Are you planning on visiting Christchurch in Dorset and looking for things to do? There are plenty of things to do in Christchurch to keep the whole family entertained.
Through the year there are some great festivals and events happening in Christchurch and there is also plenty of parking in and around the town. Market day in Christchurch is on a Monday.
Red House Museum And Gardens
Quay Rd, Christchurch, BH23 1BU
The community museum and gardens in Christchurch is a former Georgian workhouse. You can find out about the history of Christchurch with Saxon and Iron Age displays.
As well as the museum and gardens, there is also a cafe and gift shop. Throughout the year in half term holidays etc, there are always plenty of family friendly events. Admission to the Red House Museum and Gardens is FREE.
Mudeford Quay And Avon Beach
Christchurch, BH23 4AB
Mudeford Quay in Christchurch is a great place to go crabbing. This is a popular FREE activity in Dorset with a small shop selling crabbing equipment if you don’t have any.
The quay is at the entrance to Christchurch harbour with access to a ferry travelling between Mudeford Quay and Hengistbury Head.
There is a large car park in a convenient location. You are also within walking distance to The Haven House Inn pub and also a short walk away from Avon Beach and The Noisy Lobster restaurant.
Avon Beach is a great location for enjoying fish and chips on the beach in the Summer months with a convenient fish and chip takeaway kiosk on the beach.
If you’re into water sports such as paddle boarding and kayaking, then Mudeford Quay is one of the popular places for both in Dorset.
Highcliffe Castle
Rothesay Dr, Highcliffe, Christchurch, BH23 4LE
This historical castle in Dorset has plenty of activities and events happening throughout the year. The grade 1 listed building has a lot of history including when it was destroyed by fires, left to ruin, and then brought back to life.
Highcliffe Castle is now council owned and a stunning location for a wedding, and outdoor theatre events and plenty more. Why not visit the castle grounds and tea rooms to immerse yourself in history.
Christchurch Castle And Norman House
In the centre of Christchurch you can visit the castle ruins and Norman House ruins. The mound-top keep or great tower was part of a large Norman castle that once dominated the town of Christchurch.
Nearby is the 12th century riverside chamber block known as the Norman House. It was once the residence for the Lord of Christchurch.
To visit both ruins, there is a lovely river walk along side the river and side stream following what is referred to as Nuns Walk. If you follow this path around the river and over the bridge, you will arrive at Christchurch Quay.
Christchurch Quay
There are two main areas that make up Christchurch Quay – The Quomps and Town Quay. The Quomps is home to a large flat grassed area and the popular splash park that is open during the Summer months.
You’ll find an art gallery (Place Mill) in the Town Quay area as well as a Victorian bandstand. This area in Christchurch is home to many events through the year, and you’ll also find boats for hire in the Summer season.
Christchurch Priory
Quay Rd, Christchurch, BH23 1BU
There has been a church on the site of Christchurch Priory for over 1300 years. The Priory church is open for visitors as well as regular services. You often find Christchurch Priory have tours in September as part of the Heritage Open Days.
The Regent Centre
51 High St, Christchurch, BH23 1AS
In the heart of the high street, you’ll find the Regent Centre. The 1930s Art Deco Cinema and Theatre is home to many great shows and films through the year. You’ll also find Christmas shows and other live shows throughout the year as well.
Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre
Christchurch, BH23 1HW
You’ll find two pools at Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre in Christchurch with lots of different swim sessions on the timetable. As well as the Junior Swim Academy, there are open family swim sessions and also wet ‘n’ wild sessions.
During the fun wet ‘n’ wild sessions the pool has floats, balls and an inflatable obstacle course.
This leisure centre in Dorset also has a fitness suite, fitness classes and 3G pitches.
Bournemouth Aviation Museum
Merritown Lane, Christchurch, BH23 6BA
If you enjoy planes, and history, you’ll love the Bournemouth Aviation Museum near Bournemouth Airport. Visitors are encouraged to sit in the cockpit and see how it may have felt back in time.
If you’re visiting the museum near Bournemouth, there’s plenty of free parking on site, and there’s no need to pre book your visit.
Exhibits at the museum include a Boeing 747, Chichester-Miles Leopard, a Gloster Meteor NF14 and plenty more.
The museum is open all year round apart from Christmas Day, and is also located opposite Bournemouth airport. Why not admire the planes taking off and landing at the same time.
Snowtrax Alpine Activity Centre
Matchams Lane, Christchurch BH23 6AW
On the outskirts of Bournemouth, near Bournemouth airport, you can take on the slopes all year round if you fancy some ski bobbing, snowboarding, skiing, or trying out the ringo’s.
Ski lessons are available from a young age, as well as fun sessions to take part in. Why not book a children’s birthday party?
Related post – Bumper list of things to do in Dorset