Christchurch Dorset – A Market Town

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Christchurch is a small market town about a 20-minute drive from Bournemouth. It is famous for the Christchurch Priory, Christchurch Harbour, Bournemouth Airport (although called Bournemouth Airport is actually in Christchurch) and the Christchurch Food Festival.

Christchurch has it all. Steeped in history it combines stunning beaches, a harbour, two historic quays, two rivers to boat along, the new forest, nature reserves and heritage attractions…Oh and two castles.

The historic Priory Church and castle walls leading down to Christchurch quay give this historic town an air of magic.

Nearby you will find the small towns of Highcliffe and Mudeford, both with their own beaches and harbors. Mudeford is very popular for some crab fishing fun with the children and is within Christchurch itself. And Highcliffe in Christchurch has its own castle called Highcliffe Castle.

Christchurch has four safe sandy beaches and four miles of beach coastline. Stunning views out to sea, with a clear view of the Isle of White and Old Harry Rocks.

Hengistbury Head

Hegistbury Head in Christchurch has a stunning beach on the Jurassic coastline. Many fossils from the Jurassic period are found here. Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round on Hengistbury head. Each year Hengistbury Head gets visited by over one million people.

The many habitats on the Head are home to many bird species, plants and insects and some of them are very rare and endangered.

The ‘Spit’ on Hengistbury Head is famous for having the most expensive beach huts in the world, along with Mudeford beach.

Read More and watch video: Hengistbury Head and Hengistbury Head Beach

Shopping Christchurch

Christchurch is a mixture of quaint coffee shops, boutiques and larger national brands. There are also numerous pubs in Christchurch town centre and many award-winning restaurants and hotels.

Christchurch has its own museum, The Red House Museum.