Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WHY?</h2>



<p>It&#8217;ll feel like you&#8217;re on holiday all year round in this Christchurch suburb, which seems a little like a (well-heeled) fishing village. You&#8217;re right on the natural Christchurch harbour – where the rivers Stour and Avon meet the sea –&nbsp;on one side, with three beaches on the other, and the New Forest close by. When you&#8217;re not windsurfing, there are excellent schools, good rail links and shops and stuff round about.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/10/00-the-jetty-mudeford-352790609_640924941408479_5059451287494156994_n.jpg" alt="the jetty mudeford dorset" class="wp-image-89802" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/10/00-the-jetty-mudeford-352790609_640924941408479_5059451287494156994_n.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/10/00-the-jetty-mudeford-352790609_640924941408479_5059451287494156994_n-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/10/00-the-jetty-mudeford-352790609_640924941408479_5059451287494156994_n-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/10/00-the-jetty-mudeford-352790609_640924941408479_5059451287494156994_n-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/10/00-the-jetty-mudeford-352790609_640924941408479_5059451287494156994_n-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/10/00-the-jetty-mudeford-352790609_640924941408479_5059451287494156994_n-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/10/00-the-jetty-mudeford-352790609_640924941408479_5059451287494156994_n-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/10/00-the-jetty-mudeford-352790609_640924941408479_5059451287494156994_n-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Jetty</figcaption></figure>



<p>You&#8217;re spoiled for choice. Cocktails at <a href="https://www.captainsclubhotel.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Captain&#8217;s Club</a> (which also has a restaurant and spa) to start?  With fish and seafood caught daily from Mudeford Quay, enjoy seafood fine dining at the award-winning waterfront <a href="https://www.thejetty.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jetty</a> at the Harbour Hotel (Best Hotel in the Somerset, Dorset &amp; Bristol Muddy Awards 2023) and <a href="https://noisylobster.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Noisy Lobster</a> on Avon Beach. The Haven House Inn on Mudeford Quay is under new ownership, so watch this space. Head into the centre of Christchurch, for gourmet pizzas and cocktails at <a href="https://www.soholifestyle.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Soho</a>, ditto with river views at <a href="https://www.boathouse.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Boathouse</a>, posh nosh at the restaurant at the 4 AA star Georgian <a href="https://www.harbourhotels.co.uk/kings-arms" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The King&#8217;s Arms Hotel</a> and natural, low intervention wines and tapas at <a href="https://www.bodega-christchurch.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bodega.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SHOP</h2>



<p>You&#8217;ll need to go a couple miles into Christchurch for indie shops, including <a href="https://patisseriemarkbennett.com/our-patisseries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patisserie Mark Bennett</a>, a weekly market, a Waitrose and M&amp;S, and into Bournemouth (but it&#8217;s only 6 miles miles) for the main high street stores in town and at the Castlepoint Centre on the edge.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>Two Riversmeet leisure centre in Christchurch has two pools, a gym and loads of classes. Dorset Yoga Pilates does what is says on the tin, including SUP yoga on a paddleboard (and why not, when the sea&#8217;s right there?). </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>Free community festival of arts, crafts music and food, the Mudeford Arts Festival, takes place every summer. The Mudeford Sailing Club is a friendly hub for those who like to take to the waves, from beginners upwards.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/09/00-highcliffe-castle-29586055_1367574980722003_35205983559925141_n.jpg" alt="Highcliffe Castle near Mudeford dorset" class="wp-image-88364" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/09/00-highcliffe-castle-29586055_1367574980722003_35205983559925141_n.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/09/00-highcliffe-castle-29586055_1367574980722003_35205983559925141_n-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/09/00-highcliffe-castle-29586055_1367574980722003_35205983559925141_n-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/09/00-highcliffe-castle-29586055_1367574980722003_35205983559925141_n-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/09/00-highcliffe-castle-29586055_1367574980722003_35205983559925141_n-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/09/00-highcliffe-castle-29586055_1367574980722003_35205983559925141_n-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/09/00-highcliffe-castle-29586055_1367574980722003_35205983559925141_n-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/09/00-highcliffe-castle-29586055_1367574980722003_35205983559925141_n-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Highcliffe Castle (Facebook)</figcaption></figure>



<p>Bring your SUP, windsurfer, kayak and fishing rods – you&#8217;re right on the waterfront.  History hounds may want head to <a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/christchurch-castle-and-norman-house/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christchurch Castle</a>, the Grade I listed <a href="https://www.christchurchpriory.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christchurch Priory </a>and the gothic splendour of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.highcliffecastle.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Highcliffe Castle</a> (which has events). The great outdoors is on your doorstep with walks and other activities, including the <a href="http://www.friendsofstanpitmarsh.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanpit Marsh Nature  Reserves</a> and Hengistbury Head. Hop on the little foot ferry to super sandy Mudeford Spit (and its famously expensive beach huts). The heathland, trails and wild ponies of the New Forest are close by. Fancy an impromptu trip abroad?  Bournemouth Airport is a mere 15 mins away.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CULTURE</h2>



<p>There may not be a cineplex  but Christchurch&#8217;s independent Art Deco <a href="https://www.regentcentre.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Regent Centre</a> has a rolling programme of theatre, music as well as film. The <a href="https://www.hampshireculture.org.uk/red-house-museum-and-gardens" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Red House Museum </a>will tell you all you need to know about history of the area. You&#8217;re not far from Bournemouth&#8217;s cultural offerings; the <a href="https://www.bic.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bournemouth International Centre (BIC)</a> and <a href="https://www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bournemouth Pavilion</a> both have big names on tour. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-verage-house-prices"><strong>A</strong>VERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>The mix of little white character cottages, modern apartments, houses (and bungalows) doesn&#8217;t come cheap, with an average house prices around £536,910. Detached homes sold for an average of £698,560, terraced houses for £486,103 and flats £202,848.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://mitchells.uk.com/property/victoria-road-mudeford-christchurch-dorset-bh23-3lf/"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/Untitled-design-73-1000x667.jpg" alt="Victoria Road,
Mudeford" class="wp-image-99805" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/Untitled-design-73-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/Untitled-design-73-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/Untitled-design-73-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/Untitled-design-73-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/Untitled-design-73.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This new build home boasts a brilliant harbour location gorgeous and large sunken sun terrace for outdoor entertaining. <a href="https://mitchells.uk.com/property/victoria-road-mudeford-christchurch-dorset-bh23-3lf/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market for £1.25m</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>Tops Day Nursery, Three Bears Pre-school and King&#8217;s Castle Montessori Nursery School are all Ofsted rated Good. Independent Park School, Bournemouth Collegiate School and Yarrells all have very good nursery schools.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>The area is well served for good schools. State Christchurch Primary, Mudeford Junior and secondary Twynham School are all Outstanding. Nearby independents include <a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/park-school-bournemouth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Park School</a>, Bournemouth Collegiate School and Bournemouth Collegiate Prep (day and boarding from 2 – 18 yrs) and Yarrells Prep &amp; Nursery (nursery, pre-prep and prep).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>A few hundred years ago, smuggling was one of the area&#8217;s most lucrative industries. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>Christchurch to London Waterloo twice hourly from 1 hr 52 mins; hourly to  Southampton (49 mins) and it&#8217;s only 8 mins to Bournemouth.</p>



<p><em>View the full <a class="" href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 300 Best Places to Live.</a></em></p>


Mudeford

See more in Dorset