Just a short walk from the bustling town centre and hugging the banks of the River Stour lies the green oasis of Christchurch Quay. The 11th century Priory and the nature reserves at Stanpit Marsh and Hengistbury Head provide the backdrop to this unique park which is both treasured by locals and enjoyed by visitors. This park and Town Council facility is a proud Green Flag winner which sets the benchmark for quality open spaces.
Christchurch Quay has been a popular leisure destination since the 1920s and the beautiful Grade II* listed bandstand was constructed in the 1930s. Place Mill, a carefully restored Anglo-Saxon watermill, straddles the mill stream at the Quay and now houses an art gallery.
The uniquely designed splashpark, play area and crazy golf provide a children’s paradise for outdoor adventure and the adjacent open space is just the place for family picnics and eating ice creams. Kayaking, rowing and boat trips are an ideal way to enjoy the River Stour and its wildlife and tranquillity. You may prefer to keep your feet on dry land and take a stroll along the riverside promenade beneath the majestic poplar and willow trees through to Lime Tree Walk in Priory Gardens.
A fantastic venue for events, Christchurch Quay is a hub of activity during the summer months. Relax and enjoy Stompin on the Quomps jazz music festival, take part in cookery demonstrations and sample delicious local produce and street food at Christchurch Food Festival or join in the fun with Christchurch Carnival – with events most weekends throughout the summer there really is something for everyone.
Access to the Quay Area
On Foot
There are a number of recently improved pedestrian access points around the perimeter of Christchurch Quay. The Quay is within easy walking distance of the town centre. Pedestrian signage directs people from the town centre to the Quay and to facilities within the site.
Bicycle
A small section of traffic free cycle route runs from Wick Lane to Sopers Lane to the west of the site. Cycle stands are provided at either end of the site.
Bus
Buses serving the Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Burton, Lymington and New Milton areas stop in Christchurch High Street and Castle Street both of which are a five minute walk from Christchurch Quay.
Car
Brown road signs direct visitors to Christchurch Quay. Mayors Mead car park and the parking spaces on Quay Road fall within the boundaries of the CQMP site. Car parking is also available at Priory Car park adjacent to Place Mill. Disabled parking bays are provided at the car parks and ticket machines are Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant.
To help drivers find a parking space easily, signage for car parks direct drivers to the next nearest car park should the one they have tried be full.
Authorised vehicles can access the site from Quay Road via a locked bollard and via locked barriers from Mayors Mead Car Park and Whitehall.
Facilities
Christchurch Quay has a wide range of facilities that include the following:
- Splash park
- Play area
- Riverside promenade and network of pathways
- Bandstand (Grade II* listed)
- Toilets
- Cycle parking
- Car parking
- Dual use litter bins (dog and general waste)
- Life-saving buoys
- Seating and shelters
- Café restaurants at the Boathouse and The Old Mill Tearooms
- Art gallery at Place Mill (a Grade II* listed restored Anglo-Saxon watermill)
- Boat Hire
- Ferry Trips
- Public slipway
- Winter boat park (October – March)
- Novelty golf
- Rowing Club
- Sea Cadets
Events
The Quay hosts a number of seasonal events each year. For example Classic Cars on the Quay, through to smooth Jazz and the Stompin’ on the Quomps festival, as well as the acclaimed Christchurch Food Festival.
The Town Council works with its partner BCP Council in providing events management services which ensures the health and safety aspects of all events are well-managed and properly planned for. Initial queries for events should be directed via the Town Clerk – this includes multi-day events through to small occasions such as band recitals on the Bandstand.
Around the Quay
