Christchurch is a charming old smuggling town turned respectable Dorset destination with plenty of appeal for both couples and families — think golden sandy beaches and National Trust properties galore! This is a wonderful place for a family seaside holiday, and the best places to stay in Christchurch book up well in advance of the summer school holiday season. Some of our recommendations are the kind of places families return to year after year, but we also have some more romantic recommendations, including a rather glamorous spa hotel.

As well as sand and sunshine, Christchurch does a roaring trade in spectacular views. If you stand atop Friar’s Cliff you can see all the way along this chalky coastline and across to the Isle of Wight. Other sights include the grounds of Christchurch Priory, and the ruins of the 12th century Norman keep. Even Christchurch’s quay and beaches offer a little bit more to see than you’re expecting: the harbour is a protected wildlife reserve, known for its wading birds, swans, and huge variety of marine life. St. Catherine's Hill, on the outskirts of town, crawls with sand lizards, nightjars and Dartford warblers, while the Stanpit Marsh is occupied by grazing horses, rare birds and rare species of plants.

The best places to stay in Christchurch also make ideal bases for exploring the New Forest, which is just to the east of town, as well as the Dorset coastline.

The Best Places to stay in Christchurch

For a Water View

• The Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa is a stylish white building right on Christchurch Harbour, and easily one of the best places to stay in all of Dorset if you want to be right on the coast. Everything is designed to make the most of the views, from the rather glamorous bar to the choice of restaurants — including one outdoors. On the other side of the hotel are lovely gardens. The decor is pale and chic and a bit nautique. There are 64 rooms and suites in a range of style sand sizes, and we would advise booking one with a harbour view if you can.

For Central Christchurch

• The Kings Arms is a grand Georgian house turned stylish hotel, well located in central Christchurch, close to the ruined, 12th century Norman keep, and to the river and the station. There are just 20 rooms and suites, decorated with the accoutrements of classic hotel luxury. The restaurant is highly acclaimed and boasts a Michelin Bib Gourmand.

For Families

• The Lord Bute is a charming 13 room hotel in the grounds of the Highcliffe Castle estate, just up the hill from Avon Beach, with graceful living and restaurant with 2 AA Rosettes. They also have spacious family suites, with sash windows and large bathrooms, and a lovely terrace.
• The Captain's Club Hotel & Spa is a modern seaside hotel on the banks of the River Stour at Christchurch. There are just 17 self-catering rooms, suites, and family apartments, designed to accommodate between three and six guests, plus furry friends. Rooms offer all the mod cons, plus well set up kitchens and living space — one of them even has its own cinema room! They also all private balconies with wonderful water views. The hotel’s spa offering includes a good range of therapies, and despite the self-catering facilities there’s a very good restaurant on site.

For Great Value

• The Bear of Burton is a charming old pub with ten recently renovated rooms, just outside Christchurch — in Burton. The accommodation is stylish with nice quality natural materials complemented by charming antiques. The pub offers a hearty menu and a good selection of ales and ciders, which you can take out onto the terrace or into the garden. The family room can comfortably sleep two adults and two children, and the room rate is a pleasant surprise.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• The closest airport to Christchurch is Bournemouth Airport, which is about eight minutes away by car or taxi. If Bournemouth Airport doesn’t provide you with the right connections, London’s airports are probably next most convenient: Heathrow is about an hour and a half away by car or taxi, and Gatwick is about two hours away by car or taxi. If you’re travelling by rail, via London, trains leave from Waterloo, and take an hour and 45 minutes if you catch a direct train.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• As you may imagine from its seaside location, Christchurch is most popular in the summer, especially during the summer holidays. As well as Christchurch’s own summer events, neighbours Bournemouth and Poole have large summer festivals, and the whole region is lively. Christchurch is the kind of place that families will come back to year after year, but if you’re not restricted by having to travel during the school holiday window you’re going to benefit from more affordable accommodation options, and having the place to yourself. The weather is changeable whatever the season, but there’s still plenty of sunshine in spring, autumn and winter.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include all of the best places to stay in Dorset
• Consider some of Christchurch’s neighbours — Bournemouth, Poole or the New Forest
• Refine your search by the kind of holiday you’re planning and consider our Gurus’ recommendations for the best sea view hotels in Dorset, the best pubs-with-rooms in Dorset or the best beach hotels in Dorset
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.