Every person and their dog has been to Stonehenge, Trafy’s Q, Old Trafford and Buckingham Palace etcetera and we know a lot about them. There’s beauty in pretty England in the least likely places.
Unmoved by the fact that New Zealand copyist Christchurch takes the headlines and houses more people, the sun shines on the charming English town of the same name. This is the original spot which thankfully holds equal charm as it did 1,000 years ago.
By train, National Rail and government British Rail services passed England by during the years that Maggie Thatcher ruled this land. No harm done and you can jump on a South Western Train direct to Christchurch train station. Once you’re here you can walk your way around the main sights with ease and relaxation and these are the main things to check out when you’re in town.Christchurch Priory — the prominent and lasting image of Christchurch’s skyline tends to be this church – Christchurch Priory. With a graveyard dating back centuries, a church so big it should be a Cathedral and pretty gardens all around, this is a top spot to get your fix of English religion. You are welcome to go inside during services. Be discreet if you’re taking photos and if you want, stop by in the cosy tea shop. Contributions are welcome – the church is well maintained.
Christchurch Priory
Christchurch Priory
Christchurch Town Quay — during the summer months, the town quay and harbour front is a swarm of activity. When the crowds slow down, the leisurely pace of the harbour front attracts students, dog walkers and keen boatsmen. Activities on offer include boat trips on the river, fishing and kayaking.
Christchurch Town Quay — swans and ducks swim in the waters and kids love it.
Swans by the water in Christchurch.
Christchurch Place Mill — it’s a tradition in English towns with rivers for there to be an old mill. Christchurch Place Mill down by the harbour was mentioned in the Domesday Survey of 1086, as being the property of the canons of the Holy Trinity Church. The Mill has medieval stonework as well as Tudor and 18th century brickwork and was using for corn grinding and cleaning/thickening cloth right up until 1908.
Christchurch Place Mill
Christchurch Place Mill
As a bonus there was a spontaneous art gallery inside the Mill during my visit.
Art Gallery in the Mill, Christchurch.
The Great Tower — Christchurch boasts a medieval history and the evidence is clear to see. The Great Tower ruins are still here. They sit on top of a hill and are part of a large Norman Castle which once dominated this town.
The Great Tower, Christchurch, Dorset, England.
The Great Tower, Christchurch, Dorset, England — the first castle dates back to 1107, incredible. The Great Tower has been attacked and parts of it destroyed over the years, but generally it looks great and also serves as a vantage point over the town.
View from the Great Tower.
Christchurch Castle and Norman House – as well as the Great Tower, you should check out the Castle and overall complex. In fact, on a personal level these ruins are the highlight of the visit. The local council know it too and they good care of the ruins, information boards also fill you in on the history of the place. You’ll find out that the settlement was really called Twynham.
The Castle Ruins
The Castle Ruins
Christchurch Crazy Golf England — we all know the Northern Irish are great at golf these days (Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell, Darren Clarke) and I sunk my putts to perfection to beat Austin. The mini golf is down by the Quay.
The Railway Tavern — there are a few pubs in Christchurch though nothing on its Dorset neighbours Poole and Bournemouth. The Railway Tavern makes a decent stop for a beer as it’s next to the train station and also has a bus stop outside it.
Railway Tavern in Christchurch
Christchurch Town Hall — all English towns have a town hall and Christchurch has one on the main street. While not as prominent as it could be, it does have a small and pretty square there too. Typical local shops and cafes give this town a less commercial feel than nearby Bournemouth.
Christchurch Town Hall
New Zealand Gardens — on the edge of the town centre, there is proof that they recognise their twin town, Christchurch in New Zealand. In fact, the New Zealand one is a city not a town. There is a nice garden area to walk around and the sign of the town’s entrance also includes Christchurch on it.
New Zealand Gardens
New Zealand Gardens
Jonny Blair is a self confessed traveling nomad who founded and blogs at Don’t Stop Living. He sees every day as an adventure. Since leaving behind his home town of Bangor in Northern Ireland ten years ago he has traveled to all seven continents, working his way through various jobs and funding it all with hard work and an appetite for travel. Don’t Stop Living, a lifestyle of travel’ contains over 1,000 stories and tips from his journeys round the globe. He wants to show others how easy it is to travel the world, give them some ideas and encourage them to do the same but most of all he aims to constantly live a lifestyle of travel. He is currently based in Hong Kong and on Twitter @jonnyblair.
