20 Attractions to Explore Near Christchurch Castle and Norman House

Christchurch Harbour has formed about 7,000 years ago. Christchurch Quay and Quomps lie in the upper reaches of the harbour. The entrance to the harbour, known as 'The Run', is flanked by Mudeford Quay to the north and Mudeford Sandbank to the south. The harbour is generally shallow and due to the tidal harmonics in the English Channel has double high water on each tide. It comprises the estuary of the Stour and Avon and the Hengistbury Head peninsula.

Southbourne Beach is one of Bournemouth's favourite Blue Flag award winning beaches, particularly loved by the locals for its wide, exceptionally clean, sandy shore. The beach is popular with young families due to convenient facilities such as toilets with baby changing facilities, lost children centres, RNLI lifeguard stations, pubs and ice cream kiosks.

Hengistbury Head is a scenic and historic headland near the town of Bournemouth on the south coast of England. It is home to over 500 plant species, 300 types of birds, a superb variety of insects, reptiles and small mammals. It is a fascinating place not only for its wide variety of habitats but also for its internationally important archaeology and geology.

Mudeford Quay is situated at the entrance of Christchurch Harbour and South of Mudeford village center. The Quay comprises of The Haven Inn public house, a number of ex-fishermans' cottages, and a large car park, it is still used by local fishing boats as well as being a base for many water sports. A short walk from Mudeford Quay is the family-friendly, sandy beaches of Gundimore, Avon Beach, and Friars Cliff. There are beachside cafes, toilets, and beach huts for hire.

Hengistbury Head is a relatively unspoilt and south-facing pebble beach, with imposing clay and ironstone cliffs. It is a fascinating place not only for its wide variety of habitats but also for its internationally important archaeology and geology.

The beaches at Bournemouth stretch for 7 miles between the coastal towns of Poole and Christchurch. All of the beaches are soft sand and very family friendly. They are some of the safest beaches in the UK with RNLI Lifeguards based there between 30 April and 30 September. Nestled beneath a magnificent cliff line, the bay enjoys its own micro-climate, some of the warmest sea temperatures in the UK and stunning views of the Isle of Wight and the Purbecks.

Adventure Wonderland is a family theme park situated in the village of Hurn, near Bournemouth, United Kingdom. The park offers rides and attractions aimed at families with children up to the age of 12. A wide range of outside rides and attractions are open daily including family favorites such as Jungle Falls, Battle Boats, Wild Bill's Runaway Train, and the Turbo Teacups.

The Bournemouth Aviation Museum is an aviation museum located next to Bournemouth International Airport, near the village of Hurn in Christchurch. It houses a number of aircraft, aero engines, cockpits and a limited number of ground vehicles. The museum contains a number of aircraft, aero engines and cockpits. It has also recently restored a Boeing 737-200 named 'The Spirit of Peter Bath' and it is believed to be the only museum in Europe to include a 737-200 in its collection.

One of the most fascinating historic houses in England. The Russell-Cotes was the home of two Victorian collectors and travel enthusiasts, Sir Merton and Lady Annie Russell-Cotes. Twice-yearly exhibitions of contemporary art support works from the main collection, and have included painter Jonathan Yeo and sculptor Jon Edgar in 2011. it is located on the top of the East Cliff, next to the Royal Bath Hotel.

The Lower Gardens in Bournemouth is a Grade II Listed Garden. The beautiful floral displays that combine a range of colours, textures and scents. The Gardens also have plenty of activities to keep visitors busy including music at the Pine Walk bandstand, an aviary, mini golf course and an art exhibition during the summer.

One of the iconic attractions in Dorset which takes you on an underwater adventure through some of the world's most amazing waters. Home to hundreds of awesome creatures, come face to face with stunning sharks, curious green sea turtles, colorful clownfish, and the very cute, Oriental small-clawed otter family. The Bournemouth Oceanarium also boasts the world's first virtual interactive dive cage and an interactive global meltdown to explore the effects of climate change.

Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum houses one of the finest collections of fully restored motorcycles in the world, including factory racers and exotic prototypes, with the collection constantly evolving as new bikes are acquired. It houses some 300 machines including motorcycles and 3-wheeled vehicles and is affiliated to the British Motorcycle Charitable Trust.

Alum Chine Beach is probably one of Bournemouth's favourite Blue Flag award winning beaches, particularly loved by the locals for its wide, exceptionally clean, sandy and shingle beaches situated further to the West of Bournemouth, away from the hustle and bustle of Bournemouth Pier and the town centre.

Compton Acres is one of the finest privately owned gardens in the South of England. Comprising a series of classical themed gardens, each providing an attractive and unique variety of ornamental plants from around the world, cared for by a team of professional gardeners. Enjoy over 10 acres of horticultural heaven, relax in our charming Café & Tea Rooms, browse the treasures in our Gifted Moment store or delve into the exciting world of plants within our Plant Centre.

This amazing attraction is home to and named after one of the Alaskan Bald Eagles, Liberty as well as a large collection of other birds of prey, reptiles and creepy crawlies. At Liberty's, you will find a large collection of Birds Of Prey, including Owls, Hawks, Falcons and Vultures, as well as a collection of Reptiles and other creepy crawlies in our Reptile House. It also works as a rescue center for many injured birds to ensure their full rehabilitation and eventual release back into the wild

Sandbanks is a small peninsula crossing the mouth of Poole Harbour. It is of the highest quality with fine golden sand and sparkling clean waters, perfect for a family day out at the seaside. One of the iconic location for a day out with family and also you can spend some nice time there.

Splashdown Waterpark is a great day out for family and friends. There’s something for everyone – from big kids to little ones – with some of the UK’s most exciting water flumes. It has 8 indoor water slides which operate all year round and 5 outside rides which operate only during the summer season. There is also a wet play area and a small training pool for youngsters.

Tower Park is a leisure and retail park, located at Mannings Heath, Dorset. At this Park, Poole, a galaxy of entertainment unfolds. With the Splashdown water park and Cineworld cinema, Tenpin bowling, kids soft play, bingo, and a range of restaurants, there's enough to keep you busy whatever the weather. The buildings at Tower Park occupy an area of 199,000 sq. ft., according to its ultimate owner Landsec. There is an open plaza between the buildings providing outdoor seating.