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 11th 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 11th 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.
Entertainment
Christchurch is full of things to do with a variety of impressive venues; you can watch a play, take your family to the cinema or listen to Handel’s Messiah in the beauty of the Priory. Most of the entertainment takes place in one of the beautiful historic buildings that Christchurch prides itself on.
Concerts, Music and Cinema
Steeped in historical delights Christchurch holds a gem of a building in the heart of the town. The Regent Centre opened its doors in the 1930s as a cinema, it is one of the finest examples of a surviving Art Deco cinema in the UK. Still entertaining audiences today they host a fantastic array of concerts including Last Night of the Proms to 60s, 70s & 80s pop tributes and comedy shows. So you can catch a show most weeks or book a couple of cinema tickets and take the family to watch a new film release or a cult classic.
If classical music and choral concerts are more to your taste then take a visit to the beautiful 11th Century Priory, situated between the town and the Quay and with parking right next to it, it is set in peaceful picturesque grounds and as well as normal weekly church services is host to a variety of musical events throughout the year. When inside you will benefit from the profoundly calming effect it has when you enter and you can enjoy the beauty of the incredible stained glass windows and stunning stonework, it will certainly help your worries drift away whilst listening to a moving piece of music.
Carrying on with the historical theme throughout the town there is also the fabulous Highcliffe Castle. Situated just on the outskirts of the town centre it is a stunning Grade II listed building and if you fancy watching a David Walliams play with your family or a classic production from various travelling theatre’s then there is something for everyone at Highcliffe Castle. Productions take place on the surrounding lawns shadowed by the imposing backdrop of the castle.
Pubs and Bars
Christchurch has an eclectic mix of traditional pubs and trendy bars all within walking distance from the town centre. You can chill out and enjoy the sunshine on a summer’s evening overlooking the picturesque harbour in the beautiful bar at the Christchurch Harbour Hotel or head along the river stour to enjoy a relaxing drink at the Captains Club Hotel and watch the world pass you by. During the winter months you can relax in front of a cosy fire in one of the many traditional pubs. Meet with friends and family for pre-dinner drinks or cocktails in one of the trendy bars dotted along the high street. Christchurch has it all and really does cater for a wide variety of tastes and ages.
