Fisherman's Walk Park

The walk along the Avon estuary at Fisherman's Walk is a proper riverside ramble rather than a manicured park. You're tracking a narrow path through scrubland and salt marsh where the river widens and narrows depending on the tide, with views across to Christchurch Priory in the distance.

It's the kind of place where you might actually spot birds - waders, herons, the occasional egret if you're lucky - rather than gawping at them from a designated viewing platform. The paths are flat and easy, which suits families with younger kids, though the terrain can be boggy after rain so proper boots matter. Allow 45 minutes to an hour if you're not rushing.

Historically minded visitors get a kick out of understanding why Christchurch developed as a port town here, and the walk gives you proper context for that. But if you're after dramatic river cliffs or woodland trails, this isn't it - it's gentle, understated, and genuinely wild in parts.

The real draw is coupling it with a longer stay at Hoburne Naish Holiday Park just down the coast. From there you've got Christchurch's high street within reach, the Priory itself to explore, and this walk as a quiet counterpoint to busier attractions. Go early morning for the best light and fewest other people.