Mudeford Quay is a small beautiful corner of the Borough of Christchurch in Dorset, England. Situated at the entrance of Christchurch Harbour, Mudeford Quay benefits from spectacular views along the coast, over to the Needles on the Isle of Wight & back to Christchurch town. Mudeford Quay is made up of two areas, the Quay itself and Mudeford Spit, a natural sandbank which leads to Hengisbury Head all the way to Boscombe & Bournemouth. The Quay is a hub of activity with beautiful beaches, the lush grassed area ideal for picnics and enjoying the beautiful scenery and the Quayside itself which has a small shops, a pub, a fish stall and plenty of vantage points to watch the world go by.

A former Georgian workhouse, the Red House is now a museum exploring the story of Christchurch from before the Ice Age to modern times. Find out about the town’s ancient past with our displays about Saxon princes and Iron Age dwellers at Hengistbury Head, then take a glimpse at life in the 19th century in our Victorian bygone gallery. In our family area, you’ll find hands-on activities and dressing-up costumes, as well as quizzes and spotter trails. There are plenty of corners to escape to at the museum, including our charming herb garden and south garden, which holds unexpected dinosaur surprises. The Red House has a charming shop with a wide selection of gifts to browse or buy and the café is the perfect setting for a bite to eat or something to drink, inside or out. Throughout the year, we also run a programme of fun, family-friendly events.

Opening Times: Sunday - Thursday 10am to 4pm (last entry 3pm) Takeaway catering offer - 7 days a week 10am-4pm (weather permitting) Every castle has a history, but ours is as colourful as the Jesse stained glass window in the Great Hall. In the 1830s, a rather extravagant (some say egotistic) lord envisioned his dream home. Throughout the years the Castle has changed ownership and has been ravaged by two fires, but it still remains standing. Today, our Grade 1 listed Castle is magnificent and charming in its own unique way. And while it doesn’t possess all the grandeur and opulence it had in 1836, it has inherited something equally as impressive along the way – fascinating stories that will be brought to life on your visit.