Attractions and Places To See around Christchurch - Top 20

If you’re hanging out in Christchurch, you’ve hit the jackpot for a "two-for-one" history fix. The Priory and the Castle Ruins are practically neighbors, separated only by a lovely little stretch of grass and some very photogenic streams. It’s the kind of place where you can spend an hour wandering through ruins and then step into one of the most massive, peaceful churches in England. This is the "rugged" part of the tour. Built in the late 11th century to keep an eye on the harbor, the castle isn't a massive fortress anymore, but what’s left is pretty evocative. The Constable’s House: This is actually the hidden star of the show. It’s a rare example of a Norman domestic house. Look for the old stone chimney—it’s one of the oldest in the country. It sits right on the edge of the Mill Stream, and it’s a great spot to watch the local ducks while imagining life in the 1100s. The Keep: You can still see the remains of the Great Tower sitting atop its "motte" (the big grassy mound). If you’re feeling energetic, you can walk up the path for a better view of the town, though the tower itself is mostly a "shell" these days. The Vibe: It’s totally free to wander through. On a sunny day, you’ll see people sitting on the grass nearby with ice creams. It’s history without the velvet ropes.

To explain the patronage of this place of worship, which is dedicated not to one person, but to the "Holy Trinity" – that is, God the Father, God the Son, and Holy Spirit; ONE God in THREE Persons – from the publisher's information for the book "GOD, YOU THREE" by Father Reinhard Körner: "For Father Reinhard Körner, the Trinity is... a living, tangible certainty. He takes the reader on a journey of discovery through his personal faith story: toward the one God in three Persons – toward God who is community. He finds this... Christian view of God in spiritual literature from the past and present, in art, and in theology. Living with the triune God can change one's own faith, one's way of praying, and one's coexistence with other people in the church, and ultimately in society as well. For a God who is in himself community, relationship, and love means hope for all people. A mystery worth rediscovering." (Source: https://www.borromedien.de/produkt-1994/gott_ihr_drei/11241557)

Iford Bridge is a historic bridge that crosses the River Stour, connecting Christchurch and Bournemouth. It is a Grade II listed building by English Heritage. Easternmost section: Dates back to the late 18th or early 19th century and is constructed of red brick with stone coping. Middle section: Built in the mid-17th century, it is made of ashlar stone and features four round-headed arches. This section is particularly old, with some sources indicating it dates back to 1184. Westernmost section: Also from the late 18th century, it complements the middle section's architectural style.

At the Quay you will find several places to eat and drink as well as areas to enjoy a picnic. It is a great place to take a gentle stroll next to the waters edge and watch all the busy activities taking place. For children and families, crabbing is very popular from the quayside. You can buy nets, buckets and bait from the shop at the end of the Quay if you don't have your own. There is also a children's play area to let the little ones burn off some energy. The Quay is a popular sailing and windsurfing destination throughout the year and holds a number of dinghy championships. Many other events are also held here including seafood festivals, fun days, arts festivals and the annual Lifeboat Week.

The Norman House is a rare example of Norman domestic architecture in England. Whereas most ordinary domestic buildings of this date were built of timber, the house was built of stone, reflecting the high status of its builder. The tall, circular Norman chimney is a particularly unusual survival. The ground floor was probably used for storage. An external staircase led to the main rooms on the first floor, where a small lobby divided the two principal rooms, the hall and solar chamber. The hall was open to the roof with widely splayed windows to let in as much light as possible. The elaborately decorated window at the north end of the hall marks the dais end, where the high table stood. The private solar chamber had an adjoining latrine emptying into the mill stream. The east wall of the house, nearest the river, is thicker as it served as the defensive curtain wall of the castle. All the doors and windows on this exposed side had drawbars in case of attack.

Christchurch Priory is an ecclesiastical parish and former priory church in Christchurch in the English county of Dorset. It is one of the longest parish churches in the country and is as large as many of the Church of England Cathedrals. The story of Christchurch Priory goes back to at least the middle of the 11th century, as the Domesday Book of 1086 says there was a priory of 24 secular canons here in the reign of Edward the Confessor. The Priory is on the site of an earlier church dating from 800AD. Much of what is known about Christchurch between the Norman Conquest and the mid-14th century comes from the Christchurch Priory Cartulary, which contains copies over 1,300 of the monastery's most important documents. Most of it was written by just two clerks, one completing more than half before a second concluded the task in 1372. Further amendments and updates were added in the following decades. The Priory is open daily from 10am til 5pm. Tea rooms are open 10am til 4pm.

Christchurch Priory is an ecclesiastical parish and former priory church in Christchurch in the English county of Dorset. It is one of the longest parish churches in the country and is as large as many of the Church of England Cathedrals. The story of Christchurch Priory goes back to at least the middle of the 11th century, as the Domesday Book of 1086 says there was a priory of 24 secular canons here in the reign of Edward the Confessor. The Priory is on the site of an earlier church dating from 800AD. Much of what is known about Christchurch between the Norman Conquest and the mid-14th century comes from the Christchurch Priory Cartulary, which contains copies over 1,300 of the monastery's most important documents. Most of it was written by just two clerks, one completing more than half before a second concluded the task in 1372. Further amendments and updates were added in the following decades. The Priory is open daily from 10am til 5pm. Tea rooms are open 10am til 4pm.

A unique and beautiful sand spit which adjoins the ancient headland of Hengistbury Head and forms a natural barrier between Christchurch Harbour and the open sea. The area is designated a Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI). Access by foot, bike or land train from Hengistbury Head car park. Access by passenger ferry from Mudeford Quay and Christchurch Quay. There are 5 public toilet blocks, one with hot showers. Outside cold showers are also provided. Horses are not permitted on the seashore between the Saturday preceding Easter Monday and the 30th September (both dates inclusive) in any year between 10am and 9pm. Due to being so close to Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve, BBQs are not allowed at Mudeford Sandbank Beach. Open fires, fire pits and fire bowls are not permitted at any time on the beach, promenade, cliffs, cliff tops or woodland areas. The beach is surrounded by unique cliff habitats which are Sites of Special Scientific Interest and provide a home to many of the UK’s rare species of reptiles, birds and insects. Their dry nature means they are vulnerable and sparks from open fires can cause huge damage.