Shopping in Christchurch
The pretty, riverside town of Christchurch offers an enticing blend of traditional shops, independent boutiques and well-known high street stores – perfect for some retail therapy.
You’ll be pleased to hear that the shopping areas are easily walkable and accessible, with just a 10 minute walk from the railway station. There are also plenty of car parks within the town centre and Christchurch is well connected from nearby towns and villages by bus.
If you are walking into the town centre from the railway station, you will walk along the Bargates. There’s a real mix of health and beauty shops, jewellers, homeware and florists to browse as you walk towards the High Street.
High Street and Saxon Square
In the main High Street you’ll find a mix of national brands and small retailers selling everything from clothing and shoes to gifts and souvenirs.
Just off the High Street, you will find Saxon Square – a pedestrianised open air shopping centre. Not only is it a great place to shop but there are also a number of cafes (with outside seating when the weather is nice) for taking a break and watching the world go by.
On Monday’s, the High Street is the home of the Christchurch Market - the largest weekly street market in the south of England. Open every week of the year, the market stalls sell a wide range of goods from fashion to fresh fish!
Church Street
The small, quaint shops found at the end of the High Street and leading into Church Street and Wick Lane are a treasure trove of all things lovely. Filled with unique items and quirky gifts, it’s great for finding something that little bit different.
And just round the corner is the impressive and very photogenic Priory Church. Sign up to one of their tower tours and you can climb the 176 steps up to the top of the church for panoramic views across the town and beyond.
Take a break
Don’t forget to take a rest from shopping in one of the many street-side cafes, bistros or traditional pubs. They offer a great range of food and drink from sandwiches and snacks to roast dinners. And even if you just need to grab a coffee on the go, there are many options to choose from.
Stay a little longer
You’ll find lots of choice of places to stay in or near Christchurch. Hotels, B&Bs, self-catering cottages and campsites are all available. So what are you waiting for?
Plan Your Visit
