Christchurch is a charming and beautiful town in Dorset. Offering a mix of white sandy beaches, historic castles and tranquil spots to enjoy nature.
There’s something for all the family with lots of hidden gems to explore whether you want an exciting day out at the Snowtrax or a stroll along the picturesque Mudeford Quay.
A charming place where you’ll enjoy spending time and creating fantastic memories with loved ones.
Here’s a list of fun filled and interesting things you can get up to when visiting Christchurch.
Table of Contents
Christchurch Castle and Norman House
If you’re looking for something fascinating to do, then a trip to Christchurch Castle and Norman House gives an interesting peek into medieval times.
The castle dates back to the early 12th century and originally featured a motte-and-bailey design.
The Norman House nearby is notable for its grand domestic architecture.
You can explore the rectangular keep, which stands 9 metres high with at least three storeys.
Today, the area between the castle and Norman House is a serene bowling green. The site is family-friendly and offers a great day out for all.
📌 Good To Know:
- Free Entry
- Parking
- Suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs along the base
- Dog friendly
📍 High Street, Christchurch, BH23 1AS
Highcliffe Castle
Highcliffe Castle is a gem of Gothic Revival architecture. Built between 1831 and 1836 by Lord Stuart de Rothesay, it is known for its Romantic and Picturesque style.
The castle was ruined due to two fires and left derelict for a number of years. Today, the castle is slowly being restored and is an interesting and educational visit.
Going to Highcliffe Castle offers not just architectural beauty but also scenic walks and beach access.
You can explore the surrounding 14 acres of gardens, perfect for a relaxing day out. The site is also home to local wildlife and connects to the Steamer Point Nature Reserve.
You’ll be able to explore the history of the castle and learn all about the fires, explore the display room and learn about past residents, including Harry Gordon Selfridge.
📌 Good To Know:
- Grounds are open daily, and entry is free (parking charges apply)
- Admission Prices to the castle start at £3.20 to £42.00
- Tearooms and gift shop
- Wheelchair accessible
- Assistance dogs are permitted inside the Castle
📍Rothesay Dr, Highcliffe, Christchurch BH23 4LE
Mudeford Quay
Mudeford Quay offers stunning views of the sea and the town of Christchurch.
You can enjoy various activities like crabbing, where nets, buckets, and bait are available at the shop.
There is also a children’s play area for family fun.
A popular spot for sailing and windsurfing, Mudeford Quay hosts numerous events such as seafood festivals, arts festivals, and Lifeboat Week.
Jumping on the ferry over the sandbank gives you the opportunity to admire the charming beach huts, relax on the white sandy beach, visit Hengistbury Head or grab an ice cream.
📌 Good To Know:
- Parking available (charges apply)
- Toilets
- Places to eat and drink
- Dog friendly
📍 Mudeford Quay, BH23 4AB
Red House Museum and Gardens
This former Georgian workhouse showcases Christchurch’s journey from the Ice Age to modern times.
You can explore galleries featuring Saxon princes, Iron Age dwellers, and fascinating Victorian displays. Hands-on activities and dressing-up costumes make it fun for families.
The gardens provide a peaceful escape with charming herb gardens and dinosaur surprises.
An onsite cafe means you can enjoy a drink and a snack. There’s also a gift shop to explore.
📌 Good To Know:
- Free Admission
- Café
- Gift shop
- Wheelchair accessible
📍 Quay Rd, Christchurch, BH23 1BU
Snowtrax Alpine Activity Centre
Snowtrax Alpine Activity Centre is a great spot for both skiing and snowboarding. Professional instructors offer lessons for all skill levels, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned experts.
Families love it here as there are plenty of activities for kids. For a thrilling experience, try the tubing lanes with Ringos. It’s fun, fast, and safe under supervision.
The Alpine Adventure Park has trampolines, zip wires, forts, and a pirate ship, making it a perfect spot for children to play and run wild.
The Alpine Pub serves delicious food and drinks with a delightful Alpine theme.
📌 Good To Know:
- Family-Friendly Fun
- Diverse activities suitable for all skill levels
- Pub serving food and drink
📍 Matchams Ln, Christchurch BH23 6AW
Bournemouth Aviation Museum
Located near Bournemouth International Airport, the Bournemouth Aviation Museum offers a unique and interactive experience for visitors.
Unlike many museums, they allow guests to climb into the cockpits of various aircraft, making it an exciting visit for all ages.
The museum is home to numerous aircraft, aero engines, and some ground vehicles. This hands-on experience lets you imagine flying to distant places as you take control of the cockpit instruments.
The museum operates year-round, with longer hours during British Summer Time.
📌 Good To Know:
- Admission from £10 for adults, £5 for children (ages 3-16)
- Free Parking
📍 Merritown Ln, Christchurch BH23 6BA
The Regent
The Regent is a unique 1930s Art Deco cinema and theatre. It’s one of the last authentic cinemas from that era still in operation and serves as the town’s main entertainment centre.
The venue opened on Boxing Day in 1931; The Regent originally functioned as a cinema before briefly becoming a bingo hall.
In 1982, the Christchurch Borough Council purchased it, transformed it into an arts centre, and reopened it in 1983.
With 505 seats, The Regent hosts a variety of events, from the latest film releases to live music, comedy shows, and theatre.
It is managed as a non-profit venue and attracts over 100,000 visitors annually.
📌 Good To Know:
- Cafe and Foyer Bar
- Wheelchair accessible
📍 51 High Street, Christchurch, BH23 1AS
Christchurch Priory
Christchurch Priory is a stunning medieval church located in the heart of Christchurch. This grand structure rivals many of England’s cathedrals in size and beauty.
Originally built in 1094, the church boasts a mix of Norman and Gothic architecture. You will notice the intricate stone carvings and the beautiful nave aisles which is a beautiful sight.
The church is open daily for visitors and private prayer. Don’t miss the chance to explore its quiet surroundings and the charming Priory Tea Rooms.
📌 Good To Know:
- Opening Times: 10am-5pm (except during special services)
- Wheelchair accessible
📍 Quay Rd, Christchurch BH23 1BU
Place Mill
Place Mill is a historical gem located on the Quomps at Christchurch Quay. This mill is full of history, dating back to the 11th century.
It’s even noted in the Domesday Book!
Inside, there’s a replica of the Great Spur Wheel, powered by a waterwheel. This intricate system once turned the millstones on the first floor.
As well as its rich history, Place Mill serves as an exhibition space.
Local artists and makers showcase their work here, offering a unique blend of heritage and culture. These exhibitions are free and open daily during the summer, though opening times may vary and are subject to weather conditions.
📌 Good To Know:
- Once powered by both the Avon and Stour rivers
- Free exhibitions showcasing local art
- Open only in summer, opening times vary
📍 2 Quay Rd, Christchurch BH23 1BU
Steamer Point Nature Reserve
Steamer Point Nature Reserve is a delightful 24-acre clifftop gem located between Highcliffe Castle and Friar’s Cliff on the Christchurch coastline.
It offers a mix of woodland, grassland, ponds, wetlands, and sea cliffs, supporting a rich variety of flora and fauna.
The unmanned Information Centre features interactive displays, making it a fantastic spot for families and school groups.
The clifftop benches provide stunning views of the sea, the Isle of Wight, and Hengistbury Head.
📌 Good To Know:
- Pay and display car parks are available
- There are toilets on the beach and at nearby Highcliffe Castle
- Picnic benches, gravel paths, interactive displays at the Centre
- Wheelchair accessible
- Dog friendly
📍 Friar’s Cliff, Christchurch
St Catherine’s Hill Nature Reserve
St Catherine’s Hill Nature Reserve is a delightful spot. It spans 35 hectares of heathland and coniferous forest, providing a haven for nature enthusiasts.
Visitors can enjoy activities such as mountain biking, dog walking, and hiking.
You may get the chance to spot rare species like the Dartford warbler and the sand lizard. The Hill is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), making it a crucial conservation area.
Standing at 53 metres above sea level, it offers some of the most spectacular views in Christchurch. The high elevation provides panoramic vistas of the Isle of Wight and the Bournemouth area.
Facilities include viewpoint seating and multiple interpretation panels scattered around the site.
📌 Good To Know:
- Parking is available
- Steep slopes with gravel and sand paths
- Dog friendly
📍 Sandy Lane, Christchurch
Christchurch Harbour
Christchurch Harbour is a beautiful gem on the Dorset coast. The Avon and Stour rivers feed it, and this shallow harbour offers a stunning setting for various water activities.
Visitors can enjoy sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding in its clear, calm waters.
The harbour is rich in wildlife, with Priory Marsh and Stanpit Marsh offering great spots for birdwatching.
Hengistbury Head, on the southern side, provides stunning views and lovely walks.
The access point between the harbour and Christchurch Bay, known as “The Run,” is popular with boaters. Quaint spots like Mudeford Quay and Mudeford Sandbank make perfect picnic locations.
📌 Good To Know:
- Dog Friendly
- Toilets: Available at Mudeford Quay and Christchurch Quay
📍 Christchurch, Dorset
Christchurch Boat Experience
Christchurch offers unforgettable boat rides that cater to various tastes.
For a relaxed experience, Quay Leisure Boat Hire lets you explore the scenic River Stour on self-drive boats. No licence is needed, and life jackets are provided.
These boats can hold up to six passengers and are dog-friendly. They’re available from Easter to October.
For a more thrilling adventure, the H2O Powerboat Experience offers high-speed RIB rides.
These tours start at Christchurch Quay and take passengers to breathtaking spots like The Needles and Old Harry Rocks.
Skippers provide fascinating insights into the region’s history and wildlife during the tours.
📌 Good to Know:
- Quay Leisure Boat Hire website: Quay Leisure Boat Hire
- H2O Powerboat Experience: H20 Powerboat Experience
Mudeford Ferry
Mudeford Ferry offers a delightful way to explore the coast from Mudeford Quay to Hengistbury Head. This ferry runs every 15 minutes, giving travellers a scenic route over the water.
It’s perfect for weekend getaways and school holidays during winter, provided the weather is good.
If the flag is flying, the ferry is running!
📌 Good To Know:
- Ferry Times: Daily from 1st April to late October; weekends during winter weather permitting
- Pay and Display car park at Mudeford Quay
- The ferry can transport a wheelchair if the user is able to embark and disembark without remaining in the chair.
📍 Mudeford Quay, Christchurch, BH23 4AB
Christchurch Shopping
Christchurch is a delightful place for shoppers. High Street is packed with both big brand names and small retailers.
You’ll be able to enjoy a wander around the unique market stalls that sell goods from food to clothing, held on Mondays.
Saxon Square, an open-air shopping centre, is perfect for a leisurely day. It has cafes, jewellery shops, and beauty salons.
Church Street also has unique shops and a historical Priory.
📌 Good To Know:
- A mix of big brands and small retailers.
- Open-air shopping with cafes and unique stores.
- Quaint shops and the Priory Church nearby.
📍High Street, Saxon Square, Church Street
