Christchurch offers a well-rounded mix of outdoor and indoor activities, making it a perfect destination for active visitors. Cyclists can ride coastal paths and town centre loops to countryside trails like St Catherine’s Hill and the Avon Causeway. Watersports are equally popular, with kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating available on the River Stour and Avon, plus windsurfing at Avon Beach.
For indoor sports and leisure, Christchurch features excellent facilities including swimming, squash, tennis, and pickleball. Whether you're looking to enjoy nature, explore the coast, or stay active indoors, Christchurch offers something for everyone.
Cycling
Whether it’s cycling along the coast, through the town centre with a stop off for a coffee or refreshments along the way, Christchurch has over 24 miles of cycle networks and half of it is traffic-free which makes it great not only for individuals but families too.
From Christchurch town centre you can cycle through the picturesque village of Stanpit and all the way to Mudeford, reaching the coast in a relatively short space of time. If you want to continue your journey you can walk your bike along Avon Beach; a beautiful spot peppered with pretty beach huts. This takes you on to further cycle routes which will lead you around Highcliffe.
For the more adventurous, you can head out of Christchurch town centre in the opposite direction and onto St Catherine's Hill where the steep slopes will get your heart racing! From here you can pick up the Avon Causeway gravel track which will take you in a loop back round into Christchurch town centre.
Alternatively, The Mude Valley Greenway is a scenic, traffic-free cycling route in Christchurch that follows part of the National Cycle Network Route 2. It begins at Mudeford Quay, winding through Mudeford, past Somerford Bridge near Sainsbury’s, and continues inland along the River Mude. The route is marked by pale green discs with a dark green “G” and is suitable for walking, cycling, and even horseback riding. It offers lovely views of Christchurch Harbour, passes through natural habitats.
If you don’t have bicycles or are a visitor then getting around Christchurch is not a problem. Beryl Bikes are available throughout the area.
Watersports
Visitors can enjoy watersports like boating, rowing, kayaking and paddleboarding in the town’s sheltered harbour and rivers. 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 at Christchurch Quay.
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. A 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.
If you prefer to enjoy waters of the open seas then visit Avon Beach where you can make the most of the sheltered bay whilst windsurfing.
For more information about walking and hiking in and around Christchurch check out our Walking Trails in Christchurch page.
Other Activities
Christchurch also boasts facilities for cricket, rugby, football, tennis, and bowling.
For indoor fun, The PicklePad in Mudeford is the UK’s first dedicated indoor pickleball and padel centre, featuring state-of-the-art courts and a welcoming community atmosphere. Alternatively, you can visit Two Riversmeet leisure centre which offers swimming pools, squash courts, and fitness suites.
Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just looking to try something new, Christchurch provides the perfect setting for an active and engaging stay.
