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 Trails & Hiking

If you’re interested in discovering more about Christchurch’s rich history, then there are a range of self-led walking trails to help you explore the local area.

Christchurch also features some great outdoor walks 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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Muscliff Park Petanque Club

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Founded in February 2017 on a brand new purpose built terrain, Muscliff Park is the only petanque club in Bournemouth.
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…
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Highcliffe Bowling Club

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Christchurch

65-acre sports facility home to a variety of sports.
Playgolf Bournemouth

Bournemouth

Playgolf Bournemouth
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Swanmore Bowling Club (Outdoor)

Bournemouth

Swanmore Bowling Club is located in Bournemouth on the south coast of England, bordered by Christchurch to the east and Poole to the west. The New Forest, Jurassic Coast, the Dorset and Hampshire countryside are in close proximity.
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The SCK Circuit in Bournemouth has been designed by racers for racers.
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Bournemouth

Swing, cut and slice your club through 18 holes of prehistoric thrills and near life size dinosaurs. A fiercely entertaining day out for everyone from little raptors to ancient fossils.
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Bournemouth

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Christchurch

The two-tier, heated, 40-bay Premier Driving Range at Playgolf Bournemouth is a spectacular piece of architecture. It enables golfers to practice all shots – from short wedges to booming drives – by providing clear, accurate and attractive targets.…
Seafield Gardens Bowling (Outdoor)

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Bournemouth

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

Activities

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Watersports

Love Christchurch

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