CHRISTCHURCH , five miles east of Bournemouth is best known for its colossal parish church, Christchurch Priory (Mon-Sat 9.30am-5pm, Sun 2.15-5.30pm; £1 donation requested), bigger than most cathedrals. Built on the site of a Saxon minster dating from 650 AD, but exhibiting chiefly Norman and Perpendicular features, the church is the longest in England, at 311ft, and its fan-vaulted North Porch is the country's biggest. Fine views can be gained from the top of the 120-foot tower (ask at desk; £1).

The area round the old town quay has a carefully preserved charm. The Red House Museum and Gardens on Quay Road (Tues-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 2-5pm; £1.50) contain an affectionate collection of local memorabilia, and boat trips (Easter to mid-Oct daily; tel 01202/429119) can be taken from the grassy banks of the riverside quay east to Mudeford (30min; £4.50 return) or up the river to the Tuckton Tea Rooms outside Bournemouth (15 min; £2 return).

The tourist office is at 23 High St (June-Sept Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm, Sat 9.30am-5pm; July & Aug also Sun 10am-2pm; Oct-May Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm, Sat 9.30am-4.30pm; tel 01202/471780, ). Accommodation options in or around town can be fairly pricey, though you'll find a selection of unexciting but reliable guest houses northwest of the centre on Barrack and Stour roads, such as Grosvenor Lodge , 53 Stour Rd (tel 01202/499008, ; £50-60); in the centre, try the King's Arms Toby Hotel , 18 Castle St (tel 01202/484117; £70-90). For something to eat , try La Mamma , 51 Bridge St (tel 01202/471608; closed Sun lunch & Mon in winter), where you can enjoy Italian classics (including pizzas), or, at 3 Bridge St, the Bistro on the Bridge , which offers coffees and teas, inexpensive lunches and pricier evening meals, and has riverside seating on a veranda. Recommended pubs include the King's Arms Hotel , right by the priory, and Christchurch's oldest pub, Ye Olde George Inn , 2a Castle St - both have gardens and serve food.