Location

The Southern Comfort guest house is situated just a 5 minute walk from Christchurch town centre. We are even more convenient to the bus routes which can take you to Bournemouth and Poole and the main line railway station is just a short stroll away.

The historic priory and market town of Christchurch is situated in the heart of Dorset between the rivers Avon, which flows from Salisbury and The Stour, which flows from North of Blandford Forum – both of which flow in to Christchurch Harbour, with the New Forest to the east and Bournemouth to the west. The town is famous for it’s Priory and natural harbour which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

History of Christchurch

Christchurch has existed since the Iron Age and was originally a Saxon settlement called Twyneham (“betweon eam” meaning “settlement between two rivers” ).

In Saxon England, Christchurch Harbour was one of the most important trading points in England because of its proximity to the continent and the fact that boats were able to port in the harbour and travel up the river Avon to Salisbury. The Harbour was also well protected by the Iron Age fort at Hengistbury Head.

In the later part of the 16th and 17th Centuries, the sheltered harbour became a popular haunt for smugglers and illegal traders who were able to easily access the neighbouring towns and villages. In 1784, the “Battle of Mudeford” saw the smugglers taking on Customs and Excise in a bloody battle for control of the harbour.

Christchurch now has a population of approximately 45,000 and is seen as a popular residence of wealthy retired people.

Further Transport Links

Christchurch is well connected by all forms of transport link. By road, the A35 to Southampton via the New Forest, and by the Wessex Way westwards to Bournemouth and northwards to Ringwood.  By air, Bournemouth International Airport, at Hurn, is about 2 miles from Christchurch centre. Bournemouth Airport serves several major cities in the United kingdom and Europe.