Parks & Gardens

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Following the latest government advice on social distancing and avoiding public gatherings, BCP Council is taking the sensible precaution to protect the public by reducing some non-essential council services – please see the latest closure details on the BCP website and for more information visit our advice page.

Looking for peaceful parkland walks, away from the hustle and bustle of the main town? Christchurch has plenty to offer when it comes to parkland and gardens. The remnants of Christchurch Castle are the perfect place to begin any exploration off the beaten track, with the meandering walk through the Priory gardens to the quay offering tranquillity and almost unperturbed peace.

Stanpit Marsh and Steamer Point likewise are nature reserves that are perfect for a solitary stroll or a family adventure, enabling you to lose yourself along walks that offer a glimmer into the coastline’s Jurassic heritage. Stanpit Marsh stretches across 65 hectares has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest since 1986 and is home to over 300 plant species. Steamer Point meanwhile offers a clifftop location with stunning panoramic views, and on a clear day the entire coastline towards Poole in one direction, and the Isle of Wight in the other, is virtually unobstructed.

Chewton Bunny (the equivalent to the Dorset Chine or Glen in Scotland) is rich in woodland wildlife and is a Site of Nature Conservation Interest.

Mude Valley Nature Reserve is made up of Mudeford and Peregrine Woods and a variety of natural habitats including woodland, grassland and wetlands make up another Site of Nature of Conservation Interest. Nea Meadows is a local nature reserve close to the village of Highcliffe and is a wildlife-rich former parkland site with its own lake.

The beach-front walkways that stretch from the end of Mudeford Quay all the way through to the clifftops of Highcliffe are spectacular at any time of year. For information regarding beach accessibility and dog-friendly locations please visit the designated pages on our website.

For wildlife lovers Hengistbury Head – at the eastern end of this stretch of coastline – is teeming with life and you can get help with your explorations from the Visitor Centre. Head inland and visit one of the area’s more localised nature reserves – Stour Valley, Kinson Common and Turbury Common.

We are lucky to have several Ramsar sites across our region (official conservation and sustainable use of wetlands). These areas are pivotal in sustainable, eco-diverse societies. For example, swamps and marshes, such as those found all along the Jurassic Coast and throughout the glorious New Forest just past Christchurch, remove pollutants and act as a natural filtration system for our water. As towns and cities vie to become carbon neutral, these natural systems will become increasingly important to rebalance the carbon in our atmosphere.

Further along the Coast with the Most, from mid-November come along and feel the wonder at Bournemouth’s incredible Christmas Tree Wonderland, which features a stunning free festive trail of Christmas trees and illuminations. From Bournemouth seafront, through the Lower Gardens and throughout the town centre explore a glimmering world of memorable seasonal fun for the whole family.

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Stanpit Marsh Nature Reserve

Christchurch

Stanpit Marsh is situated on the north side of Christchurch Harbour, just below the confluence of the rivers Avon and Stour.
Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre

Bournemouth

Update from Kingfisher Barn:
We’re opening up a takeaway cafe from 4th July from 10am at Kingfisher Barn. We won’t be opening the toilets at the moment and the car park is still closing at 6pm for now, keep an eye out on our Facebook page for…
Red House Museum

Christchurch

A former Georgian workhouse, the Red House is now a museum exploring the story of Christchurch from before the Ice Age to modern times.

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139 reviews
Hengistbury Head

Southbourne, Bournemouth,

Hengistbury Head is a relatively unspoilt and south-facing pebble beach, with imposing clay and ironstone cliffs.
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.

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235 reviews
Highcliffe Castle

Highcliffe, Christchurch

Highcliffe Castle is situated right on the beautiful beach and only short walk away from the sea.

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645 reviews
Christchurch Harbour

Christchurch Harbour is an isolated natural harbour to the South East of Christchurch.
Steamer Point Nature Reserve

Christchurch

Steamer Point is a 24 acre cliff top designated local nature reserve situated between Highcliffe Castle and Friar's Cliff.
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.
Chewton Bunny Nature Reserve

Christchurch

Chewton Bunny is a nature reserve rich in woodland wildlife and is a Site of Nature Conservation Interest.

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