Your essential guide to living like-a-local...
Tucked between the New Forest and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Highcliffe sit side by side on the Dorset coast. They’re close enough to explore in a single day but different enough to each deserve their own time. Christchurch charms with riverside walks, historic streets and harbour views, while Highcliffe is all about dramatic clifftops, a fairy-tale castle, and a thriving independent food scene.
Whether you’re coming for a weekend or adding a coastal detour to your New Forest escape, here’s how to make the most of this corner of Dorset.
Christchurch Priory – This striking medieval church dominates the town. Inside, it’s all soaring arches and quiet corners, while outside the riverside grounds are perfect for a slow stroll.
Christchurch Quay – Families love it here: crabbing off the quay, boat trips up the River Stour, and plenty of green space for picnics. From here you can also catch the little ferry across to
Mudeford Sandbank, where candy-coloured beach huts line the spit.
Avon Beach & Friars Cliff – Two sandy favourites just south of the harbour. Think beach huts, safe paddling, and classic seaside fun.
Highcliffe Beach – Stretching below the cliffs, this beach is quieter than its Christchurch neighbours. On clear days you’ll spot the Needles of the Isle of Wight across the water.
Steamer Point Nature Reserve – A 24-acre coastal reserve where woodland meets sea. Pack a picnic and settle on a bench overlooking the bay.
The Boathouse – Laid-back dining right on the water. The terrace is ideal for fish and chips with a view.
Soho – A high street favourite serving brunches, wood-fired pizzas and cocktails.
The Jetty – Situated in Christchurch’s exclusive harbour, this restaurant combines locally sourced ingredients with an eclectic wine selection. A celebrity chef curates the menu, making it a must-visit for a special night out.
Nusara Thai – A newer addition to Christchurch’s dining scene, Nusara delivers fine-dining Thai in a relaxed, welcoming setting… sophisticated food without fuss.
The Captains Club – For something smarter, head to the riverside bar and restaurant. It’s especially good at sunset.
The Paddle – A buzzing café-bar known for brunch by day and cocktails by night.
Cliffhanger Café – Perched on the clifftop with unbeatable sea views, this is the place for hearty breakfasts.
Tides Café – Cosy and welcoming, with homemade lunches and cakes.
Bistro My Way – A pocket-sized bistro serving French-inspired dishes, with a menu that changes monthly.
The Oaks – A friendly pub with a big garden, good for lazy summer evenings.
The stretch of coast around Christchurch, Avon, Highcliffe, Mudeford, and Hengistbury Head offers some of Dorset’s best beaches — all excellent for swimming, walking, or simply soaking up the sun. While they can get busier in peak summer, there are plenty of quieter spots to claim your own space. Out of season, it’s not uncommon to find the sand almost entirely to yourself.
Avon Beach has fine white sand, perfect for sandcastle-building, and is lined with colourful wooden beach huts. There’s a small shop, a fish and chip hatch, and lifeguard-patrolled areas in summer — just look for the safe swimming flags. Dogs are welcome at certain times of the year, so check seasonal restrictions.
Mudeford Quay, at the entrance to Christchurch Harbour, is a popular spot for windsurfers, sailors, and families. It’s ideal for a gentle waterside stroll or a picnic while watching the boats go by.
Highcliffe Beach sits below the cliffs and offers a quieter alternative to the more central beaches. The mix of sand and shingle, backed by grassy dunes, is great for long walks, paddling, or just relaxing.
Hengistbury Head combines stunning coastal views with walking trails across heathland and cliffs, making it a favourite for walkers, birdwatchers, and anyone seeking a dramatic seaside experience.
Crabbing at Mudeford Quay – A quintessential seaside activity. Buckets, nets, and bait can be purchased locally. Kids love trying their hand at catching crabs, making for hours of fun. There is also a fab playground with wooden play structures.
Steamer Point Nature Reserve – A 24-acre reserve where children can explore woodland trails, spot wildlife, and enjoy a family picnic with sea views.
Chewton Bunny – A shady, wooded chine leading to the beach. Ideal for adventurous younger walkers and nature exploration.
Regent Centre – Christchurch’s Art Deco cinema on the High Street hosts family-friendly films, live shows, and classic screenings… perfect for a rainy day or an evening outing.
The western part of the New Forest National Park is where life moves at a slower pace and ancient traditions are very much alive. Here, you’ll find ancient forests, heathland, and wide-open spaces where wild ponies, cattle, and donkeys roam freely, often right across the road. Charming red brick cottages, many still thatched, dot the landscape, giving the area a quintessentially rustic feel.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the New Forest is that animals truly have the right of way. Livestock grazing, cutting wood, and other traditional practices are regulated under the Commoning laws, first established in the 13th century — and still actively observed today. There’s even a historic law court dedicated to managing grazing rights, reflecting the forest’s deep heritage and slow, deliberate way of life.
Bransgore – A picture-perfect village on the forest’s edge, ideal for countryside walks. Try Dur Hill Inclosure or Homsley for accessible trails, and finish with a pub lunch. Top local picks:
The Three Tuns – Creative menu featuring the best local produce.
The New Queen – Cosy pub with lovely views across river wetlands.
Burley Village – Famous for its forest walks and off-road cycling trails. Marked routes make it easy to explore on two wheels, with plenty of opportunities to stop and soak in the forest scenery. For a full local guide, see our Insider’s Guide to Burley & Ringwood.
