Christchurch Hotels and Guest Houses

Located on the English Channel coast is the borough and town of Christchurch. Historically Christchurch was part of Hampshire County; today it is part of Dorset County. There are several points of interest for visitors to see during a trip to Christchurch.

Probably one of the biggest draws in Christchurch is the Christchurch Harbour. The harbor is a salt marsh that is protected by a sandbar known as Christchurch sandbank. On either side of the sandbank are beautiful beaches complete with a beach hut lined walkways. You can enjoy some time in the sun and sand one either of these beaches. While playing in the sand you can watch some of the ships come in. The harbor itself is only accessible to shallow draught boats due to the sandbars located at the entrance to the harbor.

At the start of the sandbanks is an ancient mound known as Hengistbury Head. This mound is the site for sand martins that nest annually in the sandy cliffs. Because of this and other bird populations that have taken up refuge in the salt marshes, the harbor is a protected wildlife refuge.

The Stanpit Marshes are located just below the confluence of the Rivers Stour and Avon. This is where rare birds such as bitterns and grazing horses often take refuge. This area too is a Local Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Another place of interest is the Christchurch Priory. The priory dates back to the mid 11th century and is listed in the Domesday Book as a priory with 24 secular canons. By 1094 William II began building a church where the present priory is located. In 1150 the secular priory was replaced by an Augustinian one. The building of monastic buildings didn't proceed until the 14th century. When the priorys were dissolved in the 1500s, the King had all the monastic buildings of the priory torn down with the exception of the church, but only because the townspeople begged for it to stay. Today the priory has been restored. It is still in use as the town church and not only can it be toured but services can be attended here.

While touring the priory be sure to check out the Christchurch Castle ruins. The remaining walls of the old castle are now part of the priory gardens which leads from Convent Walt at Town Bridge through the Priory grounds past Millstream Bridge to Christchurch Quay. The original castle was built around 1100 although the tower was probably added around two hundred years later.

These sites can make for an interesting stay in Christchurch Dorset.

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