Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre is great for days out with the family

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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.

High Street and Shopping

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.

The Regent Centre

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.

Walking & Hiking

Christchurch features some great outdoors trails 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.

Beaches

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.

Love Christchurch

There are so many reasons to Love Christchurch! ❤️☺️ Christchurch - an historic town with glistening golden sands on one side and the green vistas of the New Forest on the other. This ancient part of the world is the gateway to an idyllic coastline with award-winning beaches and story-telling Blue Plaques aplenty through its cobbled streets. Steeped in history, every nook of this beautiful and quaint town – abundant with hidden gems – will surprise you: from its bustling High Street packed with boutiques to its luscious rejuvenating parks, active watersports and more. Discover more at visit-christchurch.co.uk - the official destination website! #LoveXchurch

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City Cruises Poole

Poole

A wide range of cruises departing from Poole Quay and Swanage Pier.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
563 reviews
City Sightseeing Bournemouth

Bournemouth

City Sightseeing Bournemouth is part of the City Sightseeing Worldwide family which operates in scores of cities throughout the world. Hop on and Hop off the bus as much as you like at any of the bus stops on the route and see all the best sights…

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
149 reviews
RockReef Activity Centre & Pier Zip

Bournemouth

If you’re looking for a fun, adrenaline fueled day out for all the family, visit RockReef, the all-year all-weather exciting attraction located on the iconic Bournemouth Pier!

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1260 reviews
Discover Dorset Tours

Bournemouth

Take a Discover Dorset tour with a professional guide and enjoy views you would never see from the driving seat .

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
590 reviews
Dorset Guided E-Bike Day Trips

Poole

At Dorset Guided E-bike Day Trips our mission & vision is to offer an exceptional experience to every customer, every time. Exploring the BCP area has just become a lot more fun with our guided electric bicycle tours

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
34 reviews
Beryl

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Beryl Bike share is now available in Christchurch. You can hire the bikes and and get riding instantly by using the Beryl App available on the Google and iOS app stores.
Christchurch Rowing Club

Christchurch

Christchurch Rowing Club is a competitive sports club providing comprehensive rowing facilities. Individuals of all ages and abilities can achieve their potential at whatever level of the sport they choose in a safe and secure environment.
morebus

Poole

morebus covers the area of Poole and Bournemouth with routes going to Salisbury, Ringwood, Wimborne and Christchurch.
PRC Streamline Taxis

Bournemouth

The largest and best taxi company covering Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Wimborne, Ferndown and surrounding area, operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year providing you with a prompt, friendly and reliable taxi service.
AFC Bournemouth

Dean Court, Kings Park Drive, Bournemouth

AFC Bournemouth are a professional football club, formed in 1899, currently playing in the Premier League – the top tier of English Football. They are based at Vitality Stadium.
Car Hire from Karzoom

516 Wallisdown Road, BOURNEMOUTH

If you’re looking for a car for your Staycation, or to explore the local towns and beaches, then try a whole new car rental experience with Karzoom.
From small hatchbacks to large 7-seaters – whatever your plans, we have a car to suit you, direct…
Convent Walk

CHRISTCHURCH

The Convent Walk is a tranquil route that follows the course of Mill Stream, as it runs parallel to the River Avon, from Town Bridge to Place Mill on Christchurch Quay. It is approximately 500 metres (0.5 km) long on a wide tarmac path suitable for…
Stour Valley Way

Tuckton, CHRISTCHURCH

The Stour Valley Way is a 64 mile, long distance walk that follows the River Stour from its source at Stourhead in Wiltshire to the point where it flows into the sea from Christchurch Harbour in Dorset. It passes by Christchurch, Bournemouth,…
Snowtrax

Hurn, Christchurch

A dry ski slope with fully licensed bar and restaurant. Fully equipped ski and snowboard shop with hire facilities.
Ideal for the children to enjoy an exhilarating ski-bob or ringo ride and then explore the Alpine Adventure Park.
Urban Health & Fitness

'Feeling good starts here'
Fitness centre in Christchurch town centre.
Yellow Buses

Bournemouth

Locally owned, locally operated – we have been serving Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and beyond since 1902 and we are here to provide the best bus travel across the area!
Shoresports

Christchurch

ShoreSports is a watersports school that uses the safe and shallow waters of Christchurch Harbour, operating from Mudeford Quay, Dorset. Learn to sail, windsurf, wingsurf, kayak or stand-up-paddleboard (SUP) with our qualified instructors. Join one…
Mudeford Sailing Club

Christchurch

This is a unique Sailing Club, in a very special part of Christchurch Harbour. The friendship and camaraderie is a very important part of our Club and we appreciate people joining in whenever they can with sailing and social events. We run the…

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Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre is great for days out with the family

Activities

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Love Christchurch

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