Hotels in Christchurch
Attractions and Days Out in Christchurch and Dorset

 

The award winning heritage coast begins in Poole Harbour and includes the Purbeck coastline - the site of many special nature reserves and countryside parks, further west is the spectacular Chesil Bank, a barren pebbled beach stretching some 16 miles from Weymouth to Bridport. Dorset in the east is low lying, with extensive heath lands while in the centre lie the Dorset Downs an area of extensive chalk downland with many rivers and streams - officially recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. West Dorset is hillier, with a rich landscape of woodland and fields while to the north Dorset is dominated by Blackmore Vale a large plain which in summer is a lush pastoral landscape. Further to the south is a country of high chalkland with hills approaching 1,000 feet and fine panoramic views from the Isle of Wight and the Purbeck Hills, ideal countryside for walking, riding or just picnicking and admiring the views.

Behind Dorset’s varied coastline lies a county rich in archaeology, unspoilt rural villages and countryside, and a history to be proud of. From before Roman times Dorset has been a jewel in England's Crown and a photographer's paradise (OK so the Romans didn’t have cameras, who cares, if you are that picky seriously you need to come here and relax!). Rolling hillsides, dramatic cliffs, sweeping beaches, sleepy villages, bustling towns, quiet countryside - Dorset's charms are there for all to see!

The main towns of Bournemouth and Poole are a hive of night-time activity as well as many pubs, clubs and restaurants. Theatres include the Pavilion and Pier in Bournemouth and the Regent Centre in Christchurch .

We have put together an attractions guide to help you decide what to see and do in and around Dorset. If you would like us to add something please drop us a line at enquiries@hotels-christchurch.co.uk We would appreciate it if you report dead links, please


Activity Centres in Dorset

Riding Centres in Dorset

Golf Courses in Dorset

Water Sports in Dorset

Zoos, Aquariums, Children's Farms and Animal Attractions in Dorset

Sightseeing in Dorset

Gardens in Dorset

Churches and Abbeys in Dorset

Stately Homes and Castles in Dorset

Museums and Visitor Centres in Dorset


Activity Centres in Dorset

Bournemouth Helicopters
Hangar 600, Bournemouth Airport, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6SE
Tel: 01202 590800
Opening Times: Please see Website

Flying Frenzy Paragliding
Flying Frenzy Paragliding Ltd. The Old Dairy, Manor Farm, Burton, Bradstock, Dorset, DT6 4QA
Tel: 01308 898777
Opening Times: Please see Website

Challenge Leisure - Paintball, Quadbiking and Clay Pigeon Shooting
Challenge Leisure, Matchams Leisure Park, Hurn Road, Matchams, Near Ringwood, Hampshire, BH24 2BT
Tel: 01202 877899
Opening Times: Please see Website

Henley Hillbillies - Quadbiking, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Off Road Mini Mavericks and Hovercraft
Old Henley Farm, Buckland Newton, Dorchester, Dorset. DT2 7BL
Tel: 01300 345293
Opening Times: Please see Website

Adventure Wonderland
Merritown Lane, Hurn, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6BA
Tel: 01202 4834445
Opening Times: Please see Website

Littledown Leisure Centre
Littledown Leisure Centre, Chaseside, Bournemouth, BH7 7DX
Tel: 01929 450 354
Opening Times: Please see Website
Swimming Pools & Waterslides, Spa, Sports Hall, Gym, Spinning Room, Studios, Squash Courts, Sunbed Rooms,
Creche, Cafe & Bar, Artificial Football Pitches, Cricket Pitch, Kids Play Area with paddling pool and Miniature Railway

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Riding Centres in Dorset

Beach Riding on Studland Beach
Studland Riding Stables, Ferry Road, Studland, Dorset, BH19 3AQ
Tel: 01929 450273
Opening Times: Please see Website

Llama Trekking in Dorset - I kid you not! (although it's not really riding!)
UK Llamas, New House Farm, Mosterton, Beaminster, Dorset DT8 3HE
Tel: 01308 868674
Opening Times: Please see Website

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Golf Courses in Dorset

Dorset Golf Club Broadstone
Dorset Golf Club Broadstone, Wentworth Drive, Broadstone, Dorset, BH18 8DQ
Tel: 01202 692595
Opening Times: Please see Website

Isle of Purbeck Golf Club
Isle of Purbeck Golf Club, Studland, Dorset, BH19 3AB
Tel: 01929 450 354
Opening Times: Please see Website

Weymouth Golf Club
Weymouth Golf Club Ltd. Golf Club House, Links Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 0PF
Tel: 01305 773981
Opening Times: Please see Website

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Water Sports in Dorset

Poole Windsurfing
Shore Road, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7PQ
Tel: 01202 237247
Opening Times: Please see Website

Poole Windsurfing is a dedicated windsurf school, offering windsurfing lessons and windsurf equipment hire in Poole Harbour, known as the UK's top location to learn and progress. Instruction is provided for all levels using the latest equipment and at competitive prices. Much of the business is through word of mouth about the quality of instruction and is what keeps people coming back for more throughout their windsurfing career!

Poole Harbour Watersports
284 Sandbanks Road, Lilliput, Poole, Dorset, BH14 8HU
Tel: 01202 700503
Opening Times: Please see Website
Windsurfing, kitesurfing, water-skiing, wakeboarding, surfing, body boarding, snorkeling and surf canoeing

South Coast Kitesurfing
South Coast Kitesurfing, Poole, Dorset
Tel: 0845 241 24 22
Opening Times: Please see Website
Kitesurfing

Rockley Watersports
Rockley Watersports Sailing Centre, Rockley Point, Poole, Dorset, BH15 4RW
Tel: 0870 777 0541
Opening Times: Please see Website
Sailing, windsurfing and Powerboating

Shell Bay Watersports
Ferry Road, Studland, Dorset, BH19 3BA
Tel: 01929 450399
Opening Times: Please see Website
windsurfing and Powerboating

Absolute Aqua Ltd - RYA Powerboat Training Centre UK
Dorset Lake Ship Yard, Lake Drive, Hamworthy, Dorset, BH15 4DT
Tel: 01202 666118
Opening Times: Please see Website

Powerboat Training UK
Powerboat Training UK, The Slipway, Cobbs Quay, Poole, Dorset, BH15 4EL
Tel: 01202 686666
Opening Times: Please see Website

Yellow Penguin Boat Hire
Yellow Penguin Ltd, Mitchells Yard, Turks Lane, Off Sandbanks Road, Poole, Dorset, BH14 8EW
Tel: 01202 710448
Opening Times: Please see Website
Self Drive and Charter Hire

The Dorset Belles and The Dorset Cruise Company
Dorset Belles, Bournemouth Pier, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5AA
Tel: 01202 558550
Opening Times: Please see Website
Pleasure Cruises & Boat Charters aboard the Dorset Belles

Diving Leisure
Diving Leisure, 10 Benson Road, Nuffield Industrial Estate, Poole, Dorset, BH17 0GB
Tel: 01202 680898
Opening Times: Please see Website

Sea Angling - Lady Betty Poole
Poole, Dorset, BH17 8SU
Tel: 01202 600 731

Random Harvest Charters
Dolphin Haven Marina, Fishermans Dock, Poole Kay, Dorset
Tel: 01202 556115

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Zoos, Aquariums, Children's Farms and Animal Attractions in Dorset

Bournemouth Oceanarium
Pier Approach, West Beach, Bournemouth, BH2 5AA
Tel: 01202 311 993
Opening Times: Please see Website

Weymouth Sea Life Park and Marine Sanctuary
Weymouth Sea Life Park & Marine Sanctuary is situated on Weymouth’s seafront
Tel: 01305 761070
Opening Times: Please see Website

Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park
Kingston Maurward, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8PY
Tel: 01305 215003
Opening Times: Please see Website

Monkeyworld (Especially for Georgina and Rebecca)
Monkeyworld, Longthorns, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6HH
Tel: 01929 462537
Opening Times: Please see Website

New Forest Wildlife Park
Deerleap Lane, Longdown, Near Ashurst, Southampton, SO40 4UH
Tel: 023 8029 2408
Opening Times: Please see Website

Abbotsbury Swannery and Children's Farm
New Barn Road, Abbotsbury, Dorset, DT3 4JG
Tel: 01305 871858
Opening Times: Please see Website

Farmer Palmers Farm Park
Organford near Holton Heath, Dorset
Tel: 01202 622022
Opening Times: Please see Website

Putlake Adventure Farm
Putlake Adventure Farm, Langton Matravers, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 3EU
Tel: 01929 422917
Opening Times: Please see Website

Badger and Nightlife Watch in the Heart of Dorset
Old Henley Farm, Buckland Newton, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7BL
Tel: 01300 345293
Opening Times: Please see Website

Portland Bird Observatory and Field Centre
The Old Lower Light, Portland Bill, Dorset, England, DT5 2JT
Tel: 01305 820553
Opening Times: Please see Website

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Sightseeing in Dorset

The Bournemouth Eye
The Lower Gardens, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2AQ
Tel: 01202 314539
Opening Times: Please see Website

The Blue Pool and Tea Room
The Blue Pool, Furzebrook, Near Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5AT
Tel: 01929 551408
Opening Times: Please see Website

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Gardens in Dorset

Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens
Bullers Way, Abbotsbury, Dorset, DT3 4LA
Tel: 01305 871387
Opening Times: Please see Website

Athelhampton House and Gardens
Athelhampton House, Athelhampton, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7LG
Tel: 01305 848363
Opening Times: Please see Website

Compton Acres
164 Canford Cliffs Road, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7ES
Tel: 01202 700778
Opening Times: Please see Website

Cranborne Manor Estate
Cranborne, Dorset, BH21 5PS
Tel: 01725 517289
Opening Times: Please see Website

Durlston Country Park & Marine Project
Durlston Country Park, Lighthouse Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2JL
Tel: 01929 424443
Opening Times: Please see Website

Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park
Kingston Maurward, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8PY
Tel: 01305 215003
Opening Times: Please see Website

Mapperton House and Gardens
Mapperton Gardens, Beaminster, Dorset, DT8 3NR
Tel: 01308 862645
Opening Times: Please see Website

Shaftsbury Abbey and Gardens
Park Walk, Shaftesbury, SP7 8JR
Tel: 01747 852910
Opening Times: Please see website

Sherborne Castle and Gardens
Sherborne Castle, Cheap Street, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3PY
Tel: 01935 813182
Opening Times: Please see Website

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Churches and Abbeys in Dorset

Priory Church Christchurch
The Priory Church, Quay Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1BU
Opening Times: Please see Website

Shaftsbury Abbey
Park Walk, Shaftesbury, SP7 8JR
Tel: 01747 852910
Opening Times: Please see website

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Stately Homes and Castles in Dorset

Athelhampton House and Gardens
Athelhampton House, Athelhampton, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7LG
Tel: 01305 848363
Opening Times: Please see Website

Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5EZ
Tel: 01929 481294
Opening Times: Please see Website

Highcliffe Castle
Highcliffe Castle, Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Dorset BH23 4LE
Tel: 01425 278807
Opening Times: Please see Website

Kingston Lacy Country Mansion and Gardens
Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset BH21 4EA
Tel: 01202 880413
Opening Times: Please see Website

Lulworth Castle and Park
Lulworth Castle and Park, Lulworth Castle, East Lulworth, Dorset
Tel: 0845 450 1054
Opening Times: Please see Website

Mapperton House and Gardens
Mapperton Gardens, Beaminster, Dorset, DT8 3NR
Tel: 01308 862645
Opening Times: Please see Website

Portland Castle
Portland Castle, Castletown, Portland Harbour, Weymouth, Dorset, DT5 1AZ
Tel: 01305 820539
Opening Times: Please see Website

Sherborne Castle and Gardens
Sherborne Castle, Cheap Street, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3PY
Tel: 01935 813182
Opening Times: Please see Website

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Museums and Visitor Centres in Dorset

Beaminster Museum
Whitcombe Road, Beaminster Dorset, DT8 3BU
Tel: 01308 863 623
Opening Times: Tue, Thurs Sat & Bank Holidays: 10.30 – 12.30, 2.30 – 4.30, Sundays: 2.30 – 4.30
Opening Times: Open Easter to End of September

Blandford Museum
Bere's Yard, Market Place, Blandford Forum,
DT11 7HQ
Tel: 01202-580858
Opening Times: April-September, Monday-Saturday
Opening Times: 11.00-16.00

Bournemouth Aviation Museum - guardians of aviation history
Hangar 600, Bournemouth Airport, Christchurch, Dorset. BH23 6SE
Tel: 01202-580858
Opening Times: Please see website

Bridport Museum
The Coach House, Gundry Lane, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3RJ
Tel: 01308 422116
Opening Times: Please see website

The Blandford Fashion Museum
Lime Tree House, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 7AA
Tel: 01258 453006
Opening Times: Please see website

The Dinosaur Museum
Icen Way, Dorchester, Dorset
Tel: 01305 269880
Opening Times: Please see website

The Dorset County Museum
High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XA
Tel: 01305 262735
Opening Times: Please see website

The Keep Military Museum
Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1RN
Tel: 01305 264066
Opening Times: Please see website

Mill House Cider Museum
Owermoigne, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8HZ
Tel: 01305 852220
Opening Times: Please see website

Nothe Fort
Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UF
Tel: 01305 766626
Opening Times: Please see website

Lyme Regis Museum
Lyme Regis, DT7 3QA
Tel: 01297 443370
Opening Times: Please see website

Red House Museum and Garden
Quay Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1BU
Tel: 01202 482860
Opening Times: Tue - Sat 10am - 5pm, Sun 2pm- 5pm

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum
East Cliff, Bournemouth, BH1 3AA
Tel: 01202 451858
Opening Times: Please see website

Sherborne Museum
Abbey Gatehouse, Church Lane, Sherborne, DT9 3BP
Tel: 01935 812252
Opening Times: Please see website

Swanage Museum
Swanage Heritage Centre, The Square, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2LJ
Tel: 01929 423174
Opening Times: Please see website

The Bovington Tank Museum
Bovington, Dorset BH20 6JG
Tel: 01929 405096
Opening Times: Please see website

The Dorset Teddy Bear Museum
Eastgate, Corner of High East Street & Salisbury Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1JU
Tel: 01305 266040
Opening Times: Please see website

Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum
Tolpuddle, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7EH
Tel: 01305 848 237
Opening Times: Please see website

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