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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Bournemouth International Centre

Bournemouth

Whether you want to see a show, be educated at a conference, attend an exhibition or enjoy some art, the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) is a premier conference, events and entertainment venue, centrally situated in the town with panoramic…
Oceanarium, The Bournemouth Aquarium

Bournemouth

The award-winning Oceanarium is the perfect all weather attraction for all the family!
Beaulieu National Motor Museum

New Forest

In the heart of the New Forest National Park, Beaulieu is a marvellous day out that can be enjoyed together.
Paultons Park Home of Peppa Pig World

The New Forest

Paultons Family Theme Park has over 70 wonderful rides and attractions. Paultons is of course home to the world’s first & UK exclusive Peppa Pig World!
Swanage Railway

Swanage

What’s better than a leisurely trip behind an historic steam engine through an area of natural beauty.
Pavilion Theatre

Bournemouth

The Bournemouth Pavilion and Ballroom is Bournemouth’s stunning Art Deco theatre providing year-round entertainment. Built in the 1920s, this vintage theatre retains its original and elegant styling.
Splashdown Poole

Poole

Roaringly good welcome awaits those who dare to enter the lair of the resident Dragon; or plunge into the Mississippi Drifter for a fantastic river tyre ride; get into a spin on Infinity with it’s funky laser lights and jukebox; there are a total of…
Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts

Poole

Experience, explore, discover and join in with the arts at Lighthouse, Poole, the largest regional arts centre in the UK.
Mudeford Spit Beach

Christchurch, Bournemouth

Mudeford Spit beach is a great place to enjoy sandy quiet beaches, tranquil views and famous beach huts.
Hengistbury Head

Bournemouth

Hengistbury Head is a relatively unspoilt and south-facing pebble beach, with imposing clay and ironstone cliffs.
St Catherine's Hill Nature Reserve

Christchurch

St Catherine's Hill is a 35 hectare area of heathland and coniferous forest popular for mountain biking, dog walking and hiking.
Hengistbury Head Beach

Christchurch, Bournemouth

Hengistbury Head is a relatively unspoilt beach, consistently featuring in the annual TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice® awards for Beaches. It has a south-facing pebble beach, with imposing clay and ironstone cliffs, and soft, sandy beaches at…
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.
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.
Allianz Kidzone Christchurch

Allianz KidZone is a child safety scheme that runs across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole’s beaches every summer to coincide with the school holidays.
Friars Cliff Beach

Christchurch

Shingle and sand beaches ideal for families. Magnificent views of the Isle of Wight and Christchurch Bay. A short walk from the cliff top nature reserve at Steamer Point.
Highcliffe Castle

Highcliffe, Christchurch

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

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