarks the town both geographically and historically. The ancient buildings and streets that sprawl out from its position on Church Street reveal Christchurch’s historic profile to those who set out to explore.

The Priory gardens are a lovely place to walk. You can head round to Christchurch Quay and the River Stour or to the Castle ruins and Norman House which sits at the side of the River Avon. Other Grade I listed sites include the bridges on Castle Street that extends out of town to the east and Highcliffe Castle - a Georgian mansion which lies three miles up the coast.

Christchurch also contains 20 Grade II listed buildings ranging from old inns and public houses to a ducking stool and stocks used for law enforcement and social humiliation. Many of the sites have blue plaques with information about Christchurch history, including Place Mill on the Quay which dates back to the 11^th Century and opens over summer to host art exhibitions. The Red House Museum and Gardens at Quay Road is a real treat for history buffs and is itself listed as a former Georgian workhouse.

Christchurch Quay

Christchurch Quay is located primarily on the northern side of the River Stour, a short stroll from the Priory gardens. The area known as the Quomps, complete with bandstand and large reserve, is often populated by people and is used as a site for many of the town’s festivals and events. The Quomps also features a children’s water play area known as the Splash Park. From Easter to October you can cross the river on the Wick Ferry outside Christchurch Rowing Club and on the south side of the river you will find Tuckton Tea Gardens and paths which lead to Christchurch Wick, a nature reserve with links to Hengistbury Head.

Natural Locations

Christchurch is home to a variety of natural beauty spots from stunning seaside settings to inland nature reserves.

Hengistbury Head is situated at the eastern most 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. This special place receives over a million visitors every year and a team of rangers and volunteers work hard to protect the area maintaining a careful balance between conservation and tourism.

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 plant can be found here, some rare and endangered, and you can often see cows and ponies. A circular route which includes a prototype Bailey Bridge was once used by smugglers as a trade route.

Steamer Point Nature Reserve is a 24-acre clifftop park and garden that stretches from Friars Cliff to Highcliffe Castle on the Christchurch coastline. In the reserve there is an information centre and the area supports a mixture of woodland and water habitats.

Amusements

Adventure Wonderland is one of the largest family theme parks in Dorset and can be found just outside of Christchurch at the village of Hurn. The theme park contains rides, indoor and outdoor play areas, a 1.5-mile maze and has many events throughout the year. The park’s aesthetic is influenced by the world of Alice in Wonderland.

Located right next-door is Bournemouth Aviation Museum. The museum contains a variety of exhibits and visitors are encouraged to climb aboard the disused aircraft. The museum also teaches about local aviation heritage with a glimpse of live action across the road at Bournemouth International Airport.

Snowtrax Alpine Adventure Park is also based in Hurn village at Matchams Lane. The centre has an outdoor dry slope where you can ski, snowboard or use the ringos and skibobs. The centre replicates an Austrian ski setting and features a ski shop, alpine bistro bar and Alpine Adventure Park. The attraction caters for birthday parties and also offers lessons for children.

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Mudeford Quay

Christchurch

Mudeford Quay is situated at the entrance of Christchurch Harbour and South of Mudeford village centre.
Tutton's Well

Stanpit, CHRISTCHURCH

The oldest link to antiquity which the town possessed, the ‘constant never-failing stream of water of uncommon purity’ which erupted here was renowned for its medicinal virtues, especially for eyes, and hawked as The Christchurch Elixir.
Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre

Bournemouth

A day at Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve is truly a great day out, even outside of the summer. It is still full of wildlife, rare plants, and of course, the thousands of years of important archaeological history.
Ramsdown

Christchurch

Ramsdown is an area of scenic walks through heathlands and coniferous forest. It is the perfect place to take walks with your dog and from the top of the hill you can view out over the heathland over towards Bournemouth.
Mude Valley

Mudeford, CHRISTCHURCH

An urban wildlife corridor made up of Mudeford and Peregrine Woods, including a variety of natural habitats - woodland, grassland, the river and associated wetlands. It includes amenity areas and is surrounded by extensive urban development. The…
Christchurch Castle Ruins and Norman House

Christchurch

Christchurch Castle is the ruins of a typical motte-and-bailey castle, close by a Norman house also remains.
Highcliffe Castle

Highcliffe, Christchurch

Highcliffe Castle is a Grade 1 listed building situated on the cliff top overlooking Christchurch Bay.
Stour Valley Nature Reserve

Muscliffe Lane, Bournemouth

This idyllic riverside Reserve forms part of the Stour Valley Way and provides a wall following a 2 mile stretch of the river Stour. It is perfect for walking, relaxing or exercising in the fresh air.
Purewell Meadows Local Nature Reserve

Christchurch

A pleasant meadow walk on the public open space area of the reserve.
Dog Friendly Zones

Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole

Here’s some information about where your four-legged friends can stretch their legs and how to make their visit to Christchurch as enjoyable as possible.
Branksome Dene Room

Poole

Nestled on Poole’s picturesque, gloriously photogenic coastline, sits one of the most unique function spaces in the United Kingdom.
Compton Acres

Poole

Enjoy over 10 acres of horticultural heaven with spectacular themed gardens, relax in the charming Café, browse creative gifts or delve into the exciting world of plants within the Plant Centre, there's a surprise at every turn.
Farmer Palmer's Farm Park

Poole
Highcliffe Beach

Christchurch

Highcliffe beach is a Blue Flag awarded stretch of shingle and sand beaches at the most easterly point of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole on the Dorset - Hampshire boundary.
Sandbanks Mini Golf

Poole

If you think you’ve got what it takes then come and test yourself at Sandbanks Mini Golf, the South Coast’s best mini golf course, right next to one of Europe’s best beaches!
Two Riversmeet Leisure Complex

Christchurch

There are many new safety measures we have in place to protect our customers. See the new video below and take a look at our website to see what has changed.
Two Riversmeet is situated on the edge of the historical town of Christchurch. The…
Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre

Bournemouth

Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre is the gateway to the Stour Valley Nature Reserve. It is run in partnership between BCP Council and the Bournemouth Parks Foundation.
We recommend stopping in before you head out down to the river. This true…
Red House Museum

Christchurch

A former Georgian workhouse, the Red House is now a museum exploring the story of Christchurch from before the Ice Age to modern times.

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