Pictures of Christchurch
in the county of Dorset
About Christchurch
Christchurch is one of Dorset's "gems" it is set on the confluence of two rivers, the Stour and the Avon. In Saxon times it was a walled town, a stronghold of Alfred the Great, as he held out against the Danes. Today, the town still clings to much of its original Saxon street plan and shows interesting houses and cottages from the past.
One of its old buildings, Place Mill is mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086. This still stands on Christchurch Quay, close to the ruins of its historic Norman Castle.
Christchurch has one of the longest parish churches in England. The magnificent Priory dates back to the 12th-century, it has carved choir stalls older than those of Westminster Abbey. The building itself displays a mixture of styles ranging from Norman to Renaissance, amongst its most notable features are the chantry chapels, a so-called miraculous beam, and a monument to the poet Shelley.
Red House Museum was once a Georgian workhouse, this is now a lively visitor attraction where visitors can see exciting displays of local social history, learn of the town's heritage and admire a display of Arts and Crafts furniture made by designer Arthur Romney Green in the 1930's. There are also archaeological finds and a reconstruction of a 19th-century High Street Taxidermist.
Today, the town is very much a centre for tourists, its pleasant harbour acts as a magnet for fishermen, sailors and water-sports enthusiasts. It is also a haven for wildlife attracting naturalists from all over the country.
Planning a visit? Please see below for other recommended towns, attractions and recommended hotels nearby.
Distances and directions below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner
Recommended attractions near Christchurch
| Christchurch Priory | (0.3 miles, 0.5 km) | Pictures |
| Christchurch Castle | (0.8 miles, 1.2 km) | Pictures |
| Hengistbury Head | (1.8 miles, 2.9 km, direction SE) | Pictures |
| Highcliffe Castle | (3.0 miles, 4.8 km, direction E) | Pictures |
| Alice in Wonderland Maze, Hurn | (3.9 miles, 6.2 km, direction NW) | Pictures |
| Russell Cotes Art Gallery and Museum | (4.3 miles, 6.9 km, direction W) | Pictures |
| The Bournemouth Eye | (4.6 miles, 7.4 km, direction W) | Pictures |
| Avon Heath Country Park | (6.0 miles, 9.7 km, direction N) | Pictures |
| Compton Acres Gardens | (6.8 miles, 10.9 km, direction W) | Pictures |
| Stapehill Abbey | (7.9 miles, 12.7 km, direction NW) | Pictures |
| Brownsea Island | (8.5 miles, 13.7 km, direction SW) | Pictures |
| Hurst Castle | (9.8 miles, 15.8 km, direction E) | Pictures |
| Studland Beach & Nature Reserve | (9.8 miles, 15.8 km, direction SW) | Pictures |
| Hurst Lighthouse | (10.2 miles, 16.4 km, direction E) | Pictures |
| Upton Country Park | (10.3 miles, 16.5 km, direction W) | Pictures |
All attractions in ChristchurchAll attractions in DorsetComplete A to Z of attractions in EnglandRecommended towns near Christchurch
Southbourne, in the county of Dorset (1.1 miles, 1.7 km)
Southbourne is a sedate coastal resort lying close to the mouth of the River Stour, just a few minutes drive from its more famous...
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Mudeford, in the county of Dorset (1.6 miles, 2.6 km, direction E)
Picturesque holiday resort nestling at the point where the River Avon rushes into the sea at Christchurch Bay.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Highcliffe, in the county of Dorset (2.8 miles, 4.5 km, direction E)
Highcliffe village is surrounded by sweeping beaches backed by gorse-clad low cliffs from which the visitor can enjoy superb vista's of rolling frothy waves tumbling into Christchurch Bay.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Hurn, in the county of Dorset (3.0 miles, 4.9 km, direction NW)
This is a pretty Dorset village with pleasant period buildings from the 18th-century.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Ripley, in the county of Hampshire (3.7 miles, 6.0 km, direction N)
One could be forgiven for thinking that this Yorkshire village has a faintly French air for Ripley was indeed remodelled in 1827 along the lines of a typical French village of Alsace Lorraine.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Bournemouth, in the county of Dorset (4.8 miles, 7.7 km, direction W)
Seven miles of glorious golden sands, fringed by the bluest of seas lapping the shore, make Bournemouth a firm favourite for family holidays.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
New Milton, in the county of Hampshire (5.1 miles, 8.2 km, direction E)
New Milton is a small sea-side town, with a variety of shops ranging from the charismatic old-fashioned department store Bradbeers, to modern shops such as New Look and Woolworths.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Burley, in the county of Hampshire (6.9 miles, 11.1 km, direction NE)
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Ferndown, in the county of Dorset (7.3 miles, 11.7 km, direction NW)
This town lies amidst noted countryside between Wimborne Minster and Ringwood.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Stapehill, in the county of Dorset (7.8 miles, 12.6 km, direction NW)
Stapehill, in the beautiful Dorset countryside is best known for its romantic Abbey gardens which are an absolute joy for every visitor including gardening enthusiasts.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Sandbanks, in the county of Dorset (8.2 miles, 13.1 km, direction SW)
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Milford on Sea, in the county of Hampshire (8.3 miles, 13.3 km, direction E)
The advent of the railways brought the Victorians flocking the enjoy the delights of Milford beach, which is mostly sand and shingle and from which, safe bathing can be enjoyed.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Keyhaven, in the county of Hampshire (9.1 miles, 14.7 km, direction E)
The village is lovely and peaceful with moorings for boats along the quayside and unrivalled views across to the Isle of Wight and Hurst Castle.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Poole, in the county of Dorset (9.1 miles, 14.7 km, direction W)
Three miles of golden beaches extending from Sandbanks to Brankesome Dene Chine and on towards Bournemouth, ensure an enjoyable time for families and sun-worshippers alike.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Moyles Court, in the county of Hampshire (9.6 miles, 15.5 km, direction N)
Open forest surrounds this quiet hamlet which is only a few minutes drive from Ringwood, a busy market town at the western end of the New Forest.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
All towns in DorsetComplete A to Z of towns in EnglandNearby travel help
| Christchurch Station | (0.4 miles, 0.6 km) |
| Pokesdown Station | (2.4 miles, 3.9 km, direction W) |
| Bournemouth Airport | (3.9 miles, 6.3 km, direction NW) |
| M27 Junction 1 | (15.2 miles, 24.5 km, direction NE) |
| M27 Junction 2 | (18.2 miles, 29.3 km, direction NE) |
| Southampton Airport | (23.9 miles, 38.4 km, direction NE) |
| Christchurch to London | (89.5 miles, 144.1 km, direction NE) |
Hotels & Accommodation in Christchurch
| Hotel Name | Approximate distance from Christchurch center |
| Captains Club Hotel and Spa | (0.3 miles, 0.5 km) |
| Avonmouth Hotel & Restaurant | (1.6 miles, 2.5 km, direction E) |
| Village Hotel Bournemouth & Leisure Club | (1.9 miles, 3.1 km, direction W) |
| Waterford Lodge | (2.0 miles, 3.2 km, direction E) |
| Fisherman's Haunt Hotel | (2.0 miles, 3.3 km, direction N) |
| Kingsley Hotel | (2.8 miles, 4.5 km, direction W) |
| Urban Beach Hotel | (2.9 miles, 4.6 km, direction W) |
| Denewood Hotel | (2.9 miles, 4.6 km, direction W) |
| Rosscourt Hotel | (2.9 miles, 4.7 km, direction W) |
| The Hostel Inn | (3.0 miles, 4.8 km, direction W) |
| All hotels in Christchurch |
