Southbourne School of English

The Domesday Book of 1086 described Christchurch as a small market town. In the 17th and 18th centuries Christchurch became a centre for smuggling, with whole communities involved in the trade. The Rivers Avon and Stour flow into Christchurch Harbour, which make it a picturesque place to sit and watch the world go by.

In 1094 Ranulf Flambard demolished the Saxon church which had stood for nearly four centuries, and began building his great priory church. Using stone from the Isle of Wight, the main part of the church was completed by 1150. The church was dedicated to Christ, and the town became known as Christchurch. Christchurch Priory is the longest parish church in Britain.

A walk along the River Avon was opened to the public in 1911 to commemorate the coronation of King George V, and you can sit by the riverside and watch the ducks and swans on the water. Often, during the summer months, you can watch the anglers fishing from a punt just below Town Bridge. The Norman Constable's House at the edge of the Mill Stream, although now in ruins, has one of only five Norman chimneys in Britain as well as one of the earliest toilets or garderobes as they were called. Just behind the Norman House you can see the ruins of the Castle Keep and Motte and you can even climb to the top of the mound and enjoy the view if you are feeling energetic.

There are also picturesque walks along Town Quay, and Place Mill (a restored 900 year old mill) is now an art gallery and open to visitors. Near to Place Mill is Mill Bridge or Pack Horse Bridge. The foundations date back to the year 1100.

You can learn all about the history of electricity at the Museum of Electricity in Bargates which is only five minutes walk from the High Street and is set in a genuine Edwardian power station. You can enjoy plenty of hands-on experiments, see working models and dozens of early domestic items and there's even an original 1911 tram. The Regent Centre has a lively and diverse programme of Theatre, Cinema, and Concerts designed to appeal to all age groups. There are Art Exhibitions in the foyer. The Red House Museum was originally the local work house. It dates back to 1764 and gives a fascinating insight into Christchurch's heritage with interesting displays of natural history. The beautiful thatched Old Court House in Castle Street dates from the 12th century and was where the Mayor and chief officials of the borough were sworn in each year. Nowadays it is known as the New Forest Perfumery and Tea Rooms and it specialises in the fragrances of the New Forest. If you are interested in medieval forms of punishment, you can see replica stocks and a whipping post (next to the perfumery), and the ducking stool in Ducking Stool Lane, just off Millhams Street! You can join the Town Crier's Historic Town Centre Walk every Friday from May to September.

If you like bargains, visit Christchurch Monday Market in the High Street. Dorset Farmers Market is held in Saxon Square, Christchurch on the first Friday of every month. There is a wonderful range of home grown produce - organic fruit and vegetables, meats, cheeses, eggs, jams and preserves. There are a lot of interesting shops to browse round in Christchurch.