Ruins lay behind people sunbathing and sitting in the Gardens located in the town

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Parks & Gardens

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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.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has been awarded 23 Green Flags which recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces. In addition Hengistbury Head have also achieved the much-coveted Green Heritage Site Accreditation for its management of the historic features. More information can be found in the news release.

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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Compton Acres

Poole

Enjoy over 10 acres of horticultural heaven with spectacular themed gardens, relax in the charming Café, browse creative gifts or delve into the exciting world of plants within the Plant Centre, there's a surprise at every turn.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1012 reviews
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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237 reviews
Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park

Verwood

COVID-19 VISITENGLAND WE’RE GOOD TO GO ACCREDITED BUSINESS - Continuing to provide you with a FULL DAY OUT!

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1531 reviews
Christchurch Harbour

Christchurch Harbour is an isolated natural harbour to the South East of Christchurch.
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.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
141 reviews
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.
Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre

Bournemouth

For all updates and information regarding Covid-19 please visit our website
Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre is the gateway to the Stour Valley Nature Reserve. It is run in partnership between BCP Council and the Bournemouth Parks Foundation.
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Chewton Bunny Nature Reserve

Christchurch

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

Highcliffe, Christchurch

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

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
677 reviews
Hengistbury Head

Bournemouth

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

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