Access by a choice of car routes is easy, regular rail and bus links to the capital, London. Just outside the town but still within the Borough of Christchurch is an international airport known locally as Hurn but globally as Bournemouth International, with regular low cost flights to Europe, especially Spain, France and Ireland and Channel Islands. The Port of Poole is just a few miles west with car ferry connections to Cherbourg and Hydrofoil to Jersey in the Channel Islands just off the coast of France. Next door the town of Bournemouth offers nightlife, discotheques, casinos, multi screen cinemas and theatres including the Bournemouth International Centre
Retail shopping parks open seven days a week, a market in the High Street every Monday, farmers market every month and regular French markets and a wide range of cuisine in the many restaurants pizzaria's and coffee bars. Some of the High Street shops are open on Sundays too, even more during the Summer season.
Several miles of safe sandy beaches with Blue Flag status and a beautiful natural harbour are all the more reason to visit. Beaches are zoned for various activities to enable windsurfing and jet ski-ing with safety in mind for swimmers. Sailing is a popular activity in the harbour and the hire of motor boats gives the visitor the chance to explore the riversides of the Avon and Stour
Stanpit Marsh is a conservation area within the harbour for wildlife so ideal for natural world photography. If walking is your pleasure you can take the Avon Valley footpath which is clearly marked. How far you follow it is your choice! Another choice would be the New Forest, 325 square kilometers of wood and open space. New Forest ponies and Deer.
This section will enable you to look for Hotels, Bed and Breakfast, Holiday and Camp Sites within the area. You can view a database of accommodation available in the local area including reviews and maps. You may also be able to book online direct (if available) from these pages. Use the menu links to access the information you require. Accommodation is rated in the UK by a Star and Diamond system recognised by the Tourist Board, Royal Automobile Club & Automobile Association.
Accessing the Town
Another key factor when visiting a town is what attractions there are available, easy road, rail access. SouthWest Trains from London stop at Christchurch station and then on to Bournemouth and Weymouth. Road access is good with dual carriage ways to the town or coming from Southampton via the A35 through the beautiful New Forest. Three miles from the town centre is Bournemouth International (formerly Hurn) a regional airport with regular flights to the Channel Islands, Scotland Ireland and European destinations.
National Express will get or take you anywhere in Great Britain fast. They have direct express services to Heathrow and Gatwick airports. . Megabus are direct intercity express services too. Wilts & Dorset cover all areas of Wiltshire, Hampshire and Dorset. Also there is "More" a bus service crossing the conurbation of Christchurch through Bournemouth to Poole. These services are known as M1 & M2. These buses are super modern with air-conditioning, CCTV, low deck for disabled access and are as frequent as 10 mins so you cannot really miss one! Fixed price ticket and max price return of £2.00 ($3.98 US) At time of posting = Jan 2007
Spring / Summer
Summer obviously is the time when most events and attractions are in full swing. There are two mazes to get lost in! One at the Alice in Wonderland Park and the other created at Stewarts Gardenland Centre, the latter based on a different theme each year. 2004 theme was "the Shark Maze". Self drive motor boats to cruise up the River Stour and Avon are available for hire at Christchurch Quay, Tuckton Tea Gardens and Wick, these normally operate from May to October. Ferry cruises ply between Tuckton and the Harbour calling at Wick and the Quay. Probably the best way to see the landscape at a leisurely pace.
Autumn / Winter
Winter comes to us all but here in Christchurch it is still very pleasant to stroll down the riverside walks and feed the swans and ducks. Even on Boxing Day the Quay can be very busy with families and couples just out in the fresh air enjoying the peacefulness of the riverside. Many of the High Street and Saxon Square shops are open on Sunday if you need some retail therapy.
Leisure & Interest
The New Forest any time of year is a must visit! Vast open spaces and thick woods, a relief from the noise of traffic and a time to ponder. Red House Museum in Quay Road always open, where you can delve into the towns history. The Quay for that riverside tranquillity and fresh air. Placemill at the Quay completely renovated and still retaining the mill gear and artifacts Other opportunities include museums, gardens, fun, educational, "hands-on" interests Click Leisure & Interest link.
Restaurants, Cafes, Fast Food and Fish & Chip
One thing that is available all year round is the numerous restaurants and cafes with their diverse and traditional menus. Popular are the seafood restaurants who serve up Sea Bass, Trout, White Bait, Crab and lobster, many of which are locally caught. Use the Dining Out link to find the type of dining or menu you require. Local pubs too, offer delicious menus from traditional Sunday lunches, Carvery and jacket potato. Chinese, Indian, Thai, Italian or traditional English View Restaurants Cafes and Pubs Read reviews
Public Houses with Restaurant - Pubs Sport - Pubs & Bars
Looking for a pub with great food? Diverse menus? Carvery, Seafood and Steaks? View the places to eat and drink in and around Christchurch. Or how about a few pints and the Big Game on TV? Maybe a Wine Bar and a snack. Christchurch offers all these all year round. View reviews and ratings. Make table bookings (if facility online available).
Motoring Services
While on your visit you may require assistance, breakdown or repairs to your vehicle. Always the unexpected problem! Possibly some parts, tyres or maintenance products. Some jobs can be rectified by yourself with just a few tools. Click on the Motoring link for local area dealers, new & used, parts, servicing, body and car care products.
Car Parking / Tariffs
All borough car parks charge for parking. These charges are quite reasonable compared to Bournemouth and the money raised is used to offset the cost of keeping the town tidy, flowers, hanging basket arrangements and general maintenance. The council prides itself on being able keep charges to a minimum. Many of the machines have been updated with the facility of credit card payment and also a Phone & Park service. One phone call to pay for your parking and if your stay is longer than anticipated just make another call. Easy!
Star Rating
English Tourist Board Star Rating
One Star establishments are practical accommodation with a limited range of facilities and services. There will be a restaurant or other eating area open to you for breakfast and dinner. Alcoholic drinks will be served in a bar or lounge. A majority of the rooms will have en suite facilities.
Two Star establishments have everything one star places have but will be more comfortable and better equipped. They will offer a good range of services and personal style service.
Three Star establishments have everything one and two star places have. They will offer a significantly greater quality and range of facilities and services. They are normally more spacious and will offer a more formal style of service with a receptionist on duty, room service and a laundry service.
Four Star establishments have everything one, two and three star places have. They offer superior comfort and quality. All bedrooms will be en-suite. The hotel will have spacious public areas and will have a strong emphasis on food and drink. Room service should be available 24 hours a day.
Five Star establishments have everything one, two, three and four star places have. They are spacious, luxurious establishments of the highest international quality throughout. There will be a range of extra facilities and the hotel will be amongst the best in the industry.
Diamond Rating
English Tourist Board Diamond Rating
Clean, comfortable, secure accommodation, with bedrooms equipped to modern standards. Beds, bedding and other bedroom furniture and equipment in good condition. Bedding and towels changed for each new guest, and at least weekly if the room is taken for a long stay. Additional pillows and blankets should be available on request. Adequate lighting and comfortable seating, a wardrobe or equivalent, shelves or drawers. Curtains or blinds correctly fitted and functioning. Adequate, clean and comfortable floor covering with bedside rugs, or fitted carpets. Proper attention to hygiene in bathrooms and WCs; adequate provision of toilet tissue and fresh soap. Adequate heating at no extra cost, and extra heating available at no extra cost on request. Hot water available at reasonable times. Normally a full, cooked breakfast will be available, although some establishments may offer only a continental breakfast. Note that a few establishments display room only rates - if this is the case, breakfast will be charged extra! The standards they are rated on are as follows:
Cleanliness and Housekeeping Service and Hospitality Bedroom Facilities Bathroom, Shower, WC and en-suite Facilities Food Quality and Service Public Rooms such as guest lounges Safety and Security, Exterior and Interior Appearance and upkeep The awards take all these factors into account.
1 Diamond - Standard Quality - scored between 20% and 34%
2 Diamonds - Standard Quality - scored between 35% and 49%
3 Diamonds - Good Quality- scored between 50% and 69%
4 Diamonds - High Quality - scored between 70% and 84%
5 Diamonds - Outstanding Quality - scored 85% and moreClub and the Automobile Association.
Visitor Guide 
Access by a choice of car routes is easy, regular rail and bus links to the capital, London. Just outside the town but still within the Borough of Christchurch is an international airport known locally as Hurn but globally as Bournemouth International, with regular low cost flights to Europe, especially Spain, France and Ireland and Channel Islands. The Port of Poole is just a few miles west with car ferry connections to Cherbourg and Hydrofoil to Jersey in the Channel Islands just off the coast of France. Next door the town of Bournemouth offers nightlife, discotheques, casinos, multi screen cinemas and theatres including the Bournemouth International Centre 
