Christchurch and the surrounding area is just waiting to be explored and its geographical location means you can get out and see it in all its glory, by foot, bike, bus, guided tour or even on the water.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the high street down to the postcard-like harbour and quayside where there are various options of how you can take in the finest views this town has to offer.
Fancy a trip on the river? You can hire self-drive boats or a rowing boat for the hour from Tuckton Tea Gardens, Wick Ferry and Christchurch Quay, or simply just bring down to the river your own paddleboard or kayak and a life jacket and explore the routes less travelled, and feel the stresses of life ebb away.
Fancy joining a tour then the Vintage Ferry Service** which starts at Tuckton Tea Gardens and runs down to Mudeford Sandbank, stopping at Wick Ferry (by the Captains Club Hotel) and Christchurch Quay is the perfect choice. It takes approximately 40 minutes to cruise down the river to the beach, passing through the beauty of this little-known harbour. The views of Christchurch Priory, Place Mill, Hengistbury Head and the harbour are spectacular, with a wealth of wildlife to see on the way.
Wick Ferry* also gives you quick access across the river from Wick Village to Christchurch Quay (near the Captains Club Hotel and Riverside Park) just look out to see if the flag is flying to show the ferry is running.
A short trip on the Mudeford Ferry** which operates between Mudeford Quay and the Beach at Mudeford Sandbank, takes you straight to some wonderful walking and bird watching opportunities around Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve. Follow the path from the ferry (about 30-minute walk) down to the Visitor Centre for more ideas and inspiration.
Back on land there’s plenty of places to explore on foot, pop into the Tourist Information Centre in the Hight Street for a handy map and some help and advice to make the most of this stunning area. With such an abundance of history seeping from every corner of this picturesque town you’ll soak it up without even trying.
Fancy two wheels… hire a bike or bring your own to do your own sightseeing tour? You can head along the coast with cycle routes taking you to the heart of neighbouring Bournemouth and Poole. If you fancy peddling a little further head out towards the New Forest National Park, offering off road routes and plenty of wildlife to keep you entertained on the way,
If you fancy a day sightseeing along the coastline and in the countryside, you can explore the delights of Dorset and the surrounding area on a bus tour including trips to famous landmarks including the Jurassic Coast, Stonehenge and the New Forest. If you find yourself in the Purbecks, you can even see the sights from a steam train as it chugs through the hilly countryside.
Christchurch’s local transport links are excellent including our local train and bus services to other scenic and historic towns, villages and cities.
For a completely unique view of the area, you can even jump aboard a pleasure flight from the airport and see everything from the air!
Many of our local attractions and visitor centres also offer guided tours and activities around their beautiful historic homes, castles and museums including Highcliffe Castle, Christchurch Priory, Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre and the Red House Museum.
Scroll down the page to view a range of options to tour and experience the best of our beautiful coastline.
** Please check directly with boat and ferry companies to check operating times and prices
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