Most eastern town of Dorset
Christchurch is the most easterly town of Dorset and its focal point is the historic 11th century Priory Church, which is located close to the harbour and the older part of the town. Close by are the Red House Museum and Gardens, and the historic ruins of the Norman Hall and Christchurch Castle.
Shopping in Christchurch
The traditional town centre includes a good mix of specialist shops, restaurants and cafes. Weekly events include the Monday open-air market and the Country Fayre on Thursdays.
Christchurch culture
The Regent Centre in the High Street, which has recently undergone a major facelift, provides a wide range of entertainment - from grand opera to wrestling, and from musical theatre shows to top films. Also the close to the town centre is the Museum of Electricity which includes amongst its exhibits a fully restored Bournemouth tramcar.
A series of events is held through the year: the Food and Wine festival, a music festival, open air performances at the Priory House Gardens, the Christchurch Regatta and Carnival.
Christchurch Priory
Building of Christchurch's Priory was thought to have commenced in 1094. There's a local legend that claims one of the major beams was too short but overnight "grew" to the correct length. A mysterious carpenter who was involved in building work at the time, also disappeared that night! The locals concluded that this man must have been Christ himself and so referred to the Priory as Christ's Church. Eventually the town itself became know as Christchurch.
Christchurch Quay
From Christchurch Quay, with its flock of residents swans, there is a frequent ferry service which links Tuckton Tea Gardens, Wick Ferry, and Mudeford Sandbank for the beach and Hengistbury Head. A second ferry operates between Mudeford Sandbank and Mudeford Quay.
Places for kids in Christchurch
Outside the town, just opposite Bournemouth International Airport, are the award-winning Adventure Wonderland and the Bournemouth Aviation Museum. Just a few minutes drive away is the Snowtrax Outdoor Activity Centre, where a number of "Winter Sports" can be enjoyed all year long.
Christchurch transport links
Christchurch enjoys good rail connections with the rest of the country, being on the main line from London Waterloo just 90 minutes away. The M3 motorway, A31 and A338 roads give dual carriageway access to within 3 miles of the town centre. Bournemouth International Airport is served by Ryanair flights from Dublin, Edinburgh and Glasgow and nearby Poole and Weymouth are ferry terminals for journeys to France and the Channel Isles.
