How to spend a day in Christchurch: Things to do & why it’s a great place to live
Nestled on the Dorset coast, Christchurch is a charming town that blends history and coastal beauty. Whether you’re planning a day out in Christchurch or considering moving here, you’ll find sandy beaches, historic landmarks, and plenty of family-friendly activities.
From exploring medieval ruins to strolling along the quay, Christchurch has something for everyone. Here’s how to spend the perfect day in this coastal town and why it’s such a desirable place to call home, especially if you’re considering shared ownership in Dorset.
Start the day with history & riverside strolls
Begin your morning with a visit to Christchurch Priory, with a history stretching back over 900 years. Its riverside location and leafy grounds make it the perfect spot to start your day.
Next, take a walk along Christchurch Quay, where you can enjoy coffee by the river, watch boats pass, or hop on a river cruise to Mudeford. Families will love the splash park and green spaces.
If you’re interested in heritage, stop by Christchurch Castle and Norman House; these atmospheric ruins tell the story of the town’s medieval past.
Midday: Markets, boutiques & coastal flavours
After soaking up the sights, head into the town centre to browse its mix of shops and local markets. From independent boutiques to fresh local produce, there’s always something to discover.
For lunch, Christchurch’s food scene is varied and inviting. Whether you fancy classic pub fare, international cuisine, or fresh seafood at Mudeford, you’ll find plenty of great spots to enjoy a midday break.
An afternoon by the sea or in nature
No day in Christchurch is complete without time at the coast. Mudeford Sandbank is a must-see, with its colourful beach huts and golden sands, perfect for relaxing, paddling, or simply enjoying the sea breeze.
If you’re travelling with little ones, Avon Beach offers a traditional seaside vibe with safe swimming waters, cafés, and ice cream huts.
For something quieter, explore Stanpit Marsh Nature Reserve. With sweeping views of Hengistbury Head and opportunities for birdwatching, it is ideal for nature enthusiasts seeking peace and open skies.
Winding down: evenings in Christchurch
As the day draws to a close, Christchurch has plenty of cosy pubs, stylish restaurants, and riverside spots for dinner. From gastropubs serving hearty meals to fine dining showcasing Dorset’s produce, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Finish your evening with a gentle walk by the quay or live music in one of the town’s welcoming pubs, a lovely way to soak up the community spirit before heading home.
Why Christchurch is a fantastic place to call home
Christchurch isn’t just a delightful day out, it’s also a wonderful place to live. Shared ownership homes in Christchurch offer a more accessible way to step onto the property ladder. Here’s why many people are choosing this part of Dorset:
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Seaside living: A perfect balance of beaches, rivers, and nature reserves.
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Excellent transport links: Direct trains to Bournemouth, Southampton and London.
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Strong community feel: A historic town with a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.
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Quality local amenities: Great schools, healthcare, and leisure facilities.
Make Christchurch your new home
Christchurch offers the perfect blend of seaside living, historic charm, and a friendly community spirit, making it an exceptional place to settle down. Whether you’re spending weekends enjoying fresh seafood by the harbour, relaxing on the golden sands of Avon Beach, or exploring the stunning New Forest, life here is as relaxing or as active as you choose.
For those looking to put down roots, shared ownership could make living in Christchurch more accessible than you might think. This home-buying option allows you to purchase a share of a property, usually between 25% and 75%, and pay rent on the remaining portion. Over time, you can increase your share through a process known as “staircasing,” giving you the flexibility to own more of your home when it suits you financially.
Shared ownership in Dorset provides an attainable pathway onto the property ladder, especially in such a desirable coastal location like Christchurch.
Choosing shared ownership not only helps you secure a home in a high-demand area but also allows you to enjoy everything Christchurch has to offer: top-rated schools, welcoming neighbourhoods, beautiful natural spaces, and excellent transport links to the wider Dorset region and beyond.
If you’re ready to take the next step, explore shared ownership in Christchurch or take a look at other shared ownership properties we have available. If you’d like any information on these beautiful new shared ownership homes, you can send us an email or give us a call. Our friendly team is on hand to guide you through the process, making your move as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Ready to make an Aster home your home?
If getting on the property ladder with a shared ownership home in Christchurch sounds like the perfect option for you, contact our team today!
At Aster, our mission is to help you discover a home that's perfect for you - not just any house. With shared ownership, we can offer you the opportunity to find a stunning property in an ideal location that might otherwise have been inaccessible due to the large deposits required for traditional home purchases.
Call the team on 01380 735 480 to discuss your needs.
Who are Aster?
We are a well-known housing association who supply a wide range of housing options in response to the housing crisis. We specialise in providing shared ownership homes for sale for those unable to get on to the property ladder.
We provide affordable rental and shared ownership homes throughout the South and South West of England.
With shared ownership, you could buy your own property at a fraction of the cost and we aim to make buying your home an easy and as stress-free as possible, with our experienced team offering comprehensive advice throughout.
Where can I learn more about shared ownership?
At Aster, we understand that buying a property can be a daunting experience, so our team of experts are always happy to answer any questions or queries you may have about shared ownership or the process involved in purchasing your own home.
Find out how does shared ownership work and what is shared ownership with our guides.
Our website also has an FAQ page full of useful information to help you make an informed decision. Alternatively, you can contact us directly and one of our experienced team members will be more than happy to assist.
