Tuckton Gardens is a tranquil riverside retreat situated on the banks of the River Stour, marking the boundary between Southbourne and Christchurch. Defined by its weeping willows and river views, the gardens offer a peaceful atmosphere distinct from the busy seafront.
The site is home to the historic Tuckton Tea Gardens, a venue with a heritage dating back to the Edwardian era. In the early 1900s, the area was the centre of a Russian colony and the Free Age Press, which printed the banned works of Leo Tolstoy. Today, the gardens serve as a gateway to the river, offering boat hire, ferry links, and access to the Stour Valley Way walking path.
For families, the gardens provide a link to local history—formerly the site of the Tucktonia model village—and a relaxed environment for riverside walks and leisure.


