Things to do in Christchurch

With castles that date back to the Norman period, historic churches, nature reserves and leafy parks, Christchurch is home to an impressive array of attractions.

Whether it’s local art galleries, fascinating museums that recount the region’s rich history, or food, music and arts festivals, there’s always something to see and do in Christchurch.

With mile after mile of stunning coastline, the harbour is home to a wide range of watersports and beaches, perfect for sunny day lazing, windsurfing and more.

Choose from wide open sandy beaches, secluded hotspots home to some of the most expensive beach huts in the UK or windswept shingle beaches underneath cliff-top castles.

With its cliff-top location, Highcliffe Castle offers stunning views across the English Channel and is one of the best-preserved 18th-century romantic castles in the UK.

A small town, Christchurch can still boast a strong art and entertainment scene, with regular live music, theatre and opera thanks to venues like the excellent Regent Centre.

Seafood looms large here thanks to its coastal location, but the town is also home to a wide range of cuisines, including Thai, Italian, Indian and more. Discover the best cafés and restaurants in Christchurch with our eating-out guide.

With historic pubs, quaint country inns and lively town-centre bars open late into the night, Christchurch has a lively and contained nightlife scene. Find out the best spots to head to once the sun goes down.

Be it modern shopping centres, mini markets perfect for picking up a bargain or hunting down designer names, you’ll find everything and more in Christchurch.

A short drive from each of our Christchurch hotels, the New Forest is one of the largest forests in the south and a relatively untouched space that makes you feel like you’re stepping back in time.

One of the leading family-friendly destinations in the region, Adventure Wonderland is aimed at kids aged 12 and under. There are a wide range of rides and attractions and even guest visits from Peppa Pig and friends.

With two airports within half an hour of Christchurch, getting into the town couldn’t be easier. Add in train, road and ferry networks, and you have a well-connected town.