Whenever we travel back to the UK, we always stay in New Milton, a lovely town on the South Coast where my mother lives. While New Milton is a wonderful and peaceful base, we often find ourselves wanting a change of scenery—somewhere with a touch of history and beautiful waterside views.
When that mood strikes, a favourite destination for a relaxing half-day trip is the neighbouring historic town of Christchurch.
Located just a 6-8 minute train ride or 15-30 minute drive from New Milton, Christchurch offers a much calmer, slower-paced alternative to the bustling nearby resort of Bournemouth. It is the perfect spot for a bit of “slow travel.” In this post, I’ll share our tried-and-tested half-day walking itinerary that covers the town’s best spots without any need to rush.
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- Exploring Christchurch on Foot
- Christchurch Priory (Time: approx. 45 mins)
- The Castle Ruins & Norman House (Time: approx. 20 mins)
- The Red House Museum (Time: approx. 45 mins)
- Riverside Walk and Christchurch Town Quay (Time: approx. 30 mins)
- Christchurch Monday Market
- Perfect for a Day Trip from London, Too!
Exploring Christchurch on Foot
One of the best things about Christchurch is that all its main attractions are clustered together right in the town centre, making it incredibly easy to explore on foot.
If you are arriving by train, the walk from Christchurch Railway Station to the town centre (where the Priory is located) takes about 15 minutes (approx. 1.2 km or 0.7 miles) along a completely flat, straightforward, and pleasant route.
In total, completing this entire loop back to the station takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, including plenty of time for sightseeing and a relaxing tea break.
Christchurch Priory (Time: approx. 45 mins)
Our first stop is the stunning Christchurch Priory, the undisputed icon of the town. Dating back to the 11th century, it holds the title of the longest parish church in England. As you step inside, you are instantly greeted by soaring ceilings, magnificent stained glass, and an atmosphere steeped in centuries of history. Don’t miss the legendary “Miraculous Beam” hidden within its architecture.
When we entered the building, a guide was there to hand us a free leaflet in English.
According to the leaflet, the Church has undergone repeated restoration work mainly between the 11th and 16th centuries, it offers a glimpse into the architectural styles of each era; it can truly be described as a ‘textbook that illustrates the history of English architecture at a glance’.
The leaflet provides detailed information on which parts of the abbey date from which period. As you walk through the site, try to sense the spirit of the craftsmen from each era, from the powerful spaces built by the Normans to the delicate, lace-like stone carvings of the late Middle Ages.
Towering behind the monastery’s high altar is the ‘Great Reredos’ (also known as the ‘Jesse Screen’), a reredos of exceptional rarity in England and of the highest order of beauty. It is believed to have been created around 1330–1340 (during the 14th-century Gothic period).
The marble (alabaster) sculpture in the foreground was created in the 15th century (the High Gothic period), around 1450, following the death of Sir John Kidiock. The stained-glass window behind it was created some 400 years later, in the late 1800s (the 19th century).
In 19th-century Britain, there was a major boom known as the ‘Gothic Revival’ (or ‘Neo-Gothic’), which sought to revive medieval Gothic architecture as an ideal. During this period, Christchurch Priory underwent extensive restoration, and as part of this, these beautiful, vivid stained-glass windows were installed. Although they appear to be in the style of medieval paintings, technically they employ the advanced glass-colouring techniques of the Victorian era.
The Castle Ruins & Norman House (Time: approx. 20 mins)
Just behind the Priory grounds, you will find the atmospheric ruins of Christchurch Castle.
Insider Tip: Take a close look at the adjacent Norman House. Built of stone rather than timber—which was highly unusual for its time—it features the oldest surviving Norman chimney in Britain. It is a fantastic little piece of history that many tourists walk right past!
The Red House Museum (Time: approx. 45 mins)
Next, head over to the Red House Museum and Gardens, a charming red-brick building constructed in 1764. After browsing the local archaeology and social history exhibits, wander out into their beautifully maintained herb gardens.
Unfortunately, when we went there, it was a Monday and the museum was closed.
Riverside Walk and Christchurch Town Quay (Time: approx. 30 mins)
To top off the day, stroll down to Town Quay, a vibrant yet peaceful riverside area. The river Avon flows gently past, and you will find dozens of elegant swans gliding along the water. Find a bench on the green, watch the local boats drift by, and just enjoy the art of doing absolutely nothing.
As you walk along the riverbank, you will come across a relatively large and striking brick building known as ‘Place Mill’. This is a very old watermill, believed to date back to the Anglo-Saxon period (before the 11th century); it was originally managed and used by the monks of the nearby Christchurch Priory to grind grain.
The building has a rather unusual appearance, with the lower half constructed of stone and the upper half of red brick. This is because the original medieval stone foundations were later (mainly around the 18th century) repaired and extended using brick. The black ‘X’-shaped metal fittings visible on the brick walls are known as ‘anchor plates’ (or ‘tie bars’); these are reinforcing devices used to secure the walls to the internal beams, preventing the old building’s walls from splaying outwards and collapsing.
Christchurch Monday Market
On the way back to the railway station, walk down the High Street. If you happen to visit on a Monday, you will get to experience the bustling atmosphere of the traditional street market!
Perfect for a Day Trip from London, Too!
While Christchurch makes for a great day out from New Milton, it is also highly accessible for those staying in the capital.
Direct trains run regularly from London Waterloo to Christchurch via the South Western Railway, taking just under 1 hour 45 minutes. It is a fantastic, stress-free escape from the hustle and bustle of London for anyone craving fresh coastal air and historic charm.
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- For travel logs and sights around New Milton in Southern England, click here ➔ New Milton & Surrounding Area Travel Guide
- For travel logs and sights around Norwich & Norfolk in Eastern England, click here ➔ Norwich & Norfolk Area Travel Guide
- For travel logs and sights around Cambridge, click here ➔ Cambridge & Surrounding Area Travel Guide
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