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.