Guidebook for Dorset
Food Scene
Alexander's Fish & Chips
186 StanpitAmazing take-away fish and chips. Be prepared to queue a bit.
Lovely local pub with really good food - very welcoming to children and dogs.
7 locals recommend
The Nelson Tavern
75 MudefordLovely local pub with really good food - very welcoming to children and dogs.
The Jetty
95 MudefordSpecial treat restaurant
Beach House
Great location and really good pizzas. You can eat in or takeaway.
Good location. A collection of things - smoothie bar, ice cream kiosk, shop, restaurant, fish and chips.
67 locals recommend
The Noisy Lobster
Good location. A collection of things - smoothie bar, ice cream kiosk, shop, restaurant, fish and chips.
Lovely cafe for brunch with plenty of vegetarian/vegan, dairy free and gluten free options. Can get super busy and they don't take reservations.
15 locals recommend
The Paddle Cafe Bar Eatery
397 Lymington RdLovely cafe for brunch with plenty of vegetarian/vegan, dairy free and gluten free options. Can get super busy and they don't take reservations.
Drinks & Nightlife
Lovely hotel with friendly bar and great views across the harbour.
40 locals recommend
Christchurch HarSPA
95 MudefordLovely hotel with friendly bar and great views across the harbour.
BODEGA
12 Wick LnLovely Spanish wine and cheese bar with shop and deli.
Parks & Nature
Just amazing spot. Great for walking, for kids, for swimming, for kayaking, for views... Get there via the ferry from Mudeford Quay. (£1.20 per adult for one way - make sure you have change!). Great cafe (The Beach Cafe) there too with shop and takeaways possible.
36 locals recommend
Mudeford Sandbank
Just amazing spot. Great for walking, for kids, for swimming, for kayaking, for views... Get there via the ferry from Mudeford Quay. (£1.20 per adult for one way - make sure you have change!). Great cafe (The Beach Cafe) there too with shop and takeaways possible.
You can get a ferry here from Sandbanks - it's owned by the National Trust and still is the home of Scouts camping. Also home to lots of red squirrels!
204 locals recommend
Brownsea Island
You can get a ferry here from Sandbanks - it's owned by the National Trust and still is the home of Scouts camping. Also home to lots of red squirrels!
Good spot to start New Forest cycle rides - they have cycle hire here too. The bike shop can give you a variety of maps for all standards. There is a shop in the village too if you want to stock up for a picnic. The village is also home to lots of witchy myths and legends!
33 locals recommend
Burley New Forest village
Ringwood RoadGood spot to start New Forest cycle rides - they have cycle hire here too. The bike shop can give you a variety of maps for all standards. There is a shop in the village too if you want to stock up for a picnic. The village is also home to lots of witchy myths and legends!
Sightseeing
Christchurch Priory Church
Quay RoadBeautiful 11th century priory in a lovely setting.
Entertainment & Activities
Brilliant dinosaur themed adventure golf. Good cafe there too.
https://playgolfworld.com/bournemouth/adventure-golf/
Playgolf Bournemouth
Riverside AvenueBrilliant dinosaur themed adventure golf. Good cafe there too.
https://playgolfworld.com/bournemouth/adventure-golf/
Really good aquarium. Over the road from Harry Ramsden's fish and chip restaurant - great rainy day activity.
115 locals recommend
Oceanarium
Pier ApproachReally good aquarium. Over the road from Harry Ramsden's fish and chip restaurant - great rainy day activity.
Great climbing walls on the pier. You can also book tickets here for the Pier to Beach zip wire.
46 locals recommend
RockReef
Great climbing walls on the pier. You can also book tickets here for the Pier to Beach zip wire.
Brilliant water sports hire place. Nick runs lessons too on anything water based (that's permitted within the harbour!).
14 locals recommend
ShoreSports
Brilliant water sports hire place. Nick runs lessons too on anything water based (that's permitted within the harbour!).
Getting Around
Lovely renting a bike and cycling along the sea front - or further afield.
http://www.frontbikehire.co.uk
8 locals recommend
Front Bike Hire
Undercliff DriveLovely renting a bike and cycling along the sea front - or further afield.
http://www.frontbikehire.co.uk
Shopping
Sainsbury's
1 Lyndhurst RdNearest big local supermarket.