Pictures of Christchurch

in the county of Dorset

Christchurch Priory, Christchurch, Dorset

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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.

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Hotels & Accommodation in Christchurch

	Captains Club Hotel and Spa Wick Lane, Wick Ferry, Christchurch, Bournemouth, Dorset, Dorset, England (0.3 miles, 0.5 km) Stunning river facing two and three bedroom apartments with seperate bathrooms, kitchen/living area ideal for long and short stays. Deluxe king double and twin rooms including two wheelchair user frie... More info and book online.. Price from £109.00
	Avonmouth Hotel & Restaurant 95 Mudeford, Christchurch, Dorset, England (1.6 miles, 2.5 km, direction E) With captivating views to rival some of the very best in Europe, this hotel offers superior dining, unparalleled hospitality and the warmest of welcomes. The splendour, enchantment and history of t... More info and book online.. Price from £50.00
	Village Hotel Bournemouth & Leisure Club Wessex Fields, Deansleigh Rd, Bournemouth, Dorset, England (1.9 miles, 3.1 km, direction W) Brand new hotel, which opened December 2005, easily accessible from the main routes into the centre of Bournemouth. It hosts 116 bedrooms, with fantastic leisure club, 25 metre heated indoor pool,... More info and book online.. Price from £65.00
	Waterford Lodge Bure Lane, Friars Cliff, Christchurch, Dorset, England (2.0 miles, 3.2 km, direction E) This stylish hotel is quietly situated in its own grounds, a 4 minute walk from natural coastline, Christchurch harbour and Mudeford Quay. Medieval Christchurch, Highcliffe Castle and The New Fore... More info and book online.. Price from £88.00
	Fisherman's Haunt Hotel Salisbury Road, Winkton, Christchurch, Dorset, England (2.0 miles, 3.3 km, direction N) The Fisherman's Haunt is located in Winkton, on the road from Ringwood to Christchurch. Ideal hotel for the country lover and the River Avon is a stone's throw away. The Fishermans Haunt Hotel bed... More info and book online.. Price from £49.00

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Nearby 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)