Beautiful aerial shot of Christchurch featuring the priory, harbor and river

Spring in Christchurch

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Attractions

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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Upside Down House Bournemouth

Bournemouth

Upside Down House™ is the UK's first inverted experience. Walk on the ceiling, reach for the coffee table and take unbelievable photos to share on social media with your friends and family.
Roller City South

Christchurch

Roller City South is the longest running Roller Disco in the South!
Hatch Gallery

Hatch Gallery is based in the beautiful ancient harbour town, Christchurch in Dorset. Situated close to the Priory, Hatch specialises in British Contemporary Art, Ceramics, handcrafted jewellery plus some driftwood furniture and sculpture.
The…
Bournemouth Aviation Museum

Christchurch

We provide an interesting and informative visit for people of all ages and to share the enjoyment of the exciting world of aviation!
Bournemouth BMX Track

Bournemouth BMX Club has been at the Iford Playing Fields site since 1981 and is one of the oldest in the UK. If you are aged from under 6 to over 40 why not give it a go? We have now also managed to build up a bank of club bikes and equipment so…
Two Riversmeet Skate Park

Christchurch

The Skate Park at Two Riversmeet is located behind the leisure centre beside the astroturf football pitches.
BH Live Active: Sir David English

Bournemouth

Sir David English along Castle Lane, Bournemouth is a thriving sports centre with a gym, indoor hall, sauna, steam room and multi-function studio for group fitness classes and club activities. There are also 4 tennis courts, 3 six-a-side artificial…
Monkey Madness

Christchurch’s premier party venue and soft play centre for children of all ages.
Moors Valley Country Park and Forest

Ringwood

Moors Valley is managed for people and wildlife; providing a space for play, recreation and education as well as a home for a wide range of plants and animals.Open all year round, the Rangers offer many services and activities for all to enjoy.
…
Hayloft Gallery

The Hayloft Gallery, is a community art gallery in the heart of Christchurch. It can be hired by individuals and groups for their own exhibitions.
Lansdowne Baptist Church

Bournemouth

We’ve been meeting together in Bournemouth, UK for over 130 years – however the message behind the church has been around for a lot longer than that! Christianity is Jesus Christ. Whoever you are, and from whatever background – Jesus is good news.…
Quomps Splashpark

Christchurch

The Quomps Splash Pool and Play Park in Christchurch is an ideal place to spend a hot day cooling down and tiring the little ones out!
Adventure Wonderland

Christchurch

We look forward to welcoming you to Wild Thing at Adventure Wonderland!

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Spring in Christchurch

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