Christchurch offers a variety of boat trips and ferry services, providing a unique way to explore the River Stour, Christchurch Harbour and Mudeford Sandbank. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing sightseeing cruise, a short ferry crossing or a traditional rowing ferry, there are several ways to experience one of Dorset’s most attractive coastal areas from the water.
This guide covers the Christchurch Quay to Mudeford Sandbank River Cruise, the Mudeford Quay Ferry, the historic Wick Ferry, and includes ideas for a circular walk around Christchurch Harbour.
Christchurch Quay to Mudeford Sandbank River Cruise
Operated by Bournemouth Boating
https://bournemouthboating.co.uk
The scenic river cruise from Christchurch Quay to Mudeford Sandbank is one of Dorset’s most enjoyable boat trips. The journey takes around 40 minutes, following the River Stour through Christchurch Harbour before arriving at the sandy spit of Mudeford Sandbank.
Along the way you’ll enjoy views of the harbour, salt marshes, wildlife and waterside homes, making this a relaxing alternative to travelling by road or on foot.
The service normally operates from Easter until the end of October. Departure times vary depending on the time of year, weather and demand, with boats generally sailing every 30 to 90 minutes during the main season.
Many of the vintage boats are open to the elements, so it’s advisable to bring a waterproof jacket or warm clothing, particularly on cooler or breezy days.
| Christchurch Quay to Mudeford Sandbank | Return | Single |
| Adult | £14 | £11 |
| Child (under 12) | £7 | £5.50 |
| Senior Return (65+) | £13 | £10 |
| Family (2A+2C) | £37 | – |
Check timetable at https://bournemouthboating.co.uk/docs/ferry-timetable.pdf
Google map Christchurch Quay
Google map Mudeford Sandbank landing stage
Boarding at Tuckton and Wick
The service actually begins at Tuckton, before calling at Wick and Christchurch Quay on its way to Mudeford Sandbank. This provides several convenient boarding points and allows visitors to combine the cruise with walks around Hengistbury Head and Christchurch Harbour.
| Tuckton to Mudeford Sandbank | Return | Single |
| Adult | £16 | £13 |
| Child (under 12) | £8 | £6.50 |
| Senior Return (65+) | £15 | £12 |
| Family (2A+2C) | £45 | – |
Check timetable at https://bournemouthboating.co.uk/docs/ferry-timetable.pdf
Google map Tuckton (Tuckton Tea Gardens)
Google map Wick (opposite Captains Club Hotel)
Mudeford Quay Ferry
Operated by Mudeford Ferry Ltd
www.mudefordferry.co.uk
If you’re already visiting Mudeford Quay, the quickest way to reach Mudeford Sandbank is by taking the passenger ferry across Christchurch Harbour.
The crossing takes just a few minutes and operates regularly throughout the main visitor season, providing easy access to the beach, beach café, coastal walks and watersports.
Unlike the river cruise from Christchurch Quay, this is a simple harbour crossing rather than a sightseeing trip, making it popular with beachgoers, walkers and cyclists.
Check the operator’s website for the latest fares and timetable.
| Mudeford Quay to Mudeford Sandbank | Single |
| Adult | £3.50 |
| Child (under 12) | £1.50 |
| Infant (under 3) | Free |
| Dogs | Free |
Google map Mudeford Quay landing
Google map Mudeford Sandbank landing stage
Wick Ferry
Operated by Bournemouth Boating
https://bournemouthboating.co.uk
The historic Wick Ferry provides a short passenger crossing of the River Stour, linking Wick Village on the Southbourne side with the opposite bank near the Captain’s Club Hotel, just a short walk from Christchurch Quay. The ferry crosses a narrow 90-metre stretch of the River Stour, providing a convenient shortcut for walkers. Local tradition suggests a ferry has operated at this crossing for almost 1,000 years, potentially pre-dating the founding of Christchurch Priory, although its earliest history is not well documented. Today, the service is operated by Bournemouth Boating using small open boats.
The crossing takes just 2–3 minutes but saves walkers around 20 minutes compared with the longer route via Tuckton Bridge. It is particularly popular with visitors exploring Hengistbury Head, Christchurch Harbour and the riverside footpaths, and welcomes pedestrians, cyclists and well-behaved dogs.
The ferry normally operates throughout the main visitor season, with reduced sailings during the winter months. As the crossing is weather dependent, it’s always worth checking the operator’s website for the latest operating times, fares and service information before travelling.
Google map Wick Ferry (Southbourne side)
Google map Wick Ferry (Christchurch side)
Ideas for a Circular Walk
A really nice day out is to park at Christchurch and then take the ferry across to Mudeford Sandbank. You can explore the beach and have a coffee and sandwich at the beach cafe and then walk back via Hengistbury Head and Tuckton Bridge. An even quicker walk back is to head for Wick Ferry (Google map). Wick Ferry takes you across the River Stour and will shorten your walk by about 20 minutes. The Ferry is run by the same company as the Christchurch to Mudeford Ferry so you can always check with them to confirm that it is running. There has been a ferry operating at Wick for more than 250 years. Some historians suggest it could even be as much as 1000 years.
The walk back from Mudeford Sandbank to Christchurch Quay via Wicks Ferry takes around 1 hour 10 minutes (3 miles) if you follow the more direct route or about 1 hour 25 mins if you walk over the top of Hengistbury Head (3.5 miles).