CHRISTCHURCH RURAL DORSET www.visit-dorset.com
THE OFFICIAL VISITOR GUIDE 2017 Wimborne Minster | Christchurch | Highcliffe | Mudeford | Burton | Hurn
What’s inside Countryside ...................................... 1
Photography by:
Gardens ............................................ 5
(AB) adamburtonphotography.com
Coast ................................................ 9 Family Fun ........................................ 13
(SC) samanthacookphotography.co.uk (RH) dorsetpictures.com (Roger Holman)
History .............................................. 15
(JM) Jake Moore
Activities ........................................... 17
(JM2) James Maclannan
Eating Out, Food & Drink .................. 19 Culture & Shopping .......................... 21
Mudeford Sandbank
Christchurch and Rural
numerous attractions, a
escape and unwind. Use
Dorset offer the perfect
wealth of land and water–
the area as the ideal touring
holiday package; picturesque
based activities, major events
base; Christchurch and
countryside, stunning
and fabulous restaurants,
Rural Dorset are ideally
coastline, welcoming
pubs and tea rooms, there
placed to visit the charming
quality accommodation and
is plenty to see and do
New Forest National Park
beautiful market towns and
throughout the seasons.
to the east, cosmopolitan
villages to explore.
Of course if you wish to
Bournemouth and historic
just relax there are miles of
Poole to the west and the
With a fascinating heritage,
footpaths, glorious gardens
cathedral city of Salisbury to
spectacular natural harbour,
and tranquil parks in which to
the north.
Hambledon Hill- C RH
Breathe in the scent of bluebells in an ancient woodland, photograph the vibrant colours of traditional heathland or enjoy sweeping panoramas from Iron Age hill forts over patchwork fields.
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Take in the sea air and
for hundreds of bird species.
Outstanding Natural Beauty.
stunning views over the coast
This beautiful, unspoiled area
See if you can spot the rare
from the Christchurch coastal
is rich in wildlife; much of it
Dartford Warbler, Natterjack
path or get the binoculars to
enjoys protected status with
Toad or the endangered Sand
the ready at Stanpit Marsh,
a multitude of sites of special
Lizard, a Smooth Snake or
where an unusual combination
scientific interest, nature
even the shy otter as you
of habitats provides a home
reserves and an Area of
explore.
Learn more about wildlife and conservation at a special event or at one of our award-winning visitor/information centres at Stanpit or Steamer Point or at our outstanding country parks at Moors Valley and Avon Heath.
stanpit marsh- C jm
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St Catherine’s Hill
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Discover p tranquility a flora an
peace and and wonderful nd fauna
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GARD
Award-winning gardens abound in Christchur
Britain in Bloom Small Town winner and the p
stunning borders, win regular accolades in the
Enjoy the fabulous
Wimborne Model
walled, burgage plot
gardens of some
Town and the Red
which extends 100
of our amazing
House and Priest’s
metres down to the
attractions including
House Museums. The
clear waters of the
Highcliffe Castle,
latter sits on an old
River Allen.
HIGHCLIFFE CASTLE - C jm2
Knoll Gardens
Knoll’s nation
acclaimed, s
four acre gar
a peaceful ha
featuring spe
naturalistic m planting and
trees and shr allotments
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DENS
rch and Rural Dorset. Wimborne Minster was
parks and gardens in Christchurch, with their
e South and South East in Bloom competition.
The area has a rich horticultural history with some excellent independent nurseries and garden centres to discover, many specialising in particular species including ornamental grasses, fuchsias,
nally
are a nice counterfoil
secluded
to the formal gardens
rden is
and parkland that
aven
surround the house
ectacular,
itself, pay a visit in
modern
February to see the
unusual
rubs. The
grounds carpeted in snowdrops, a magical
camellias, heathers, roses and azaleas. The area also has many larger garden centres, offering priest’s house museum- C sc
a full range of gardenware, plants and accessories.
sight.
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C
jm2
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hengistbury head beach
th
SOUTH Historic Locations
Endless Beaches
others are less commercial
Christchurch’s sandy beaches
and welcome dogs. Highcliffe
Christchurch’s spectacular
stretch continuously from
Beach, Avon Beach and Friar’s
location at the edge of
Highcliffe in the East to Avon
Cliff Beach have all been
the Jurassic Coast World
Beach in the West. Each
awarded Quality Coast Awards
Heritage Site and on the
beach has its own individuality,
and the water quality is
shores of its own natural
some cater for families and
checked regularly throughout
harbour makes it the
people with disabilities and
the season.
perfect location to relax and enjoy stunning views across the four miles of coastline and indulge in a host of water activities.
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Hengistbury Head Beaches across christchurch- C jm
he
COAST Sailing & Windsurfing
Fun For all The Family
There’s always activity on the
Enjoy a wet hair day and take
water as local sailing clubs
a RIB blast to the Isle of Wight,
regularly host regattas and
Brownsea Island or Old Harry
windsurfers travel from all over
Rocks or why not hop on a
the country to enjoy the wave
ferry from Mudeford Quay to
sailing at Avon Beach.
Mudeford Sandbank with its
Crabbing from the quayside
pretty beach huts. You can
is great fun for the children
walk along Hengistbury Head
whatever the weather and it’s
and catch the Noddy train
free… all you need is a line,
back, it’s great fun for all the
bucket and bait!
sailing at christchurch harbour- C jm
family.
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A ferry service runs from Tuckton Tea GaRdens across the h A great opportunity to learn about the flora and fauna
tuckton Tea Gardens Tuckton Tea Gardens is a small cafe set in beautiful gardens beside the River Stour. The cafe has stunning views of the river, boats and gardens with a Putting green and Crazy Golf course.
Tu gar
mudeford sandbank Mudeford Sandbank offers picturesque views across Cristchurch Harbour and the Isle of Wight. The spit is connected to Hengistbury Head and forms a natural barrier between Christchurch Harbour and the open sea.
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harbour to Mudeford Sandbank, stopping at Christchurch Quay. and see the swans for which Christchurch is renowned.
christchurch quay Christchurch Quay is a beautiful riverside open space in Christchurch town centre with a variety of events and facilities available throughout the year. The Quay is perfect for a picnic, relaxing, sports and games.
uckton rdens Christchurch quay
Mudeford QUAY Mudeford sandbank
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Adventure Wonderland is Dorset’s number one family theme park with over 30 fantastic rides and attractions both outdoors in Wonderland and Adventureland, and inside in the Wild Thing!
adventure wonderland
Blue sky days are ideal for discover
Christchurch Quay, an excellent wa
features including water sprays, and
free activities think a little more trad
paddling in the picturesque River St kite at Badbury Rings, Hengistbury
When it’s glorious outside, make the most of the sunshine with a visit to the country’s third largest country park at Moors Valley. With its forest cycle trails, walking paths, narrow gauge steam railway, fishing lake and adventure play area, it is the perfect place for burning off energy!
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adventure cycling, moors valley
Whatever the weather, Christchurch and Rural Dorset has something to keep even the most demanding members of the family happily occupied.
ring the fantastic Splashpark on
snowtrax
ater play park with its interactive
d all free of charge! For other
ditionally, take a picnic and go
tour or try your hand flying a Head or Hambledon Hill.
Let off some steam at Snowtrax where children can try ski-bobs and ringos as well as dry-slope skiing and the Alpine Adventure Park. From juicy steks to filled baguettes, the Alpine Bar & Restaurant has a vast Mudeford Sandbank
range of foods to cater for all palettes.
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wimborne minster
The Magnificent churches, grand buildings and scenic mills, the historic borough of Christchurch and the heritage market town of Wimborne Minster share many links. 15
christchurch prioRY
Christchurch’s historic Priory Quarter is in the heart of the town centre, dominated by the stunning Priory Church with its excellent architecture ranging from Norman through to Renaissance.
The gracious Minster Church of St Cuthburga in Wimborne Minster also dates from the Norman period; its unusual artifacts include an Astronomical Clock and a rare Chained Library dating from 1686.
The superb cliff-top mansion of Highcliffe Castle, built between 1831 and 1835, is recognised nationally by its Grade 1 status on the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural and Historical Interest. Today the Castle is a popular tourist attraction, community space and one of the most popular wedding venues in Dorset and Hampshire.
chained library
“the most important remaining example of the Romantic and Picturesque style of architecture”
HIGHCLIFFE CASTLE
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Cycling near Long Crichel - C AB
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GET ACTIVE The picturesque countryside offers a huge variety of circular walks, long distance trails and on and off-road cycle routes. If you prefer not to go under your own steam, explore with the assistance of a four-legged friend and enjoy a gentle hack, there are a selection of riding stables catering for all abilities.
FISHING There are numerous lakes and fishing locations to discover, further information wier longham
can be found on our website.
WATERSPORTS Christchurch’s spectacular location at the edge of the Jurassic World Heritage Coast and on the shores of its own natural harbour makes it the perfect destination for watersports enthusiasts of all ages. The rivers Stour and Avon and Christchurch Harbour the perfect paddleboarding in christchurch hrbour
spots for kayaking and paddle-boarding.
MOORS VALLEY If high adrenalin activity is more you, head for the treetops on the Go Ape High Wire Adventure course at Moors Valley Country Park.
go ape, moors valley
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christchurch food and wine festival
FOR THE
TASTEBUDS Enjoy a full range of foods and meals, from fine dining in AA rosette restaurants, tasty treats in traditional pubs, delicious snacks in contemporary cafĂŠs to scrumptious cream teas, you are sure to find something to tempt you, whatever your budget.
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Take time to savour the wonderful variety of locally produced foods on offer at one of the many farmers’ markets, farm shops or delicatessens in Dorset. Try a Dorset speciality;
offer menus bursting
Christchurch is
Festival Food Market
some Blue Vinney
with locally sourced
renowned for its
in the High Street,
Cheese, Dorset Apple
ingredients. Local
annual Food and
with over a hundred
Cake, or perhaps a
and regional foods
Wine Festival which
traders selling quality
Dorset Knob! Many of
are celebrated at
takes place in May,
local, regional and
our local restaurants,
a number of major
including the much
international food and
pubs and cafés
annual events.
loved
drink.
To try some delicious
or bring your apples for
There are regular
Blue Vinney for yourself,
pressing at the Apple
Farmers’ Markets
visit the aromatic
Day at the Ancient
across the area as
Sturminster Newton
Technology Centre in
well as visiting French
Cheese Festival
Cranborne in October.
and Italian markets
levi roots at christchurch food and wine festival
Sturminster Cheese Festival
in Christchurch and Wimborne Minster.
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Arts & Exhibition Venues
Rural Dorset Artsreach www.artsreach.co.uk Barrington Centre (Ferndown) www.barringtoncentre.co.uk Lifestyle Verwood www.lifestyleverwood.com The Allendale (Wimborne) www.theallendale.org Tivoli Theatre (Wimborne) www.tivoliwimborne.co.uk Walford Mill Crafts (Wimborne) www.walfordmillcrafts.co.uk
There is always
of historic buildings,
someone around
cafĂŠs, pubs and
to give a warm and
restaurants and a
unique welcome to
blend of independent
our traditional market
boutiques,
www.cadarts.com
and seaside towns
contemporary shops
Highcliffe Castle
Wimborne Minster
and high street stores,
and Christchurch offer
perfect for retail
a wonderful mix
therapy!
Christchurch CADArts & the Hayloft Gallery
www.highcliffecastle.co.uk Place Mill www.visit-dorset.com The Regent Centre www.regentcentre.co.uk
Christchurch Mondays
Wimborne Minster Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays
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Market Days
Christchurch and Rural Dorset offer a wealth of cultural activities all year round. Local artists and crafts people regularly exhibit their work at a variety of venues, a full list is available on the website and from our Tourist Information Centres.
Music lovers are
and music events
Stompin’ on
in for a treat with a
throughout the year
the Quomps in
feast of concerts,
help bring local
Christchurch (August)
musicals, recitals and
traditions alive such
or the truly quirky
shows from classics
as the Wimborne
Ashmore Filly Loo,
to rock, opera to folk.
Minster Folk Festival
celebrating mid-
Numerous arts
(June),
summer.
Enjoy great
Wimborne Minster or
setting such
performances in
The Regent Centre in
as Wimborne
one of our charming
Christchurch, or
Minster Church
theatres including
enjoy a show in a
or Christchurch
The Tivoli in
more unusual
Priory.
stompin on the quomps christchurch quay
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christchurch castle ruins
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