Christchurch

Christchurch is a coastal town in Dorset, England. It lies at the junction of the rivers Stour and Avon, adjoining Bournemouth in the west and the New Forest to the east. The town centre dates from Saxon times and lies adjacent to the majestic 11th century Priory Church with its late Perpendicular and Early English additions The population of Christchurch today is over 45,000.

Christchurch harbour was one of the most important in England during Saxon times. Within easy reach of the continent, boats could enter the harbour and travel up the river Avon all the way to Salisbury. However, the sheltered harbour and easy access to neighbouring towns also made the area popular with smugglers which culminated in the "Battle of Mudeford" in 1784 between Customs & Excise and bootleggers. Today the harbour is a large protected salt marsh and only accessible to shallow draught boats due to the sand bars at the entrance. A protected wildlife refuge, the harbour is home to large populations of swans, waders and other bird life.

Highcliffe Castle is a Grade I listed building owned by Christchurch Borough Council. Built between 1831 and 1835 by Lord Stuart de Rothesay it has been described as the most important remaining example of the Romantic and Picturesque style of architecture. The site of the castle was previously occupied by High Cliff, a Georgian mansion designed for the 3rd Earl of Bute, one of the founders of Kew Gardens. The surrounding grounds were laid out by the English landscape architect Capability Brown. The council took over the management of the castle in 1999 as a tourist attraction comprising gift shop, exhibition spaces, tea room and ground events and by 2001 the annual visitor figures had peaked to 40,000.

Christchurch Priory Church is one of the town's main attractions and is reputed to be the longest Parish Church in England, the tower of which can be accessed 176 steps to the top. This magnificent building, which escaped demolition when Henry V111 dissolved the monasteries, was awarded five stars by Simon Jenkins in his book England's Thousand Best Churches. To fully appreciate the building and its remarkable architecture, a guided tour with one of the Priory's guides is essential. The Priory is renowned for the quality of its wide range of musical concerts, weekly lunchtime recitals and floral and craft festivals which take place throughout the year.

Christchurch is a unique blend of fascinating heritage, beautiful coastline and countryside with much to offer in the way of great festivals and events. There are a number of guided Heritage Tours and Trails which take place around the borough from Easter onwards which give an insight into the town's special culture and natural history along with the Town Crier and his Official Guided Walk every Friday morning from May until September. Christchurch has an excellent range of accommodation, great places to eat and drink and a wealth of things to see and do with something to suit all ages and tastes.