Plan a visit to Christchurch Quay, a picturesque riverside park beside the River Stour in Dorset. Discover the Quomps, seasonal splash park, children’s playground, boat trips, historic Place Mill and walks to Christchurch Priory and the castle ruins. Our visitor guide also covers nearby places to eat, annual events, parking, toilets, accessibility, dog information and a suggested itinerary for enjoying the Quay and historic town centre.
Christchurch Quay is a picturesque riverside open space on the northern bank of the River Stour, only a short walk from Christchurch Priory and the historic town centre.
The Quay combines waterside walks, open grass, family attractions, heritage and seasonal boat services in one compact area. Visitors can enjoy a picnic on the Quomps, watch boats moving along the river, visit the splash park, hire a self-drive boat or continue towards the Priory, Place Mill and Christchurch Castle ruins.
It is free to visit and remains an enjoyable destination throughout the year, although the splash park, boat hire and many large events are seasonal.
The riverside setting is the Quay’s principal attraction. A level promenade follows the water, while benches and open grass provide places to stop and watch boats, swans and other river activity.
Important features include:
The Quay can be explored in less than an hour, but families and visitors combining it with the surrounding heritage attractions can comfortably spend half a day here.
The large grassed area beside the river is locally known as the Quomps.
It is one of Christchurch’s most popular places for picnics, family gatherings and summer events. The open space provides room for children to play, while its position beside the River Stour makes it equally appealing for a quiet rest during a walk around town.
The traditional bandstand gives the park much of its character and becomes a focal point for outdoor performances and community celebrations.
During large festivals, access to parts of the Quomps may be restricted while organisers prepare or operate the event site.
The free Quomps Splash Park is one of the Quay’s most popular family attractions during warmer weather.
It includes a shallow paddling area and water features designed for infants and younger children. Some accessible features are provided. The adjoining playground offers another reason for families to spend longer at the Quay.
The splash park is seasonal and may close because of maintenance, water quality, weather or operational requirements. Families should check the latest status with Christchurch Town Council before making a special journey.
Children should remain supervised at all times, particularly because the park is close to the river.
Read our guide to the Quomps Splash Park
Taking to the water provides a completely different view of Christchurch and the River Stour.
Quay Leisure operates self-drive motorboat hire from a kiosk on Christchurch Quay between Easter and October, subject to suitable weather. No boating licence is required, instructions are provided and life jackets are available for adults and children.
The boats can carry up to six adults and are restricted to the river rather than Christchurch Harbour or the open sea. The person hiring the boat must be at least 18 and bring photographic identification. Advance booking is not normally available.
Check current Quay Leisure boat-hire information
Bournemouth Boating Services also operates seasonal passenger ferries along the River Stour. Services connect Tuckton Tea Gardens, Wick, Christchurch Quay and Mudeford Sandbank, generally running from April to October.
The ferry offers a scenic, traffic-free way to extend a visit. We can travel towards Tuckton for the riverside gardens or continue to Mudeford Sandbank for beach walks and views across Christchurch Harbour.
Services are weather-dependent, so check the current timetable before travelling.
View the current ferry services and timetable
Place Mill stands beside the Quay and is one of Christchurch’s most important surviving historic buildings.
A mill was recorded on this site in the Domesday Book, and the building contains evidence of different periods of construction, including Saxon and Tudor brickwork. Today it is used as a seasonal gallery and exhibition space.
Entry arrangements and exhibitions change throughout the year, so check the current programme before visiting.
Discover more about Place Mill
Christchurch Quay is ideally positioned for exploring the town’s historic centre.
A short walk through the gardens leads to Christchurch Priory, one of the longest parish churches in England. Visitors can explore the church when it is open, admire its architecture and learn more about the religious history of the town.
From the Priory area, continue towards Castle Street to find the remains of Christchurch Castle and the Norman House. These outdoor ruins are free to visit and offer a glimpse into medieval Christchurch.
Convent Walk provides another attractive route. It follows the Mill Stream between Town Bridge and Place Mill, creating a peaceful connection between Castle Street and the Quay.
Read our guide to Christchurch’s historic sites
The Quay works well as the starting point for several short walks:
The central Quay circuit is suitable for a short, gentle stroll. Visitors wanting a longer outing can combine the riverside, Priory and castle into an easy town-centre heritage walk.
The Boathouse occupies a prominent position beside the Quomps and offers riverside dining, drinks and seasonal outdoor service. Its nearby mini-golf course makes it a convenient choice for families.
The Old Mill Tea Rooms provides a more traditional stop beside Place Mill, while Church Street and the High Street are only a few minutes away and offer cafés, pubs, bakeries and restaurants.
Visitors can also bring a picnic to enjoy on the Quomps. Please take litter away or use the bins provided, particularly during busy summer days.
Discover places to eat beside the water in Christchurch
The Quomps hosts some of Christchurch’s largest annual events. The programme changes each year, but regular highlights include:
Events can bring large crowds, temporary fencing, amplified music and changes to normal access. Visitors should check individual event information before travelling.
Christchurch Music Festival 2027
Explore what’s on in Christchurch
Christchurch Quay Car Park is the closest option, immediately beside the waterfront. It is open 24 hours but has a relatively small number of spaces and can fill quickly.
Other nearby choices include:
Parking charges and restrictions apply and may change. Spaces become particularly limited during festivals, sunny weekends and school holidays, so arriving early or using public transport is advisable.
Check current Christchurch parking locations and charges
The principal paths and riverside promenade around Christchurch Quay are generally level and surfaced, making much of the area accessible to wheelchair users, mobility scooters and pushchairs.
The Quomps itself is grassed and may become soft, slippery or uneven after wet weather. Temporary event surfaces, crowds and fencing can also affect access.
The splash park includes some accessible features. Accessibility on boats varies, and passengers with mobility requirements should contact the operator before travelling.
Designated parking spaces are available in nearby council car parks. Visitors requiring a particular facility should check the latest arrangements with BCP Council or the relevant attraction.
Public toilets are situated near the Quomps and splash park, with Mayors Mead listed as the nearest car park.
The facilities normally open daily, but closing times vary seasonally. They generally remain open later between spring and early September and close earlier during autumn and winter.
Check the council page for current opening times before travelling.
View Christchurch Quay public-toilet information
Dogs are welcome at Christchurch Quay. Current Town Council guidance permits dogs to exercise off lead, but owners must keep them under control and remain considerate of children, wildlife and other visitors.
Owners must collect and dispose of dog waste using the available bins. It is sensible to use a lead around the playground, splash park, busy events, food areas and close to the water.
Well-behaved dogs are also accepted on Quay Leisure’s self-drive boats. Other ferry and hospitality policies may vary, so check directly before travelling.
Large festivals, fairground attractions, loud music and fireworks may make the Quay unsuitable for some dogs.
Begin beside Place Mill and follow the waterfront around the Quomps, allowing time to enjoy the river views.
Families can stop at the playground or seasonal splash park, while other visitors may prefer a game of mini-golf or a drink beside the water. If the boats are operating, add a short self-drive trip or ferry journey.
Continue through the Priory gardens and visit Christchurch Priory. From there, follow Church Street towards the castle ruins and Norman House before returning along Convent Walk to Place Mill.
Finish with lunch, coffee or cake at the Quay or in the nearby town centre.
Allow additional time for a boat journey, museum visit, exhibition or major event.
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