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The Quay

The Quay

Christchurch quay was once a busy commercial area involved with the import of stone, slate and coal plus the export of grain, timber and beer, is now is a popular attraction for all the family. Here the Millstream joins the River Stour which in turn meets the River Avon and together they flow gently to the Harbour at Mudeford, through the "Run" (Haven Quay) into Bournemouth Bay.

During the season Whitsunday till end of September boat hire is available to cruise up the Stour to Iford, the limit for navigation, or downstream to Mudeford. From the Quay usually from Spring public holiday to late Summer motor launches ply the river to Tuckton, Wick and Christchurch Harbour/Mudeford. Access to the Quay is only available to vehicles under 7.5 tonnes, via Church Street, Church Lane and Quay Road. There is limited parking for cars here too. Optional parking for the Quay is the Priory Car park situated just past the Red House Museum in Quay Road. Access to the Quay on foot can be made via Convent Walk from Castle Street (Constables House), Quay Road or from the Priory Church car park in Quay Road. The gate exit in the Priory car park will bring you directly to the Placemill and Quay Restaurant/Cafe.

The bandstand during the summer months holds concerts of brass, orchestral and light music. Regular visits from a Googie Band, a form of German style marching music played comically are fun to listen to. Laze on the grass of the meadow known as The Quomps or on the grass at the Quay with a picnic and listen! A pleasant riverside walk from the Quay, past the "Rest-a -While" shelter, takes you to Wick ferry, Mayors Mead car park, and public slipway for pleasure craft. There is also a free paddling pool (Summer season) and play area for children. Rowing and motor boat hire is available from the Quay for 1/2 hour and 1 hour. Priced about *£17.00 per hour for motor boats. Max speed 5 knots. *Speed limit on river and within harbour is 5 knots!

The Placemill noted in the "Doomsday Book" straddles the millstream at the Quay. Some of it's stonework is 1000 years old. The Mill is unique as a freshwater tidal mill used mainly to mill grain and to "Full" cloth, a process of stretching and pressing material to make it heavier. A working mill till the turn of the century, then a boat store, has now been renovated and is open to visitors, the milling mechanism still in place. Low floor height to ceiling of approx 1.8 metres and narrow wooden steep stairs typical of an ancient building of this type therefore not suitable for all, but well worth a visit. Also inside can be found pictures, artefacts and art. Souvenirs of the area can be purchased here also. Look out for the Blue Millennium Plaques, the Placemill has one and other unique sites around the town.

The Christchurch Sailing Club was founded in 1883, the clubhouse being built in 1896 now rebuilt in 1960 prior to the marina was development later. Turn one hundred and eighty degrees and you are now viewing the Stour from the Quay. Via a small bridge behind the Placemill is the private access road (for small vehicles) to the marina development with it's tidal gate for the vessels within. Non residents have access to this area if on foot. This site was previously Elkins boat yard, a well known builder of motor, sailing and during wartime, motor launches and barges for the war effort, This area was in fact raised 4ft earlier in the century prior to the boat yard being built.

Christchurch Rowing Club sits on the river bank of the Stour at Wick ferry by Mayors Mead car park. A two level building, the upper floor a bar and ground floor storage for the boats. Ladies and men's teams row here in fours and pairs and has won many cups. Mostly all year round members can be seen cutting through the water of the Stour in training. New members always welcome.