24 Best Things to Do in Christchurch UK [2024]

Note – This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy via these, I may earn a small fee. This has absolutely no effect on the price you pay. As an eBay and Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

If you’re visiting the New Forest and are seeking a place to stay or a destination for a day out, then may I suggest Christchurch? As it’s my adopted home town I might be biased, but there really are plenty of things to do in Christchurch, UK.

Christchurch is a peaceful, pretty place where it’s all about the simple pleasures in life. It’s in Dorset, but only just: on the edge of the New Forest and Hampshire to be precise. Christchurch is a compact town has history, beaches, rivers and some lovely places to shop, eat and drink.

As much of the appeal is about natural beauty, there are many free things to do in Christchurch, Dorset too. Which is great news when you’re on a budget. Or are seeking something other than noisy places, expensive attraction entry fees and big town anonymity.

When you’re wondering what to do in Christchurch, look no further. This guide lists all the best things to do here. Including my own favourites, plus others that friends and family who live here or come to visit love.

Whether what to see in Christchurch for you involves historic sites, you’d rather spend time shopping or you’re craving a day at the beach, read on to plan your perfect afternoon, day or weekend in Christchurch!

Things to Do in Christchurch Contents

things to do in Christchurch UK
Christchurch Priory

24 of the Best Things to Do in Christchurch, Dorset

1. Pay a visit to Christchurch Priory

Best for a local icon

The magnificent Priory church looms over Christchurch, so you really cannot miss it. In either sense. This majestic house of worship isn’t your average church: it’s as large as some English cathedrals.

The priory is a working Church of England church, so you can attend a service there if you feel so inclined. You can also find a shop and tea rooms there between 10am and 4pm, though of course they’re shut on Sundays.

Whether you stroll through the grounds – maybe taking a few pictures along the way – or have a look inside, it’s a beautiful and calming place to be. Several times when wandering around I’ve caught sight of a wedding taking place there, which is a sight to behold.

However long you decide to spend there – even if you’re only passing by – don’t miss this breathtaking church. It has to be number one on the list of things to see in Christchurch.

2. Stroll around Christchurch Quay

Best for green space & play parks

Christchurch Quay is but a stone’s throw from Christchurch Priory. You can reach it by walking along the river, or by cutting through the car park behind the priory.

At Christchurch Quay you’ll find boats, swans, a bandstand and some great kids’ play areas. There’s a big playground, plus a children’s splash park in summer: this part is known as The Quomps. A huge green expanse also gives you plenty of space for picnics or running around.

You could also enjoy an al fresco lunch on one of the park benches right by the water, watching the boats bobbing on the surface and the graceful swans gliding by. Another reason to visit the quay area is the Red House Museum.

3. Meander through the Red House Museum and Gardens

Best for local culture & history

The Red House Museum and Gardens is located between the quay and the centre of town. It’s the place to go for a dose of local culture. In addition to the museum itself, there are gardens, plus a shop and cafe.

The fact the museum was a workhouse during Georgian times makes it a fascinating place to visit. The red-brick building dates back to the mid 18th century. This is also, of course, one of the top things to do in Christchurch, Dorset in the rain.

With regular events and carefully curated exhibits, the Red House Museum traces the history of this lovely area back as far as the ice Age.

4. Take a photo at the Old Stocks

Best for a photo opportunity

As a historic town, there’s some really old stuff to see in Christchurch. The old stocks are one example, and it’s fun to snap a photo of someone with their hands through the holes.

Take the footpath by Dirty Gertie’s, almost opposite the King’s Arms hotel. The stocks are right there by one of the town’s main streets.

5. Stroll to the Ducking Stool

Best for grim fascination

Another of the top things to do in Christchurch is to pay the ducking stool a visit. If you follow the path between the river and the King’s Arms, you’ll reach this ancient relic soon enough. These chairs over the water have a pretty grim history.

The Ducking Stool has given its name to a local cafe on a small thoroughfare called – you guessed it – Ducking Stool Lane. Back in the day, ducking stools were used for the purpose of punishment. Repeated use of the scolding stool could cause humiliation, discomfort or even death.

Ducking stools were used more often for women than men. Sometimes witchcraft – or suspected associations with the occult – were involved.

things to do in Christchurch Dorset
The Old Stocks

6. Walk along by the river

Best for a breath of fresh air

Both the River Avon and the River Stour run through Christchurch. The former is the one close to the bridge and the King’s Arms, while the latter is the one at Christchurch Quay. In fact the local leisure centre is called ‘Two Riversmeet’.

Taking a walk along here is delightful. You can see ducks and swans, and it’s a pretty place for a stroll, whichever direction you take. Starting at the ducking stool and ending at the quay – or vice versa – is my recommended route.

7. Climb up to Christchurch Castle

Best for history buffs

Close to the river and the old stocks are the remains of Christchurch Castle. A slightly winding staircase leads to the top, and you’re free to take a look whenever you like. The castle’s history dates back as far as 1160.

This elevated site is a lovely spot for a photo, plus views over town and the priory. It makes a good diversion when walking by the river.

8. Follow the Blue Plaque trail

Best for historic sites

The Blue Plaque Millennium Trail was established in 2000, and has had a recent refresh. There are 19 blue plaques in town in total to discover. Drop into the tourist information centre in the middle of the high street to pick up the leaflet you’ll need.

Notable sites include the Town Hall, a Saxon cemetery, Place Mill, The Regent Centre, the Red House Museum and Ye Olde George Inn.

9. Shop till you drop

Best for retail therapy

There’s some lovely little independent boutiques in Christchurch, and they make shopping for clothes, shoes and accessories a real pleasure. Simply wander around and see which takes your fancy.

My top tip is to dip into the charity shops too if you’re fond of a bargain. As this is generally a well-heeled area, some amazing buys are to be had if you strike it lucky. My finds have included an as-new dress I wore to a wedding and a couple of smart handbags.

Bookends is worth a look, and sells a lot more than just books. Their gift and art sections are great, and you can pick up nice greetings cards here too.

10. Stock up on food

Best for picking up supplies

If you need to stock up for your stay in the area, then there’s nowhere better to do just that. This is one of the most fun things to do in Christchurch for any foodie.

There’s an M&S Food on the High Street, or take the underground pedestrian passage to reach Waitrose. You can also find a branch of Iceland in Saxon Square. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss Granny’s Cupboard, also in Saxon Square.

Whether you prefer more upmarket pastries or are happier with a good old Gregg’s, there’s a branch of the latter on the High Street, plus Patisserie Mark Bennett on the corner near the pedestrian underpass.

The Ducking Stool

11. Attend a Christchurch Food Festival

Best for street food

Christchurch Food Festival is held in the town every year, normally at the end of May. It’s a big hit with locals and visitors alike, and has grown massively since we first moved here two decades ago.

You can expect a couple of celebrity chefs, over 100 artisan food stalls, around 25 street food traders and a line-up of events lasting for three days. It’s all centred on the quay, as well as other venues around town.

Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival is my local one and this is usually held about two weeks later, in June. This is also growing fast, and it lasts for a couple of days. The names gives away the fact that this one is popular among art fans as well as foodies.

12. Dine out in style

Best for foodies

There’s all sorts of restaurants to dine out at in Christchurch. You have the Upper Deck restaurant at the Christchurch Harbour Hotel. The Jetty is the second eatery here, and both offer spectacular views towards Hengistbury Head.

For river rather than harbour views, head to the Captain’s Club. Their restaurant is right by the water. Or for dining right by the beach, book a table at the Noisy Lobster at Avon Beach.

If you prefer ethnic fare, we love Mela, an Indian restaurant close to Waitrose (also accessed via the pedestrian underpass). For the best authentic Thai food, my tip is to head to Similan Thai in Highcliffe and order the beef massaman curry. Delish doesn’t do it justice at all.

From cafes or pub grub to fine dining, there’s lots of dining options – both in central Christchurch and close by. The Oaks in Highcliffe is ideal for that beach vibe, too, and is a Brasserie Blanc (as in Raymond Blanc). You can even dine in beach huts in the garden.

13. Enjoy afternoon tea

Best for filling your belly

As a picturesque town by the water, Christchurch makes the perfect place for afternoon tea. There are some lovely cafes and hotels in the town, and this is also among the best things to do near Christchurch at a seaside spot close by.

One of my local favourites – as a hotel, a spa and an afternoon tea venue – is Christchurch Harbour Hotel. It’s just along from Avon Beach. There are fabulous views from the restaurant over to Hengistbury Head and its beach huts too.

Other local hotspots for finger sandwiches, dainty cakes and scones slathed in jam and clotted cream include the Captain’s Club, which has a restaurant by the river. There’s also the King’s Arms in the centre of town, by the bridge.

14. Have a spa day

Best for self-indulgence

Several of the smart hotels in Christchurch have spas that are very nice indeed. For a spot of well-deserved self-indulgence, spending time at one of these allows you to completely unwind.

The two choices in town are the HARSPA at the Christchurch Harbour Hotel and the CC Spa at the Captain’s Club. The former is near Mudeford Quay and Avon Beach, while the latter is in the centre of twon, near Christchurch Quay. Both are beautiful, modern hotels by the water with lovely spas.

15. Go crabbing at Mudeford Quay

Best for old-fashioned fun

Head to Mudeford Quay for some good old-fashioned fun. With or without the kids. The quay has everything you need for a great day out. There’s a big car park right there by the water, plus the Haven House Inn which has a pub, shop and cafe.

You can buy crabbing buckets, if you want to, from the shop here or the one by the Noisy Lobster (follow the path leading east to reach this).

Christchurch Castle

Best for overnight beach huts

Mudeford Quay is also the departure point for the ferry to Hengistbury Head, aka Mudeford Sandbank. This is a sandy spit that’s home to some of the most expensive overnight beach huts on the planet. There’s also a restaurant, and of course lovely beaches on the far (southern-facing) side.

It’s a short and enjoyable ride over. You can spend the whole day at the beach there, or simply stroll around for a while before heading back. Make sure your smartphone’s charged – you won’t be able to resist capturing the colourful beach huts on camera.

17. Hire a SUP or kayak

Best for taking to the water

Another thing to do from Mudeford Quay is to hire a SUP board from Shore Sports. They have a base at the quay, so it’s easy just to pick one up when their trailer is staffed. Outside of the summer, it’s best to pre-book your equipment, or lessons, online in advance.

In addition to stand-up paddleboards, Shore Sports offers kayaking, sailing and windsurfing. Qualified intructors can show you the way if you want to book tuition. The harbour’s calm, shallow waters are ideal for beginners.

18. Rent a boat

Best for discovering the river

If you want to explore the river rather than – or as well as – the harbour by water, then you can hire a boat at Christchurch Quay. You need no licence or experience, and will recieve full instructions and be given life jackets to wear.

Boats can be hired for half an hour or a full hour. Quay Leisure Boat Hire operates between Easter and October, weather permitting. You cannot book, just turn up at the kiosk when you want to head out on the water.

19. Trip to Tuckton Tea Gardens

Best for a picnic

Tuckton Tea Gardens are delightfully old-fashioned – and the ideal spot for a picnic. Getting there is all part of the fun as well. You can hop on board a historic ferry at Christchurch Quay.

Alternatively, you can walk there via Tuckton Bridge. Once you’ve had your fill of the tea gardens – and/or food – you can walk down to Hengistbury Head from here if you’d like to. One of my favourite local cycle rides takes this route.

20. Jump on a Beryl bike or scooter

Best for a local’s perspective

There are bikes and scooters for hire all over the Christchurch area. Anyone can take one, as long as you have your payment card details to hand. They’re parked in marked bays, but you can leave them wherever you like.

There is a fee for doing that, however, so it’s cheaper to park it back in any bay. Whether you take an electric scooter or a bike, it’s a great way to explore and get off the beaten track.

A blue plaque in Christchurch

21. Hit the beach

Best for beach life

This part of the world is certainly blessed when it comes to coastline. It’s not surprising, then, that one of the top Christchurch things to do is to hit the beach. And there’s certainly plenty of choice.

Beaches stretch in an easterly direction from Mudeford Quay, and in this order, from right to left, as you look at the sea. All of the Christchurch beaches are a mix of sand, shingle and stones.

Gundimore beach

A row of privately owned pastel beach huts and an ice cream van that’s often present. You can walk to the shops and so on at Mudeford Quay and Avon beach from here.

Avon beach

A lifeguard service in peak season, toilets, car parks, a shop, fish and chips, ice cream and coffee stalls, the popular Noisy Lobster restaurant, picnic tables and beach huts for hire. This beach is a windsurfers’ favourite.

Friar’s Cliff beach

More privately owned beach huts, the brilliant Beach Hut cafe (great breakfasts and crab sandwiches are served here and ice cream is sold) and a car park.

Highcliffe Castle beach

The beach below beautiful Highcliffe Castle is broad, unspoiled and a favourite among both families and dog-walkers. Amenities can be found at the castle, which is up the zig-zag path.

Highcliffe beach

Highcliffe beach is small, and the strech below Hoburne Naish is virtually non-existent at high tide. The sections between the groynes, though, are usually quiet. Surfers can often be seen in this area.

Mudeford Sandbank

As mentioned above, you can jump on a ferry to Mudeford Sandbank (or Hengistbury Head) from Mudeford Quay. These operate whenever the flag is flying, and a board at the quay gives the times. The service is very regular, anyway, so you won’t have to wait for long.

There’s a restaurant and a tiny shop here, but you cannot drive to the beach and beach huts. Instead catch the ferry, or park in the car park by the Hiker Cafe and walk, cycle or jump on the land train to reach the beach.

22. Visit Highcliffe Castle

Best for the wow factor

Highcliffe Castle has now been fully restored, after being left to rack and ruin for years following a fire. It’s a honey-toned, gothic style fortress with big visual appeal.

My local castle became a TV star when shown on Mr Selfridge, as Harry himself once lived here. The gardens are also the work of Capability Brown, whose former cottage in Northumberland my friend lives in. Small world.

The castle is a nice place to spend time on a sunny day, even if you don’t venture inside. There’s a nice gift shop here, and hopefully someday soon the cafe will be back up and running again. Regular events and exhibitions are held, and you can buy an entry ticket to discover the history if you want to.

23. See the Selfridge graves

Best for Mr Selfridge fans

If you visit the castle because you’re a Mr Selfridge fan, then you won’t want to miss the Selfridge graves. They are located at St Mark’s church in Highcliffe, which is close to the castle.

To reach them, come out of the castle’s main gates and head straight forward along the short stretch of road leading to a busier road. Cross this busier road and head right until you reach the graveyard gate. This is more-or-less opposite the Lord Bute hotel.

Once you enter the churchyard via the gate, the Selfridge graves can be found along on the left hand side. Harry Selfridge’s grave is much smaller than his wife’s tomb, incidentally.

24. Head to Adventure Wonderland

Best for kids under 11

Adventure Wonderland is on the fringes of Christchurch, close to Bournemouth Airport at Hurn. It’s a fun-filled day out for families with kids, and there’s plenty to keep them occupied all day long.

Characters from Alice in Wonderland stroll around the site all day, talking to visitors, which delights the younger ones. We all enjoyed the hedge maze, and my daughter loved driving the cars when we visited last summer. The galleon ride isn’t for the faint hearted, though – my poor friend was as white as a sheet when she got off (though her son, aged 8, was perfectly fine)!

Highcliffe Castle beach as seen from the zigzag path

Where to Stay in Christchurch

If you’re wondering where to stay in Christchurch, here are my recommendations!

What Will You Do in Christchurch?

From Christchurch activities on the river or by the sea to Christchurch attractions that are of historical importance – or are simply a great way to relax – there’s lots of cool things to do in Christchurch, Dorset.

Whether you’re choosing to make the town your New Forest or Bournemouth area base or are spending a day here, you’re always spoiled for choice in the town that I call home!

For more local area inspo, you might like my review of the Captain’s Club restaurant or Upper Deck restaurant in Christchurch, posts on things to see and do in Poole, things to do in Bournemouth, what to do in the New Forest, villages and towns in the New Forest or where to stay in the New Forest.

Note –  This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy via these, I may earn a small fee. This has absolutely no effect on the price you pay. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.