HIGHCLIFFE AND CHRISTCHURCH

Christchurch

Few places in the country can boast two rivers, two castles, an 11th century Priory Church, a mill of Saxon origin, a medieval bridge and the site of a civil war siege in 1645, so it's no wonder that people have been visiting Christchurch for hundreds of years.

The historic Priory Quarter is right in the heart of the town centre so you won't have to walk far to enjoy the fascinating heritage. Close to the Priory Church is the Red House Museum and Gardens, the Convent Walk and the ruins of the Norman Hall and Christchurch Castle.

There is a wide range of accommodation and places to eat and drink and a good selection of independent shops and national chains. Many events take place in Saxon Square throughout the year and every Monday there is a large traditional market in the High Street.

There's fun and activity on Christchurch Quay where you will find Place Mill, the Bandstand, motor boat hire, ferry trips to Mudeford Sandbank and Tuckton, children's play area and the new Splashpark.

Highcliffe

Highcliffe's attractive coastline,with its panoramic views of the Isle of Wight to the east and the Purbecks to the west is just a few minutes walk from the award-winning village centre. The unspoilt beaches are great for watersports, swimming and body boarding or for just lazing around and can be accessed through a series of zig zag paths from the large cliff top car park.

Highcliffe has a good range of of accommodation and places to eat and drink, a variety of unique and interesting shops and has a reputation for being a secondhand searcher's dream location.

The 2.4 mile Christchurch Coastal Path extends from Highcliffe cliff top to Highcliffe Castle, a magnificent Grade 1 listed mansion set in attractive cliff-top grounds, and then through Steamer Point Nature Reserve to Mudeford Quay.

For more information on the area, or of other places to visit - www.visitchristchurch.info