Guided tours and trails
From buildings dating back to the 11th Century to public art sculptures, Christchurch has a wealth of history and culture that is waiting for you to discover it. While you’re visiting, download a self-led trail or two to help you find out more about Christchurch’s heritage as you explore the town.
Each trail follows a walking route around points of interest and can be adapted to suit your interests and abilities.
Following the new wayfinding totems around the town, we’ve curated a series of photographs that showcase Christchurch through the years. As you follow the route, you’ll be able to see areas of the town, such as the High Street, as they were many years ago. Some photos even date back to the 1800s!
Created by Christchurch BID, you can now explore Christchurch using the LoyalFree App. LoyalFree is an innovative digital platform, where you can find out more about Christchurch through trails hosted on the app, as well as get access to exclusive deals and loyalty schemes from local businesses.
Christchurch has its own Blue Plaque Trail, created by community members and Christchurch History Society to help visitors and residents find out more about key historical landmarks. The blue plaques follow a walking route around the town, from the Quay up the High Street to Saxon Shopping Centre. Discover the site of a Saxon Cemetery and learn about the key historical figures who lived in Christchurch.
Christchurch Millennium Trail
The Christchurch Millennium Trail is a heritage walking route that celebrates the town’s rich history, spanning from Neolithic times to the modern day. Designed to mark the turn of the millennium, the trail guides walkers through Christchurch’s historic centre, including landmarks such as the Priory, the Quay, and the Saxon Square. Along the way, interpretive signs and blue plaques highlight significant buildings, events, and figures that shaped the town’s development. It’s a gentle, accessible walk ideal for those interested in local history, offering a fascinating glimpse into Christchurch’s past while enjoying its charming streets and riverside views.
Maps of the route can be purchased from Christchurch Information Centre.
Self Guided Walks
Convent Walk
The Convent Walk was built around 1911 to commemorate the coronation of King George V. It is a tranquil walk that follows the course of the Mill Stream as it runs parallel to the River Avon, from Town Bridge to Place Mill on Christchurch Quay. It is approximately 500 metres (0.5 km) long on a wide tarmac path suitable for wheelchairs.
St Catherine’s Hill
St Catherine’s Hill in Christchurch is a beautiful and historically rich nature reserve offering a peaceful escape into heathland and forest. Covering around 35 hectares, it’s the highest point in Christchurch at 53 metres (163 ft) above sea level, providing stunning panoramic views across the Avon and Stour valleys. The hill is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and part of a Special Protection Area (SPA).
Mudeford
Walking in Mudeford offers a charming coastal experience, starting at Mudeford Quay where you can enjoy views over Christchurch Harbour and watch the boats come and go. From here, you can take a short ferry ride to Mudeford Sandbank, home to iconic beach huts and sandy dunes, with access to Hengistbury Head for longer walks and sweeping sea views. The area is well-served by cafés and picnic spots, making it ideal for a relaxed seaside stroll.
Stanpit
Stanpit is best known for its nature reserve, Stanpit Marsh, a tranquil haven for wildlife and walkers alike. The marsh features easy-to-follow trails through salt marshes and reed beds, with views across the harbour and opportunities to spot wading birds and wild ponies. It’s a peaceful place to connect with nature, and its proximity to Christchurch makes it a convenient escape for a short walk or a longer loop incorporating nearby riverside paths.
Highcliffe
In Highcliffe, walkers can enjoy a scenic route that links Highcliffe Castle to Mudeford Quay via beaches, clifftop paths, and nature reserves. Starting at the castle, the walk passes through Steamer Point Nature Reserve and along Friars Cliff and Avon Beach, offering sea views and access to cafés and rest stops. It’s a gentle, family-friendly walk with plenty of interest, combining heritage, coastal beauty, and natural habitats in one rewarding route.
The Avon Valley path
The Avon Valley Path is a scenic long-distance walking route stretching 34 miles (55 km) from Salisbury Cathedral in Wiltshire to Christchurch Priory and the sea in Dorset. It follows the course of the River Avon through some of southern England’s most picturesque countryside.
Mude Valley Greenway
The Mude Valley Greenway is a scenic, traffic-free walking and 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, and connects to local green spaces and community areas like Mudeford Wood Community Centre.
