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.
The National Student Survey (NSS) is now open and will close on 30 April 2026. If you’re a final‑year undergraduate, this is your chance to tell us about your experience of studying at HSU.
Our campuses in Bournemouth and London will be closed from 6pm Wednesday 24th December 2025, and will re-open at on Monday 5th January 2026.
An innovation developed through HSU’s Centre for Osteopathic Research and Leadership (CORaL) has been selected by the World Health Organization as one of just 21 projects worldwide to feature at the WHO Global Summit.
Advance HE has published a new report that explores the merger which brought together AECC University College in Bournemouth and the University College of Osteopathy in London to create Health Sciences University (HSU).
This month, Claire Nadaf, Head of Engagement and Partnerships, and Sarah Herbert, Chief Nursing Officer at University Hospitals Dorset and Visiting Professor at HSU, embarked on a nursing delegation to China.
Health Sciences University (HSU) is delighted to announce its recent success in securing a capital funding bid from the Office for Students to the value of £2,136,638.
