Cascading flower towers, abundant hanging baskets and superb floral beds and roundabouts have all contributed to the Christchurch's reputation as the "best small town" in Southern England for ten consecutive years and winner of "Britain In Bloom".
Wherever you walk in Christchurch you will be impressed by the variety and colours of the towns flowers and plants - from the traditional rose gardens in Priory House Gardens, to the vibrant summer colours of the flower towers, to the more unusual New Zealand Gardens.
Christchurch is uniquely situated at the end of the Rivers Stour and Avon as they flow into Christchurch Harbor and the waters provide an unusual tranquility and activity. The Convent Walk, leading from Town Bridge to Place Mill on Town Quay, follows the course of the Mill Stream. Here you can see spectacular views of the ruins of Christchurch Castle, the Constable's House and the east end of the great Priory Church.
If you enjoy walking, you will be spoilt for choice when you visit Christchurch. There are four nature reserves in the borough, ideal if you like to escape from the hustle and bustle of the town to experience the natural habitat of wildlife, birds and plants.
If you are feeling more adventurous you could try the thirty-four mile Avon Valley Path which links Christchurch Priory to Salisbury Cathedral, or the Stour Valley Way, a twenty-three mile walk from Christchurch to Sturminster Newton. This walk is now being extended to Stourhead and will cover sixty-four miles.