Dorset’s most idyllic town, Christchurch is situated close to Bournemouth and the New Forest National Park, making it the perfect holiday destination.
It’s harbour, nature reserves and beaches make it a fun yet relaxing place to stay and with over 1.5 million visitors a year, there’s no wonder that Christchurch is a popular destination. Read on to discover why Christchurch should be on your holiday bucket list this summer.
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The Priory is the longest church in England and is one of the very few monasteries that survived King Henry VIII’s merciless rule. The current church was built in the 11th century, but the Priory’s medieval roof can still be seen – making it a fascinating place to visit. Within the grounds there is also the stunning alabaster tomb of Margaret Countess of Salisbury, who was executed by Henry VIII and later became known as a saintly Catholic martyr. Alongside the Priory there is a 12th century castle, now only ruins within the grounds. The grounds also offer panoramic views of Christchurch and its harbour making it a perfect picture spot.
Christchurch boasts of over four miles of coastline, with six separate beaches located in and around the town. Avon beach is fantastic for young families, with its gorgeous sandy beaches and clear waters. Lifeguards consistently guard the coastline and there is even a separate area designated for water sports such as surfing and bodyboarding. Avon beach even has a beach shop and restaurant, so you can spend the entire day relaxing by the ocean.
Highcliffe beach is another favourite amongst visitors, being only a few minutes walk from the town centre. It has a stunning sandy beach with the opportunity to explore the cliffside. Highcliffe is often quieter than Avon beach and is also perfect for young families.
Just a ten-minute drive away from Christchurch, the New Forest National Park is a vast nature reserve full of endangered wildlife. It is one of the largest parks in the south of England and offers a variety of different activities. There are twenty-seven walking trails to follow with one of the most popular being the Radnor trail, which takes you through the ancient woodland of the park. For nature lovers, New Forest is home to deer, uncommon butterflies and an array of rare wading birds.
The Christchurch food and wine festival is renowned across the country as one of the best food events to attend– with over 60,000 visitors every single year. Launched in 2000, the event offers incredible food and drinks from around the world, with a focus on sustainable and ethically sourced produce. Though the festival was cancelled in 2024 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the event will now take place over the August bank holiday.
The festival even offers a Chef Demonstration theatre event, where top chefs from around the country demonstrate their culinary abilities to an audience, including the famous Rosemary Shrager – known for her appearance on Ladette to Lady and Soapstar Superchef. This is something you don’t want to miss.
Christchurch is a serene and tranquil town with various beautiful beaches and great places to eat and drink. With New Forest National Park on its doorstep, Christchurch is a fantastic base to explore everything that Dorset has to offer. Make sure to visit the renowned food and drinks festival taking place in August for a one in a kind culinary experience. With everything Christchurch has to offer, it isn’t hard to see why it is one of the most visited towns in Dorset.
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