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All you need to know
A stunning waterside town, peacefully situated on the south coast of Dorset, between the popular seaside resort of Bournemouth and the beautiful New Forest National Park.
Christchurch is a stunning waterside town, peacefully situated on the south coast of Dorset, between the popular seaside resort of Bournemouth with its vibrant night life, and the beautiful New Forest National Park, famous for its tranquil ancient woods, and free roaming ponies.
Situated on the edge of a large natural harbour where the rivers Stour and Avon meet, the sheltered waters at Christchurch provide the perfect setting for enjoying various water sports, including sailing, windsurfing, fishing, and crabbing, or simply soaking up the glorious coastal views.
At the harbour entrance, Mudeford Quay Nature Reserve enjoys breath-taking views out to sea, across to the Isle of Wight, and also back towards the picturesque Christchurch town. A ferry runs from the Quay Head to Mudeford Sandbank, and the golden, family friendly beaches at Avon and Friars Cliff are easily accessed from here.
The bustling harbour town of Christchurch, which dates back to the Iron Age, is a lovely place to spend the day. Stroll through the picturesque historic Priory Quarter, discover the remains of the 12th Century Christchurch Castle, or explore the pretty riverside walks and quay. There are numerous independent shops and quirky galleries to browse to your heart’s content; as well as an abundance of cosy cafés and tempting tea rooms where you can sample high quality local produce, not to mention a delicious Dorset cream tea.
Christchurch has its own mainline train station so is the ideal destination for a holiday without the car - all the towns’ amenities are easily accessible on foot, and the beaches can be reached by passenger ferry.
An outdoor activity centre that gets kids and young adults active, Avon Tyrell Outdoor Activity Centre is a chance to experience, learn and develop, whilst having fun at the same time. fly down a zip wire or learn about conservation, the great outdoors is your classroom as you learn about the wonders of our world.
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(1)
This magnificent Grade 1 Listed Cliff top mansion was built by Lord Stuart de Rothesay in the early 1830’s. Derelict for over two decades, the Castle is now fully restored externally, although not internally. Within the rooms visitors can find information on the Castle’s intriguing history as well as an extensive programme of exhibitions
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Well worth a visit very interesting, lovely grounds, car parking with access to the beach
September 2023
(7)
Taking the title as the home for the world’s most beautiful motorcycles, the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum is the brainchild of motorcycling legend Sammy Miller - 11 time British Champion, and winner of over 1400 events and counting - this is a living museum with almost every motorcycle in full running order. Perfect for petrol heads!
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Excellent day out and reasonably priced entrance fee.
October 2022
Amazing day out and main reason for visiting the area for my husbands 80th Birthday
October 2021
Very interestin* place and courtyard cafe was good
June 2021
Very interesting. However, the new extension was a bit stifling in masks when the sun was shining. Pleasant staff in tea room
September 2020
Great place for a visit. Interesting and cafe was good
August 2020
Fantastic and interesting visit. Great place to go on a day when the weather isn’t so good. Bit expensive but worth it.
April 2019
Brilliant, very interesting. Nice cafe serving delicious food.
August 2017
Come face to face with moving dinosaurs and other prehistoric thrills over 18 holes of action packed adventure golf at Might Claws, part of Playgolf Bournemouth. If you survive you’ll deserve a tasty bite to eat or a hot drink at The Kitchen Club.
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Alpine Activity Centre with lots to do from ski and snowboard novices to those looking to improve their skills. There’s masses to do here - along with three artificial ski slopes and an Alpine Bistro there is an Alpine Adventure Park full of trampolines, swings and a huge fort. And if the kids want a change from skiing or boarding they could try out the Ringos or Ski Bobs too, all under close supervision by the centre’s qualified staff.
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(5)
A locals’ pub with large restaurant serving simple, hearty pub food - think burgers, pies, pasta and steaks, complemented by a popular daily specials board – all very good value. The pub has a good range of well-kept draught lager and wine list. For sports fans, there’s a large TV in the bar, as well as pool, darts and table football. In warmer months, you can sit in the beer garden and let kids have their own fun in the designated play area. Pets welcome.
The Carpenter’s Arms, (T: 01425 672295) Bransgore BH23 8BA
We found this was a lovely pub. Good food well priced. We had a dog & they accepted dogs in the bar area, good service
August 2023
This is a great choice for food . The menu is extensive and the food very tasty. Would definitely return but unfortunately we live 260 miles away !
May 2023
We had used several years ago it was great,but I’m afraid food wasn’t up to standard chicken my husband had was tough and stringy
June 2022
Very good well cooked food. Staff friendly.Will definitely visit again next year
August 2018
Good food with plenty of gluten free options.
October 2017
(4)
A particularly good gastro pub. Two friendly bars and restaurant serving creative, delicious food, using ingredients sourced from local producers wherever possible. Enjoy well-kept ales and a decent selection of wines in this cosy beamed pub with oodles of character. Log fires burn on chilly nights, in the summer, venture out to the large, sunny beer garden and terrace. Foodie themes and events take place throughout the year. Dogs welcome in the bar.
The Three Tuns, (T: 01425 67 22 32) Ringwood Road, Bransgore BH23 8JH
Excellent food a little slow as they had Wedding on but we were not in hurry.
June 2022
Absolutely great, happy evening - pleasant welcome, felt Covid-19 appropriate without spoiling atmosphere. happened to be our first restaurant meal since France, feb 20- had to toss a coin for what to eat as interesting menu - we were in marquee - warm, (Oct 30) visit. Tasty local gin and oh boy, the salted caramel dessert !
November 2020
Well organised COVID-19 pub. Excellent food.
July 2020
Had booked a table for our first night staying in nearby cottage. Very busy in the bar area when we arrived but were quickly shown to our table, drinks were served immediately, and the food was excellent! All the staff were friendly, professional but approachable. It was a busy service, but all tables were served promptly. The only problem we had was deciding what to choose of the varied menu. So good, we booked again for later this week. And, considering the quality of the food thought the pricing was very good. Thoroughly recommend.
March 2019
(3)
A friendly, local eating pub with an area set aside for those that just want a drink. There’s a respectable menu serving well cooked, unpretentious food and good selection of wines, ales and drinks. The pub has a lovely atmosphere with lots of nooks and crannies, beautifully lit and comfortably furnished. Outside is a large sunny beer garden with plenty of room for children to run around. Dogs welcome in the beer garden.
The Crown Inn (T: 01425 672279) Ringwood Road, Bransgore, BH23 8AA
We had an excellent meal here with helpful staff.
June 2022
Excellent
June 2022
very good service and support for our large family with all their various allergies!
September 2021
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A large spacious pub on the B3347 between Christchurch and Ringwood. Inside is rustic, yet elegant and in the summer, you’ll find plenty of tables outside on the patio. The food at The Fisherman’s Haunt comes in generous portions and is really tasty. The main menu consists of standard pub classics, supplemented by a more adventurous specials board. Dogs welcome.
The Fisherman's Haunt (T: 01202 477283) Winkton, BH23 7AS
Friendly staff, nice food, would recommend
September 2021
(9)
A 17th century chocolate-box, picture perfect, thatched pub with spacious conservatory and large beer garden. It’s great for drinks in the heavily beamed main pub, which serves a selection of fun nibbles from the bar – check out the jalapeño pickled eggs! The food here is deliciously wonderful. The menus are forever changing according to what’s local and fresh, and portions are as generous as the first-class service diners receive. Dog owners will love The Woolpack’s pooch friendliness - they even have a ‘Dog Menu’ with main courses and treats!
The Woolpack Inn, (T: 01425 672252) Sopley BH23 7AX
We visited The Woolpack for two evening meals during our weekend stay, as it was within easy walking distance of out cottage, and on both occasions we were given a warm welcome by the staff and thoroughly enjoyed our meals.
April 2024
Friendly, good food and reasonable prices, enjoyed our visit
November 2023
Very welcoming, good, well presented food, open all day, lovely garden and so handy for Sopley Cottages
July 2023
Friendly & local with tasty home cooked food. Great place for a meal, a few drinks or both. Excellent service.
August 2022
Recently revamped by new owners who have done a great job. Friendly welcome, great menu selection and service with a smile with excellent food delivered quickly (but not too quickly) so what's not to like! Interesting variety of indoor and outdoor seating areas add to the attractiveness of the old pub.
April 2022
Decent pub grub and beer
October 2021
We ate at the woolpack on a couple of the nights during our stay. Good pub food and great service
July 2021
Very friendly staff,lovely and clean food acceptable good beer.
July 2021
Had a very nice meal here with the family. Good choice and excellent service. Visited a second time later in the week.
June 2021
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A family friendly beach close to Mudeford and Christchurch Harbour with plenty to do for all. For those with disabilities or small children there is a beach level carpark, and to keep everyone safe there is a designated bathing area and a seperate area allocated for watersports, all overseen by lifeguards in the summer months. This pretty sand and shingle beach is backed by trees and countryside and if you fancy some fresh local seafood or simply a coffee, ice cream or a cold drink, the beach is home to the excellent Noisy Lobster, serving breakfast, lunch and supper all year round.
Nice beach with good facilities
April 2023
Beautiful beach, lots of sand for youngsters- definitely been high on our favourites list, for more than 30 years and still is now the 'children' are nearly 30! - well worth the drive from New Forest. The Noisy Lobster is great and now has an 'outdoor upstairs' too. The Beach Cafe, half-way along, is excellent too- used to do very good carrot cake! The connecting beach towards Steamer Point is dog-friendly all year which is a bonus. Walking to the quay end, you can catch the ferry to Hengistbury Head which is beautiful beach too and often quieter (top favourite!) Even this last week (JULY 2021) the 'kids' wanted to crab-fish from Mudeford Quay!!
August 2021
Highcliffe beach, beneath the popular Cliffhanger Restaurant is a part sandy, part pebble beach. The beach has sloping access as well as steps down to the shore from the pay and display clifftop car park. To the east, Highcliffe beach towards Barton on Sea is a part sandy beach at the foot of the second most eroded cliff in England. This side of the beach is dog-friendly all year. However do check the tide times as high tide can make it difficult to walk along the beach.
To the west towards Highcliffe Castle beach, the promenade leads across the top of the small beaches inbetween the groynes with views across Christchurch Bay and Hengistbury Head. Groynes 4-8 have dog restrictions as does the promenade during the summer months, May-September.
(3)
A picturesque, tree-lined beach of shingle, and sand at low tide. Good facilities on the cliff top including an excellent tea room, public toilets, baby change and a children’s play area in the Castle gardens. Plenty of parking and sloping access down to the beach. Highcliffe Castle beach is dog-friendly all year round.
Very picturesque beach with great access, looks good for a beach day
October 2021
Lovely
April 2019
Lovely clean sandy beach and a really i would highly recommend this spot for your car to break down takes the ouch out of waiting for the recovery truck
April 2017
(3)
This is one of the most scenic of New Forest beaches. Lined with some of the most picturesque and expensive beach huts in the country! There’s no parking next to the beach, as it’s a traffic-free zone, but there’s pay and display parking at Hengistbury Head from where you can catch a little train to the sandbank, and Mudeford Quay which runs a small ferry (5 mins) over to the sandbank. Can also be reached on foot and by bicycle.
This is a holiday must. A short ferry out to amazing beach makes for a great day out.
September 2022
As usual, stunning. 4 ferries but sadly the Land train not running although according to their web site they were. Always visit when in the area
September 2020
Beautiful place, our favourite beach in south of England. It feels like an island, when you go over on the ferry and at times (off-season!) on sunny days it can feel like a little piece of Heaven, it's so peaceful and beautiful- bit of a sense of New England. There's a super little 'restaurant', the Beach Hut, which does great breakfasts, meals all day and some evenings. Also takeaway eg pizzas, you can eat on the beach. Very simple surroundings, with a sheltered veranda that can be uncovered in fine weather, and amazing views. Quite pricey and often very busy (and you are best to ring and check opening times and book since often weather and ferry-dependant) but the quality of the food and those stunning views make it more than worthwhile!
March 2018
(1)
Southbourne Beach is a Blue flag award winning beach with wide, clean, part sand and part shingle beach to the east of Boscombe Pier. With views stretching right across to the Isle of Wight on a clear day and Old Harry Rocks/Swanage to the west.
The beach is popular all year round and during the summer months you can find kiosks serving ice creams and drinks dotted along the promenade.
Other facilities include toilets, baby changing facilities, lost children centres, RNLI lifeguard stations and pubs. There are many beach huts along Southbourne Beach and they are available to rent all year round from the local beach office.
Dogs are not permitted on Southbourne beach from 1st May – 30th September however they are permitted on the promenades all year round when on a lead.
Wonderful sandy, dog friendly beach with spectacular, far fetching views. The addition of Sobo serving fantastic coffee is great.
October 2023