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.
HSU is delighted to announce the appointment of two new Visiting professors, Siobhan Harrington and Sarah Herbert. Both Siobhan and Sarah are senior leaders from University Hospitals Dorset (UHD)
On Tuesday 17 March 2026, HRH The Princess Royal, Chancellor of Health Sciences University (HSU), attended the inauguration of the Health Sciences University Chancellor’s Fund.
We are delighted to announce that Jordan Cummins has been appointed Chair of the Health Sciences University's Board of Governors. Jordan will join the Board following the end of Jeni Bremner's tenure as Chair in March.
A pioneering community dance programme in Dorset is enabling older adults living with chronic lower back pain to move more, fear less and reconnect socially.
On Thursday 5th 2026, March Health Sciences University was delighted to host a vibrant evening celebration of International Women’s Day 2026 for the Dorset Police Women’s Inspire Network (WIN) and the Women’s Network at University Hospitals Dorset.
For Health Sciences University, training the next generation of highly skilled and compassionate speech and language therapists has never been more pressing, as the UK Government publishes its long-awaited Schools White Paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, which outlines “a vision for education for the next decade”.
