Christchurch Priory Church

Christchurch Priory Church

Click to enlarge images below:

Type: Abbey/Priory

This medieval monastic church comprising nave, monks' quire and Lady Chapel was started in 1094 by Ralph Flambard, later as bishop, to complete the building of Durham Cathedral. It has all styles of architecture from Norman to Tudor, 2 carved stone screens, 4 chantries and a peerless set of misericords. It is famous as the home of `The Miraculous Beam'. Above the Lady Chapel is a large room, formerly the grammar school and now a museum. In the baptistry is a memorial to the poet Shelley and his wife. There are guided tours to the tower.Awarded five stars by Simon Jenkins in his book “England’s Thousand Best Churches”, the Priory is 311 feet long and said to be the longest parish church nave in England. As well as having regular guided walks throughout the year it is also possible, during the summer months, to climb the spiral steps of the tower to enjoy the stunning views across Christchurch and the harbour.

Ticket Information

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Free EntryFree

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

Opening Times

Open All Year
2012 Opening (01/01/2012 - 31/12/2012)

Contact Details

Quay Road
Christchurch
CHRISTCHURCH
Dorset
BH23 1BU

Tel: +44 01202 485804

Fax: +44 01202 488645

Awards

  • Regional and MiscellaneousChristchurch Tourism Association Christchurch Tourism Association 2010

Facilities

  • Accept Children over 7

Event Facilities

  • Free Entry

Provider Preferences

  • In town/city centre

Accessibility

  • Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors - Loop
  • Facilities for Visually Impaired Visitors - Model of Priory
  • Guide Dogs Permitted
  • Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
  • Ramp/Level Access
  • Toilets for Disabled Visitors

Children & Infants

  • Accept Children Over 3

Catering

  • On-Site café/restaurant - Several restaurants close to church. Capacity: 80 max
  • Picnic Site

Payment Methods

  • Groups Accepted - Essential to prebook.Prior booking for all groups, Special evening tours on some summer evenings on occasional Tue and Thu.
  • Max group size - 40
  • Min group size - 10
  • Sterling Travellers Cheques accepted

Establishment Features

  • Printed Material in Foreign Languages
  • Toilets

Languages spoken

  • French spoken

Printed Material in Foreign Languages

  • Dutch printed material
  • French printed material
  • German printed material
  • Italian printed material
  • Japanese printed material
  • Spanish printed material

Tours and Demonstrations

  • Educational Visits Accepted
  • Guided Tours Available for Groups
  • Guided Tours Available for Individuals

Road Directions

From A35 follow the signs to historic Christchurch

Public Transport Directions

Bus: Wilts and Dorset and Yellow Buses operate a frequent service to and from Christchurch High Street
Rail: 5 mins walk from Christchurch Rail Station
Air: 15mins car journey from Bournemouth Airport