Christchurch

Named after the Priory which was constructed in 1094, Christchurch was an important trading port, defended by the Castle built in the 12th century. The old town is dotted with quaint houses, shops, restaurants and cafes, with the Priory sitting in the centre. Sign up to one of their tower tours and you can climb the 176 steps up to the top for panoramic views across the town and beyond.

Saxon Square is a pedestrianised open-air shopping centre with pavement cafes for taking a break and watching the world go by.

On Mondays the High Street is home to the Market, with stalls selling a variety of goods from fashion to fresh fish. The small, quaint shops found at the end of the High Street, leading into Church Street and Wick Lane are a treasure trove of all things lovely. Filled with unique items and quirky gifts, it’s great for finding something that little bit different.

The Stour and the Avon rivers converge at Christchurch Harbour, creating a varied landscape of protected wildlife reserve salt-marsh, bordered on one side by Mudeford Quay and on the other by Mudeford Spit and Hengistbury Head, site of Bronze-Age settlement, the landward edge featuring the Double Dykes constructed around 700 BC to protect the settlement.

Considerable tidal flows of up to 6 knots can be witnessed in the Run, the entrance to the Harbour, at Mudeford Quay. Local fish are still landed at the Quay, with its picturesque beach huts and former fishermens’ cottages, sea fishing trips can be booked for those with sea-legs, and for land-lovers crabbing is always popular with children and adults alike.

Mudeford is still used as a base for water sports and is home to the RNLI inshore lifeboat station. Mudeford Ferry runs in summer from the Quay to Hengistbury Head, weather permitting.

Avon Beach leads to Friars Cliff, Steamer Point Nature Reserve and Highcliffe, home to the historic and magnificent Grade 1 listed Highcliffe Castle, with beautiful grounds with direct access to the beach and the nature reserve.