Steeped in heritage and history
Christchurch is a beautiful town boasting a harbour, scenic riverside walks, and lots of history and heritage. There’s nothing quite like a cosy, roaring fire in a traditional pub after a long walk around Stanpit Marsh.
A picturesque town
Steeped in heritage and history, Christchurch is a picturesque town just twenty minutes away from Parkwood Campus.
With its impressive Christchurch Priory and castle ruins, harbour and natural areas of beauty, it’s a perfect spot to explore and unwind in tranquil surroundings. Glimpse into another time at the Red House Museum and Gardens, or Place Mill, which was mentioned in the Doomsday Survey of 1086.
Whether you’re after a refined afternoon tea with friends at the Captains Club watching the boats sail by, or traditional fish and chips from the high street, Christchurch has a great offering of places to eat to meet any occasion. Acardo Lounge is just off the high street, with its relaxed vibe and quirky decor – and amazing burgers and sweet potato fries. If you’re looking to further indulge, there are plenty of sugary treats with old English sweet shops. To top it off you can look forward to Christchurch Food Festival every May; the perfect opportunity to sample lots of locally produced and sourced foods and drinks.
A stunning landscape
If you’re looking to get back into nature then Stanpit Marsh is a great place to get lost for a while.
Stanpit Marsh Nature Reserve is home to lots of birds and other wild animals, including some majestic ponies. From Stanpit you can take in the views of Hengistbury Head and Mudeford Spit, and a circular walk will ead you through a stunning landscape of pebble beaches, bulrushes and glistening waterways.
Head down to the Christchurch Quay and get involved with Christchurch Rowing Club, hire a boat, or even paddle-board and get out onto the water. The Quay side is also home to events such as Stompin’ On The Quomps, a popular smooth jazz and soul festival, and Christchurch Classic Cars on the Quay.
Discover more
Discover more about Dorset and some of the amazing locations right on HSU’s door step.
News
Discover and read all the latest news, press releases and happenings here at Health Sciences University.
Health Sciences University is seeking additional Lay Members to join its Institutional Research Ethics Committee (IREC). This is a voluntary, unpaid role, open to members of the public. You do not need any experience of research or of university committees to take part.
Health Sciences University has become one of 50 founding signatories to the UK Government’s new Women in Research Charter, launched by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 1 July 2026.
Health Sciences University (HSU) joins other universities across the South including the University of Portsmouth, Southampton Solent University, the University of Chichester, Arts University Bournemouth and the University of Winchester, to create a Shared Virtual Technology Transfer Office (SV-TTO) - a first-of-its-kind collaboration for the Wessex region.
Health Sciences University (HSU) and UK Management College (UKMC) and have announced a new academic partnership that will expand access to high-quality higher education and create new opportunities for students across the north of England.
HSU graduate Ben Samways studied BSc (Hons) Sport, Exercise and Health Science before progressing into strength and conditioning with an MSc at Bournemouth University.
HSU graduate Nikita completed BSc Clinical Exercise Science before progressing to an MSc in Health Education and Promotion and a PhD in Tobacco Control at Maastricht University in the Netherlands.
