Christchurch Quay is one of the town’s most popular attractions and a wonderful place to relax beside the River Stour. Surrounded by open lawns, mature trees and attractive riverside gardens, the quay offers beautiful views across the water towards Christchurch Harbour and provides a peaceful contrast to the busier seaside resorts nearby.
Whether you’re watching sailing boats, rowing boats, self-drive motor boats and paddleboarders glide past, enjoying an ice cream on one of the many benches or simply admiring the resident swans, ducks and geese, Christchurch Quay is somewhere that encourages visitors to slow down and enjoy the scenery. It also serves as the starting point for boat trips, riverside walks and the historic Wick Ferry, making it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area.
Google map Christchurch Town Quay
Things to Do at Christchurch Quay
Feed the Swans, Ducks and Geese
One of the highlights of visiting Christchurch Quay is seeing the large number of swans, ducks and geese that gather along the river throughout the year. Feeding the birds has long been a favourite activity for families, particularly those visiting with young children.
If you choose to feed the birds, please avoid giving them bread, as it provides little nutritional value and can contribute to health problems and poor water quality. Better alternatives include sweetcorn, oats, peas, chopped lettuce or specially produced waterfowl food. Feeding only small amounts helps keep both the birds and the river healthy.
Walk Along Christchurch Quay
A level riverside path follows Christchurch Quay for approximately 200 metres, stretching from historic Place Mill at the western end to the Wick Ferry crossing beside the Captain’s Club Hotel & Spa.
Along the way you’ll pass the attractive bandstand, the open riverside lawns known as The Quomps, colourful seasonal flower displays and numerous benches overlooking the River Stour. The path is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, making it one of the most accessible and enjoyable short walks in Christchurch.
Google map The Bandstand
Google map The Quomps
Boat Trips to Mudeford Sandbank
During the summer months, Bournemouth Boating operates a passenger boat service between Christchurch Quay and Mudeford Sandbank. The journey across Christchurch Harbour provides excellent views of the surrounding coastline before arriving at one of Dorset’s most distinctive beaches, famous for its colourful beach huts and sandy shoreline.
Many visitors continue their journey by taking the short Mudeford Ferry across the harbour entrance to Mudeford Quay before returning to Christchurch by local bus or on foot, creating an enjoyable circular trip around the harbour.
For more details see our Boat Trips from Christchurch guide
Google map Bournemouth Boating Kiosk on the Quay
Google map Bournemouth Boating Kiosk at Wick Ferry
Take the Wick Ferry
At the eastern end of the quay, the historic Wick Ferry provides a short seasonal crossing of the River Stour to Wick. Operating for pedestrians and cyclists, the ferry offers a charming way to continue your journey towards Tuckton, Hengistbury Head and the surrounding riverside paths without taking the much longer route by road.
For more details see our Boat Trips from Christchurch guide
Google map Wick Ferry (Christchurch side)
Google map Wick Ferry (Wick side)
Quomps Splash Park & Play Area
Families visiting Christchurch Quay will find two excellent children’s attractions at The Quomps. The Quomps Splash Park is a free outdoor water play area that operates during the warmer summer months, featuring water jets, sprays, interactive water features and a paddling pool. It’s one of Christchurch’s most popular family attractions on hot summer days.
Next to the splash park is the Quomps Play Area, which includes a large pirate ship, climbing equipment, swings, an accessible swing, seesaws and other play equipment suitable for a range of ages. Public toilets, including accessible and baby changing facilities, are located nearby, making it an ideal place for families to spend a few hours.
Hire a Self-Drive Motor Boat
One of the best ways to experience Christchurch Quay is from the water. Several self-drive motor boats are available to hire, allowing you to explore the calm waters of the River Stour, River Avon and Christchurch Harbour at your own pace. No previous boating experience or licence is required, making this a popular activity for families, couples and first-time visitors.
Both Quay Leisure Boat Hire and Bournemouth Boating have hire kiosks on Christchurch Quay, offering motor boats that can carry up to six people. The sheltered waterways are ideal for a leisurely cruise, with opportunities to spot wildlife, admire the riverside scenery and enjoy a completely different perspective of historic Christchurch.
For prices, hire periods and further information, see our Dorset Boat Hire guide.
Google map Bournemouth Boating kiosk on the Quay
Google map Quay Leisure Boat Hire kiosk on the Quay
Nearby Attractions
Several of Christchurch’s most popular attractions are only a short walk from the quay. Christchurch Priory, Place Mill, Christchurch Castle and the Norman House, Convent Walk and the Red House Museum & Gardens can all be reached within a few minutes, making the quay an excellent starting point for exploring the town’s rich history.
For those wishing to explore further, riverside footpaths continue towards Stanpit Marsh Nature Reserve, while the Wick Ferry provides easy access to walks leading to Hengistbury Head.
Visitor Information
Christchurch Quay is open throughout the year and there is no admission charge. Public toilets, cafés and parking are all available nearby, while Christchurch town centre and its wide selection of shops, pubs and restaurants are only a few minutes’ walk away.
The quay is particularly popular during the summer months and on sunny weekends, but its spacious lawns mean there’s usually plenty of room to sit and enjoy the riverside setting. Whether you’re spending a few minutes watching the boats or several hours exploring the surrounding attractions, Christchurch Quay remains one of the most relaxing places to visit in Dorset.