The town of Christchurch (pop. 39,000) owes its name to the wide bay along which several seaside resorts have developed. This port lying between the rivers Avon and Stour had already been settled in the Saxon period.
The natural harbor in Christchurch provide opportunity for scenic walks, water sports and a visit to the six sandy beaches.
Christchurch is especially popular with sailing enthusiasts who like to take their boats round Hengistbury Head, a narrow tongue of land which was occupied by early Neolithic settlers and has remains of prehistoric defensive works.
Highcliffe Castle is undergoing restoration but still stands as a Grade 1 listed house. It was built in the 1830's on cliff top grounds overlooking the Isle of Wight. A permanent exhibition - "The Story of the Castle" and temporary displays may be viewed at the the castle. As well, a visitor centre is housed in the newly restored south wing.
Place Mill in Christchurch has been carefully restored to provide a backdrop to the collection of milling artefacts, arts and crafts. The Anglo-Saxon watermill once harnessed the power of the river during select tidal conditions and used the energy to grind flour.
Address: Place Mill, Quay Road Town Quay, Christchurch , England
Hours:
April 12 to May 31: 10am-5pm; Closed: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
June 1 to September 30: 10am-5pm; Closed: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Tue
The Southern Electric Museum in Christchurch is Britain's premier electricity museum. It is set in an Edwardian power station and features a historic display of electricity supply and early domestic items. The museum also offers hands-on experiments that children of all ages will enjoy.
Address: Southern Electric Museum, The Old Power Station Bargates, Christchurch BH23 1QE, England
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