Christchurch Pocket Guide - www.visitchristchurch.info
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christchurch • highcliffe • mudeford • hurn
Christchurch
Pocket Guide
www.visitchristchurch.info
Welcome to
Christchurch
C
hristchurch’s unique location at the
confluence of the rivers Stour and Avon
and on the shores of its own spectacular
natural harbour makes it the perfect destination
to relax and unwind, enjoy the beautiful coast
and open spaces and to discover the historic
treasures within this ancient borough.
The borough extends from Hurn in the west to
Highcliffe in the east and includes Christchurch
town centre, Mudeford and Burton.
Christchurch has an excellent reputation
With fascinating heritage, interesting shopping
for its great variety of places to eat ranging
and markets, a multitude of activities and
from AA rosette fine dining to traditional and
attractions plus a great programme of festivals
contemporary bars, scrumptious tea rooms to
and events, there is bound to be something to
tasty take-a-ways: there’s something to suit all
interest you whatever the time of year.
palates and pockets.
www.visitchristchurch.info
Christchurch
Town Centre
T
here are few places in the country that
can boast two rivers, two castles, an
11th century Priory Church, a mill of Saxon
origin (mentioned in the Domesday book), a
medieval bridge and the site of a civil war siege
in 1645. It is no wonder that people have been
visiting Christchurch for thousands of years.
Must see
Christchurch Priory - magnificent 11th century
church renowned for its “Miraculous Beam”,
architecture. concerts and St Michael’s
Museum. Guided tours available.
Red House Museum & Gardens - fascinating
museum built as a workhouse in 1764, now
filled with a rich variety of displays and objects.
Audio tour available.
Place Mill – mentioned in the Domesday Book,
now restored and open as an art gallery from
April – September.
Convent Walk & the Norman Hall ruins
- attractive footpath which follows the Mill
Stream from Place Mill to the Norman Hall.
Christchurch Castle ruins – built around 1100,
the castle was the centre of a siege during the
Must do Civil War.
Museum of Electricity - Edwardian power
• R ed House Museum’s podcasts: History Tour station with fascinating and fun examples of
of Old Christchurch and Here be Dragons.
electrical appliances and equipment,
www3.hants.gov.uk/museum/redhouse/
demonstrations and a 1911 tram.
podcasts.html
• P riory’s virtual tour:
ww.christchurchpriory.org/virtualtour.html
w
• F ree Historic Guided Tours and Trail
leaflet and Millennium Trail Leaflet (£1.50)
available from the Christchurch Information
Centre.
www.visitchristchurch.info
Christchurch Highcliffe
Town Centre
T
his award-winning floral village, centred
along the Lymington Road, is only 4 miles from
Christchurch town centre and is easy to reach
by car or bus.
There is a good range of shops, accommodation,
tea rooms, cafés, restaurants and pubs, so you
will be sure to find something to suit your taste
and pocket.
Must visit
Must visit Shops – Lots of unique and interesting
independently-run shops, and a secondhand
• The Regent Centre – arts centre with searcher’s dream location.
concerts, theatre, film and dance plus
High 5 children’s play area – Highcliffe
art exhibitions in the foyer.
Recreation Ground.
• T he Clay Studio – fun for all the family Stewarts Garden Centre – 4 minutes drive
at this paint-your-own pottery café.
from village centre.
• Hayloft Gallery – Wick Lane.
• S erendipity Sam’s – children’s indoor
fun activity play centre.
• P eeks Partystore
• Christchurch Quay
• New Zealand Gardens
• Replica stocks and ducking stool
Things to do
• Ferry trip to Mudeford Sandbank
• Hire a boat – Christchurch Quay
• Monday Market
•D orset Farmers’ Market –
1st Friday morning of month
• Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre
• S plashpark – Christchurch Quay
www.visitchristchurch.info www.visitchristchurch.info
Highcliffe
Highcliffe Castle
The jewel in Highcliffe’s crown is Highcliffe Castle,
a magnificent Grade 1 Listed cliff-top mansion
which is only a short walk from the village centre.
Built in the early 1830’s it has been fully restored
externally and the former staterooms now house Coast
a Heritage Centre with information on the Castle’s
intriguing history. Highcliffe’s attractive coastline, with its breath-
taking panoramic views of the Isle of Wight to the
east and the Purbecks to the west, is just a few
Must see minutes walk from the village centre.
Exhibitions – an extensive changing
programme of history, art and craft
exhibitions by local artists.
Must see
Highcliffe Beach - great for swimming and
Events – regular talks, workshops,
watersports, accessed through a series of
craft fairs and evening concerts.
steep gravel zig-zag paths from the large cliff
Outdoor events include car rallies,
top car park.
open-air theatre, big band jazz
and swing concerts. Highcliffe Castle Beach – sandy
uncommercialised beach reached by
sloping zig-zag path from the Castle grounds.
Must visit Steamer Point Beach - designated as an area
for watersports and hosts many windsurfing
• Castle Gift Shop championships.
• Castle Tea Rooms Steamer Point Nature Reserve – a beautiful,
• Highcliffe Castle Beach twelve-hectare, cliff-top woodland, winner of
the much-coveted Green Flag award.
www.highcliffecastle.co.uk
Must do
Christchurch Coastal Path - a 2.5 mile path
which extends from Highcliffe cliff top to
Mudeford Quay.
Steamer Point Information Centre - learn all
about the flora and fauna of the woodland
at this award-winning centre. Special events
organised throughout the year.
www.visitchristchurch.info
Mudeford Hurn
M A
udeford, with its picturesque quay and ction and activity is the theme for all the
intriguing history of smuggling over the family, at Hurn, only a ten minute drive from
centuries, is still the focal point of the Christchurch town centre. It’s also home
local fishing industry. Its spectacular location with to Bournemouth Airport and the Bournemouth
Christchurch Harbour on one side and the open Flying Club.
sea on the other makes it a great place for sailing,
windsurfing, body-boarding and kayaking.
Things to do
Adventure Wonderland & WildThing! – an all-inclusive
Not to miss children’s theme park with over 30 fun rides and
Friar’s Cliff beach – winner of attractions and Wild Thing! Aztec play.
the Keep Britain Tidy Quality Bournemouth Aviation Museum – a fascinating
Coast Award; plenty of parking collection of classic aircraft, cockpits, exhibitions and
and café. special events.
Avon Beach – ideal for families Snowtrax – All year round exhilarating fun with skiing,
and people with disabilities. snowboarding, ski bobs and ringos.
Car park, café, shop and beach
hut hire. Alpine Adventure Park at Snowtrax – overhead cable
ride, alpine fort, slides, swings, trampolines and tiny
Mudeford Sandbank (SNCI) – tot fort.
reached by foot, bicycle or land
train and ferry from Mudeford
and Christchurch Quays. Must do
Mudeford Lifeboat Fun Day – • Golf driving range
takes place in August each year.
• Horse riding
• Light aircraft flying
Things to do on Mudeford Quay • Helicopter flying
• Paint-balling
• “ Bay Blast” & fast boat trip • Plane-spotting
• UK Powerboat’s Zap Cat Trip
• Take the kids crabbing
• Visit the Mudeford Life
Boat Station
• F erry trip to Mudeford Sandbank
• Charter a boat for sea fishing
• Treat yourself to some fresh fish
• 2.5 mile Coastal Path to Highcliffe
www.visitchristchurch.info www.visitchristchurch.info
Countryside
Y
ou won’t have to go far to find and enjoy
open heathland, ancient wildflower and wet
meadows, cliff-top woods, natural coastline,
a gleaming blue sea and a harbour formed by Things to do
the Rivers Stour and Avon.
Avon Valley Path – 34 mile walk
from Salisbury to Christchurch
Priory.
Stour Valley Way – a 64 mile
walk which follows the Stour from
Stour Head through Christchurch
to Bournemouth.
Guided Tours & Trails – an
Not to miss extensive range of heritage and
nature walks, talks and boat
Stanpit Marsh Nature Reserve (SSSI/LNR) – trips. Leaflet available from the
65 hectare site with over three hundred Christchurch Information Centre.
species of birds and four hundred species
Fishing – river fishing at the
of plants.
Royalty Fishery, salmon and trout
Stanpit Marsh Information Centre – fishing on the Hampshire Avon,
Award-winning Centre providing information fly fishing and sea fishing in
on the marsh’s wildlife and plants. Christchurch Harbour.
St Catherine’s Hill Nature Reserve (SSSI) –
the highest area of land and most significant
heathland in Christchurch with rare reptile and
bird species.
Nea Meadows Nature Reserve (LNR) –
a small, quiet reserve with a lake, wildlife
pond, two wildflower meadows and over
two hundred and fifty species of flowers.
Tutton’s Well – once famous and renowned
for its constant supply of pure water which was
said to have had medicinal virtues.
www.visitchristchurch.info
Town Centre & Access Map
Station To Airport To Highcliffe/Mudeford
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STONE
Royal British D
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CHILDREN'S PLAY AREA
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RG 5
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ES FACILITIES & FAMILY ROOM
To Police
Bournemouth Station Mill TOURIST INFORMATION
Stream
MONDAY MARKET
A35 BA Coach
RRACK
NE
R Drop
D OPEN SPACE
New IDEAL FOR PICNICS
LA
Saxon
Zealand Square
EN
Garden To Two Riversmeet
Barrack Rd
H
Druitt
AL
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Recreation Leisure Centre
MI
Hall Ducking
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Ground Town & Civic Offices
LL
GD
Stool
HA
Druitt Library Bridge Waterloo
ST
MA
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Gardens Bridge
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BR Rossiters
Offices
Regent T Quay
NE
Creedy Centre CASTLE S
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Footpath Bowling River
Stocks Green Norman Avon
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Coach Hall
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Band Meadows
W IC
To Quomps Stand Boat
Southbourne Sailing
Splash Town Quay Hire Club
Coach Park Ferry
Slipway Parking
and Ferry
Ferry to River Stour
Tuckton
Ferry to
Mudeford
Wick Sandbank
Ferry
This guide is designed and produced by The Print Room – Tel: 01202 486667
Events
July
• Christchurch Festival, Christchurch Quay
• Mudeford Lifeboat Fun Day, Mudeford Quay
• Mudeford Arts Festival, Mudeford Quay
• Christchurch Motor Show,
Twynham School Playing Field
C
hristchurch has an excellent programme
• Outdoor Shakespeare Performances,
of events which take place throughout Priory House Gardens
the year. With festivals, concerts, visiting
markets, and exhibitions as well as regular weekly • Tunisian Souk Market, Saxon Square
and monthly events, there is always something to • Outdoor Theatre, Highcliffe Castle
see during your visit.
August
• Stompin’ on the Quomps, Christchurch Quay
A monthly What’s On is available from the
• Christchurch Regatta & Carnival, Christchurch Quay
Christchurch Information Centre and a full events
listing including school holidays’ activities can be • Scottish Country Dancing, Highcliffe Castle
found on www.visitchristchurch.info
May
•C
hristchurch Food & Wine Festival, Christchurch’s
restaurants, bars, cafes and tea rooms
• Christchurch International Food Market,
Town centre & Saxon Square
June
• Outdoor Theatre, Highcliffe Castle
• French Market, Saxon Square
September
Regular Markets • Swing Unlimited Big Band Concert, Highcliffe Castle
•M
ondays,
Christchurch Town Centre October
•1
st Friday of month (am) • Heritage Open Day, Highcliffe Castle
Dorset Farmers’ Market,
Saxon Square November
• Bonfire & Fireworks, Stanpit Marsh
• Charity Fair, Highcliffe Castle
• Christchurch Christmas Festival,
Town centre & Saxon Square
December
• Christmas Fair, Highcliffe Castle
• Handel’s Messiah, Christchurch Priory
www.visitchristchurch.info
Attractions
Welcome to Cinema
Christchurch Information Centre Theatre
Concerts
Open all year from 10am
Free
Free Parking
Parking after
at rear 7pm
after 7pm
Regent Centre
High Street
Christchurch
BH23 1AS
01202 499199
www.RegentCentre.co.uk
Free information and advice on local heritage, attractions,
eating out, what to do and events
Accommodation booking service
Day tour booking service Christchurch Priory
Priory concerts and local events tickets
Theatre programmes and bookings Quay Road, Christchurch,
Local bus, train and ferry timetables and tickets Dorset BH23 1BU.
Gifts, postcards, books and maps www.christchurchpriory.org
Easy access guide and radar keys for disabled visitors Tel: 01202 485804
Fax: 01202 488645
Email: verger@christchurchpriory.org
Christchurch Information Centre 9.30am - 5.00pm every day except
Christmas Day
High Street, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1AS
t: 01202 471780 f: 01202 476816
The beautiful historic Priory was given five stars by Simon Jenkins in his new book “England’s
e: enquiries@christchurchtourism.info Thousand Best Churches”. The visitor will be amazed by the beautiful 1094 Norman nave, the
www.visitchristchurch.info Lady Chapel’s pendant vault, probably the first in this country, and misericords including one,
by tradition, the oldest in England. The Miraculous Beam, the ninth centenary commemorative
stained-glass window and the restored organ should not be missed.
www.visitchristchurch.infoAttractions
The Museum of Electricity
There’s NOSTALGIA, NOVELTY
AND FUN for all ages at Britain’s
premier Electricity Museum.
All set in a genuine
We are open Edwardian Power Station.
Monday - Saturday
We have 9am to 6pm Plenty of things for everyone to see and do
•Fancy Dress & Accessories Friendly Museum Guides give regular hands on
•Balloon Delivery Service
Plus loads more FREE Parking demonstrations using working models
Ideal support for schools science curriculum
Dozens of early domestic appliances
in store... Reid Street, Christchurch t: 01202 489361
Full historic display of electricity supply
Everything from a grapefruit to a generator is electric –
including yourself!
Open Monday to Thursday 12
noon to 4.30pm from Easter to
the end of September. During
whatever the weather... guaranteed fun! local school holidays, including
It’s a full day’s
half term, also open Fridays.
Normal
fun at dorset’s admissions Free
number 1! The Old Power Station, Bargates, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 1QE
Telephone: 01202 480467 Fax: 01202 480468
www.sse.com/museum
Steam Through
Now over Dorset
30 rides and CALL 01202 483444 Visit Swanage by train.
attractions www.adventurewonderland.co.uk
opposite bournemouth airport The most convenient way to visit Corfe Castle.
Use Norden Park & Ride off the A351.
£2 OFF VOUCHER www.swanagerailway.co.uk
01929 425800
1 hour Ski-bob or Ringo hire Photograph courtesy of Andrew P.M.Wright
Valid from 10am - 9pm 7 days a week
GREAT FOR KIDS Guided Walks & Tours Leaflet
BIRTHDAY PARTIES The Christchurch Historic Tours and Trails leaflet
gives information on heritage and natural history
Matchams Lane, Hurn, Christchurch walks and talks and is available from the
Tel: 01202 499155
Christchurch Information Centre.
Web: www.snowtrax.eu
Cut out and present to redeem offer (XC)
www.visitchristchurch.infoEating out
To Book Call 01202 483434
Voted Best Plant Retailer
in the UK 2009 & 2010*
Newly
refurbished EdwardsCOFFEE SHOP
HARBOUR SIDE RETREAT
Tranquil harbour side retreat boasting not just spectacular
views but a waterside restaurant with Al Fresco dining,
Terrace and luxury Spa.
SPA BREAKS FROM ONLY £99 PER PERSON PER NIGHT
DINNER, BED AND BREAKFAST
Also on site GardenLands Lyndhurst Road
• Pets Corner Christchurch BH23 4SA
• Edinburgh Woollen Mill Open 7 days • 01425 272244 Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa, 95 Mudeford, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 3NT
• Maidenhead Aquatics
• Broomhill Garden Buildings Email: christchurch@harbourhotels.co.uk
www.christchurch-harbour-hotel.co.uk
www.stewarts.co.uk
3 course dinner from only £20.00 pp
The Lord Bute a perfect venue
CHIC, STYLISH, INTIMATE, ELEGANT
Take a stunning Georgian building in a historical setting,
add contemporary luxury, exquisite food and an intimate atmosphere
and you have The Kings Hotel Christchurch.
ROOMS FROM ONLY £115 PER COUPLE PER NIGHT
DINNER BED AND BREAKFAST
To Book Call 01202 588933
The Kings Hotel, 18 Castle Street, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 1DT
Reservations: +44 (0) 1202 588933
Fax: +44(0) 1202 588930
Email: kings@harbourhotels.co.uk Web: www.thekings-christchurch.co.uk
Michelin Recommended
www.visitchristchurch.infoEating out
NF Perfumery advert:Layout 1 19/08/2010 10:12 Page 1
Welcome to the
award winning
New Forest Perfumery,
Gift Shop & Tea Rooms
BREAKFASTS
LUNCHES
CREAM TEAS
Beautiful courtyard
Open 7 days a week from 9.00 am overlooked by castle ruins
New Forest Perfumery,
Gift Shop & Tea Rooms
11 Castle Street, Christchurch Tel: 01202 482893
www.newforestperfumery.co.uk
The Captain’s Club Hotel
Enjoy the riverside setting of Tides restaurant and bar at the
cheese
Captain’s Club Hotel even more with our exceptional Alfresco
setting for lunch and dinner on the waterside terrace.
alfies • First class service and award winning food
• Live music in the bar and lounge
10 Church Street • Private banquet rooms for weddings, conferences and
Christchurch private functions
BH23 1BW • All hotel and spa facilities open to non-residents
01202 487000
www.cheeseandalfies.com
breakfast . brunch . lunch . dinner
Captain’s Club Hotel
Wick Ferry, Wick Lane,Christchurch, Dorset BH23 1HU
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01202 486120• •www.masalabay.co.uk
486120
486120
486120 •www.masalabay.co.uk
•www.masalabay.co.uk
www.masalabay.co.uk
24 Bridge Street, Christchurch • Telephone 01202 486120 • www.masalabay.co.ukAccommodation
Grosvenor Lodge
Bourne again.
0000
Guest House
Picture a warm welcoming
space where you can be
yourself. Close to the station,
airport, town and beaches. New terminal. Now unveiled.
Where big hearty breakfasts
are served early, or late.
Packed lunches are crammed
with goodies. Where the
decor is soothing and the
company lively. Pillows are
Inside Back Cover
plumped, and TV's flat screened. Holiday makers benefit
from local knowledge, business men from Wi-Fi access. Ad
53 Stour Road, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 1LN
Tel: 01202 499008 Fax: 01202 486041
bookings@grosvenorlodge.co.uk
www.grosvenorlodge.co.uk
and Christchurch Priory.
Christchurch’s restaurants, cafés, shops, The Quay
lounge, bar lounge or cocktail bar.
with private lounge. Relax in style in our sun
rooms with large private balcony. Or mini suite
screen DVD/CD and Wi Fi access.
Pressed cotton sheets, deep piled bathrobes, flat
lite bites and drinks in your room.
The smell of polish never far away.
Details: sparkling glasses, gleaming bath taps.
park and tree lined walk leading to
Location, location. Druid House overlooks a
central sunny courtyard. Deluxe first floor
Choice: ground floor rooms opening onto a
Looking after you includes serving breakfast,
Top priority: we want you to feel special.
Top priority: we want you to feel special. Fly
26 Sopers Lane, Looking after you includes serving breakfast, to over
45
Christchurch, Dorset,lite
BH23
bites 1JE
and drinks in your room.
t: 01202 485615
e: reservations@druid-house.co.uk
Details: sparkling glasses, gleaming bath taps.
www.druid-house.co.uk
The smell of polish never far away. destinations
Pressed cotton sheets, deep piled bathrobes, flat worldwide
screen DVD/CD and Wi Fi access. 00000
Choice: ground floor rooms opening onto a
central sunny courtyard. Deluxe first floorMilton Barns Hotel
Restaurant-Tea Rooms-Functions Venue
Near Walkford, New Milton
A unique & attractive historical barn with:
• Tea rooms
• Grill Room
• Restaurant
• Stylish Accommodation
Along with facilities for:
• Functions
• Business meetings
• Weddings etc.
See latest pictures on www.MiltonBarns.co.uk
or ring 01425 618800 for further details.
Open for early morning breakfast through to evening dining
Highcliffe Castle Tea Rooms & Function Rooms
Highcliffe
Probably the most unique location in southern
England set on top of the beach for coffee,
light lunches, Dorset cream teas along with
large ‘’Al Fresco’’ seating area. Function rooms
also for hire.
See latest pictures on
www.Highcliffecastletearooms.co.uk
or telephone 01425 270924.
Open year round from mid morning
until late afternoon
Cliffhanger Restaurant
Coffee House & Live Tribute Acts Venue
Highcliffe
An unbelievable location high up on the cliff top looking out to sea for early
breakfast, morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea, evening dining,
or (live) tribute ‘music & dining’ nights.
For latest pictures and latest music night events see:
www.CliffHangerCafe.co.uk or telephone 01425 278058.
Always look out for our special offers and promotions at all our
locations throughout the Summer and Winter months
Now taking bookings for Christmas & New Year periodsYou can also read
