While on holiday in Dorset, UK we visited the harbourside town of Christchurch. The car parking was quite cheap for two hours for such a popular place. Our first port of call was the Druitt Gardens to see the giant wooden handcarved sculpture acorn that was donated by the CadARTS combined with Friends of the Druitt Gardens.
We then made our way to the quay. Even though it is the school holidays and there were quite a few people about it was still very peaceful.
There is a nice green open space beside the river for your dogs to have a quick run around or to have a picnic. If you have children there is a splash mat area for them to enjoy.
You can also hire self drive boats or go on a chartered boat trip. In addition, there are a couple of ferries that will take you up and down the river. It is certainly a lovely spot for a leisurely walk by the water, watching everyone coming and going in their boats.
If you don't wish to do any of the activities you can just sit and relax on one of the benches in the park or have a leisurely round of crazy golf.
The swans and other birds are used to people so are quite friendly. Visitors can buy a bag of swan and duck food for a £1 at the local cafes.
As always, my friend's pooch had a paddle in the river. He's more fish than dog, I think.
Overall, we found it a very friendly town with lots of shops to browse around and places to eat and drink. Something for everyone.