Holiday homes & rentals in Christchurch

Famed for the cathedral-sized, gorgeous and well-preserved Christchurch Priory, a visit to this splendid part of Dorset offers something for everybody. Guests can soak up the ambience of a truly historic English town, and nature lovers will adore trips to the seaside or through the magnificent New Forest National Park.

Christchurch's history and culture

The Priory is unmissable, offering a glimpse at one of the longest-established major churches in the United Kingdom. There are plenty of fascinating nooks and crannies to explore, and you'll learn about local legends such as the 'Miraculous Beam.' This is a part of the architecture that was said to defy the laws of physics during the Priory's construction. The ruins of the Norman Castle in Christchurch sit atop a splendid hill, and the nearby Norman House is a fabulously well-preserved museum. Saxon Square is the traditional commercial heart of Christchurch with handsome Georgian architecture housing a plethora of shops, cafés, and restaurants to visit. For a comprehensive look at the history of this fabulous town, take the Priory Area Historic Walk, a self-guided look at the highlights of the area.

Ideal activities for families

Christchurch is the perfect spot for a break with children, with plenty of things to keep everyone entertained for days on end. Take a ride on the Swanage Railway, a traditional steam train that departs from nearby Swanage and is an excellent way to take in the surrounding countryside. Lulworth Outdoors has opportunities for everything from rock climbing to mountain biking along the historic Jurassic Coast. Go Ape! at Ashley Heath is superb fun for all ages, with zip wires, rope bridges, and ladders that give visitors a further appreciation for the wonders of the local forests. For museums, a day trip to Dorchester rewards visitors with the Dinosaur Museum and Teddy Bear Museum, both of which are bound to enthral the kids. If you'd prefer to stay within Christchurch itself, head to the harbour. There's a golf course here, as well as many opportunities for fun in and around the water. You can go swimming, paddle boating, sailing, or play with toy boats, so everyone in the family will find something to enjoy.

Evening entertainment in Christchurch

Christchurch offers a number of choices for travellers, whether exploring its history or heading out in the evening for fun with friends. If you want to wet your whistle, the centre of town features clubs and bars such as Soho and Cameron's Club and Lounge. Favourite local pubs include Ye Old George Inn and The Thomas Tripp. The Regent Theatre is a beautiful art deco institution dating from the 1930s. It puts on plays, opera performances and classic and modern blockbuster cinema releases. The larger town of Bournemouth is a short distance away by taxi and has further options for drinking or dancing through the night.

Exploring beyond the town

Staying in Christchurch holiday homes also offers you the chance to independently explore the magnificent local surroundings. You can drive to the heart of the New Forest or take the train to the small town of Sway in the forest. Either way, you can get here in under half an hour from Christchurch. The New Forest is a real treat for visitors of all tastes and activity levels. You can stick to the towns nestled among it, which includes Lyndhurst. This is where you can visit the gravesite of Alice Liddell who was Lewis Carroll's inspiration for the much-loved Alice in Wonderland. Alternatively, get your blood pumping with activities such as cycling and horse riding which will allow visitors to further explore the breadth of this majestic natural landscape. Local museums include the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu and Hurst Castle, with its artefacts dating from the eighth century onwards.

Regular events in Christchurch

With holiday cottages in Christchurch, you'll be close to what's going on in town throughout the week. On Sundays, Redhill Farmers Market is the ideal place to sample the local produce and perhaps pick up a few things to cook up a delicious meal in your holiday home. Pick up some treats for a delightful sugar rush as you explore. Delicacies include Dorset Knobs, which are an especially rich variety of doughnut, and the crowd-pleasing Dorset apple cake. If you happen to be visiting in May, check out the Christchurch Food Festival. This surprisingly large event features everything from its own local beer festival, to live cookery demonstrations and the child-friendly Kids Kitchen. Christmas markets and festive fun at nearby Adventure Wonderland are just some of the options if you're coming around December.

Frequently Asked Questions