Christchurch is set on the south coast of England and lures you in with its gorgeous beaches, wildlife-rich coastal nature reserves and an atmospheric Old Town. Christchurch is also home to a string of heritage attractions, including an ancient church and an 11th-century castle.
Things to do in Christchurch
You could easily spend hours exploring Christchurch's cobblestone Old Town. Its historic shopfronts house cosy cafes, high-street stores, ice cream parlours and traditional English pubs. Stroll down to Christchurch Quay to watch boats cruise into the harbour or enjoy a picnic on the grassy foreshore.
Christchurch is dotted with historic building, including the Priory Church. It's the longest parish church in England and has been welcoming worshippers for almost 1,000 years. You can also climb up to the ruins of Christchurch Castle, which has been watching over the town since the 11th century.
Whether you soak up the sun in the summer or rug up for windswept winter walks, Christchurch boasts some of the best beaches in the United Kingdom. There are six kilometres of pristine coastline to explore and six sandy beaches to discover. Highcliffe Beach is an easy walk from the town centre, with calm water and a breezy waterfront promenade.
Kids will love the Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway. You can stroll around the landscaped English gardens, ride the historic steam railway and enjoy scones, jam and cream at the on-site tearooms.
Getting around Christchurch
Christchurch is small and easy to get around on foot, while trains run from Christchurch Station to London Waterloo in around two hours. A car is best for exploring the picturesque Dorset countryside and boats are a popular way to visit nearby towns like Poole, Wareham and Swanage.