Food Fest

Christchurch Food Fest is a big visitor attraction based on the international food market held in the town centre.

Market traders sail across specially for the weekend from France, which conversely is a day trip from Poole Harbour for holidaymakers in the area, and set up their wares in Saxon Square. They bring cheeses, fruit, Vietnamese craft products and all sorts from the Normandy sea port of Cherbourg at super prices.

Christchurch town centre is closed to traffic for the Festival and decorated for the occasion. Specialist Dorset foods are to be found on a number of market stalls not normally available at the weekly Monday market. Street entertainers bring lively amusements to please all ages.

Gastronomic delights to arouse your senses are prepared by many local restaurateurs and chefs go out of their way to make that special effort. Fringe events and musical entertainment add to the excitement throughout the week. Christchurch has its own quay at Mudeford where you may watch small fishing trawlers daily unload their catch and you can purchase fresh.

If longer term aims are successful, the street closure will become a more permanent affair contributing to a healthier environment for residents and visitors alike - meanwhile Christchurch has a very good rail link from Bournemouth, on the line between Weymouth and London; and there is a ferry boat via Hengistbury Head. This would tie in nicely with an open top bus from Bournemouth and a ride on the land train to the passenger ferry, and avoids the dreadful traffic congestion which seems to now be all year round.

Not far from Christchurch: New Forest