Christchurch

Christchurch sits between the rivers Avon and Stour, which run together into Christchurch Harbour on Dorset’s eastern edge, next to Bournemouth. The parish had 31,372 residents at the 2021 census. Although it is in Dorset, it is run by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council rather than Dorset Council, so parking, beach and dog rules come from BCP.

The Priory is the landmark. At 311 feet (about 95 m) long, it is one of the longest parish churches in the country, and it stands close to the quay on Quay Road. It is open to visitors daily except during special services and events, so check the Priory’s website before a long trip.

Hengistbury Head is the outing to plan around. It is a stone and iron age archaeology site and a local nature reserve, with views across the Bournemouth area to the Purbecks and the Isle of Wight. There is a pay and display car park and a visitor centre a five-minute flat walk from it, and a land train links the Head with Mudeford Spit, generally from April to October and weather permitting. The harbour is sheltered by that sandbar, and its entrance, known as the Run, has Mudeford Quay on one side. The 64-mile Stour Valley Way finishes at Hengistbury Head.

Further east, Highcliffe has the Grade I listed Highcliffe Castle. Christchurch has a railway station on the South West Main Line, which helps if you would rather leave the car at the cottage.