About Christchurch

Can’t decide between seaside or countryside, historic town or pretty harbour? Dorset’s Christchurch offers the perfect solution with a choice of award-winning beaches, coastal nature reserves, heritage attractions and a charming Quay.Two picturesque rivers, a stunning natural harbour, outdoor Splashpark and wonderful beaches offer the ideal holiday playground. The historic Priory Church and Castle ruins help give an olde world charm to the attractive, bustling town centre with its range of independent shops, high street stores and regular markets. And together with a packed events calendar, there is always something to see and do in Christchurch!Nearby villages include Highcliffe with it’s Castle and Mudeford with its Quay – very popular for crab fishing and boat trips.And with the town of Christchurch being sandwiched between the New Forest National Park on one side and the bustling resort of Bournemouth on the other (with the rest of beautiful Dorset beyond), it is perfectly located for a fantastic holiday or short break.Christchurch’s beaches and coastlineThe waters of the Solent are glistening in the sun, the skies are blue – so is it a bucket and spade kind of day, a day to fly a kite or a great time to go for a refreshing swim?With four miles of beautiful coastline, including sweeping views over to the Isle of Wight, and six safe sandy beaches, each with their own character and facilities, you are spoilt for choice.But why compromise when you can easily pack it all in to a wonderful family day out.Fun for allTwo delightful rivers to boat upon and walk along, two historic Quays to discover and two Castles to explore – it’s twice the fun in Christchurch!Younger members of the family to entertain? Fear not, there are indoor and outdoor attractions to keep them out of mischief all year long with a number of play and adventure parks for children of all ages.And there is no bigger playground than the great outdoors. Christchurch’s numerous nature reserves are wildlife havens and with the New Forest National Park on the doorstep, all the family can easily enjoy time together in the fresh air. On Christchurch Quay you will find a Splashpark (which is fantastic for sunny days) and the Quomps where you can enjoy a picnic or play outdoor games. The annual ‘Stompin on the Quomps’ festival is held here every August.Nearby Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway is a delight to walk around and explore the extensive grounds, and once you’ve worked up and appetite, stop by at the tearooms for some refreshments.Action and AdventureIf relaxing on the beach isn’t your thing, there are plenty of water and land based activities to enjoy. Hire a bike for a leisurely ride, play a round of golf, or perhaps try something new or a little different – a thrilling rib ride, kayaking, paddle boarding or perhaps body surfing. With a huge selection of activities available, you will have to book another holiday to fit them all in!The PrioryThe Priory is one of the few monastery churches to have survived Henry VIII’s rule and is reputed to be the longest church in England. The current building of Christchurch Priory was built in the 11th century, although the medieval roof still exists and is visible above the newer one. The roof includes the Miraculous Beam which lies above the south aisle and was once the object of pilgrimages; the medieval builders found that a vital beam was too short but when they returned the next morning it was miraculously not only the right length but also in the right position!There is an impressive alabaster tomb for Margaret Countess of Salisbury; once described by Henry VIII as the most saintly woman in England. There is also a memorial to the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley (his wife Mary’s mother lived in nearby Bournemouth and his heart is buried in a grave in Bournemouth).If you fancy a challenge take a Tower Tour and climb the 176 steps up to enjoy panoramic views of the town and harbour. In the grounds of the Priory are a 12th Century castle and Constable’s house which survive as ruins.The town was a base for smuggling – underneath the town are old tunnels used by smugglers and the salmon weather vane on the Priory was used by smugglers as a sign for when the excise-men were approaching!Events in ChristchurchChristchurch is renowned for it’s annual Food and Wine Festival, but that is really just the icing on the cake!