No-Cost Charm: Your Guide to Enjoying Free Things to Do in Christchurch, Dorset!
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Looking for free things to do in Christchurch, Dorset?
We’ve got the perfect list for you, packing in nature, history, hiking, beaches and more!
The Brucey bonus? All these free activities are within fifteen minutes of central Christchurch.
Let’s go check them out!
1. Get Your Bearings: A Walk through Christchurch Gardens & Quay
We suggest a pleasant stroll through the gardens and the quay to get your bearings on Christchurch.
It’s a stunning little walk where you’ll walk around the castle ruins through the church grounds and the quayside.
You’ll have to pay for this extra, but you can’t beat fish and chips on the quay!
2. Christchurch Priory
You can’t miss this impressive Church, towering over all the nearby towns.
Christchurch Priory holds an impressive amount of history in its 900-year reign.
Not only is it one of the biggest parish churches in England, but it also holds some pretty spooky history. From the miraculous beam to the residents moving the building materials, not once, but twice.
And then there’s some cool stuff on display, including 400-year Bibles.
The history of this church is truly remarkable, and we’re not the slightest history buffs.
Or particularly welcomed in church.
And the best bit?
Christchurch Priory is free to explore inside and out.
Want to know more? Check out our post – Christchurch Priory: Uncovering 900 Years of History.
3. Christchurch Ruins: Norman House
Combined with your stroll through the gardens, check out Norman House.
Norman house dates back to 1160.
The plaques inside will give you a brief insight into the history of the castle and the original layout.
Don’t forget to check out the monument just around the corner from here, where Mrs Perkins was buried alive.
We did say this place was weird!
4. Explore Stanpit Marsh
Just a 10-minute walk away from Christchurch, you’ll find the beautiful nature reserve of Stanpit Marsh.
A bird spotters paradise!
And amongst all the nature and leisure, you’ll be surrounded by historic smuggling routes and a pub where contraband would be stored.
Don’t forget about one of the best chip shops in Dorset, just a stone’s throw away.
For what it’s worth, this is my local getaway from it all spot. It just works for me.
Want to know more about Stanpit Marsh? Check out our post – Stanpit Marsh: A Sanctuary for Wildlife and Humans Alike
5. Hengistbury Head
Fancy a beach and nature day?
Hengistbury Head has some fantastic beaches as well as a nature reserve.
If you fancy a bite, head to the bikers’ cafe by the car park or a bar on the Mudeford sandbank.
You can get on the Mudeford Ferry from Tuckton Bridge (a few minutes walk from the Priory) to Hengistbury Head.
Alternatively, parking is reasonable, or Beryl Bike to the entrance.
Check out our post for more info – Discover the Beauty of Hengistbury Head: Your Ultimate Guide!
6. St Catherines Hill
Looking for a good forest walk without travelling for miles?
St Catherine’s Hill is around a 15-minute walk from Christchurch, and you can get some glorious views over the coast and towns nearby.
Check out our post to find out more – Exploring St Catherine’s Hill: A Scenic Hike in Christchurch, Dorset
8. Beach Day at Mudeford/Highcliffe Beach
Some days, you must unwind or make the most of being by the sea.
Only 10 minutes away from Christchurch, you’ll find Mudeford, Friars and Highcliffe Beach. It may not be as glamorous as Bournemouth’s famous beaches, but it’s much closer and quieter.
Check out our post – Highcliffe Beach, Castle, and Nature Reserve: A Triad of Wonders to Discover
Where To Stay In Christchurch, Dorset
- Captains Club Hotel & Spa: 4 Star
- The Kings Harbour Hotel: 4 Star
- The Lord Bute (Highcliffe): 5 Star
- Bear of Burton: Bed & Breakfast
- Harbour Hotel Christchurch: 4 Star
Final Thoughts on Free Things to do in Christchurch, Dorset
For a small town, Christchurch certainly packs a punch for outdoor activities.
We’ve only packed in the bare basics locally!
Sure, you may have to pay for parking or a small ferry fee, but on the whole, you can enjoy plenty of days out for a little money.
Looking for more entertainment and activity? Head into Bournemouth or Southampton.
The train takes 30 minutes to Southampton Central from Christchurch train station and is affordable.
Perfect for rainy days.
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