Waterford Lodge Hotel - Christchurch, Dorset.

Our AA three star Hotel has been extended and tastefully refurbished to provide modern facilities whilst still retaining its charm and character.

Waterford Lodge was originally the West Lodge to Highcliffe Castle, and the former home of Dowager Duchess of Waterford.

An ideal base from which to explore Christchurch and its 11th century Priory. Only four miles from the New Forest and within walking distance of Friars Cliff Beach and Mudeford Quay. Highcliffe Castle is just a few minutes drive away. Friars Cliff Beach is just a 5 minute level stroll away - which brings you to the point where this photograph was taken.

Enjoy the tranquility of the coast and countryside and discover historic treasures. The older part of town dates from Saxon times, dominated by the 900 year old Priory Church. The Tourist Information Centre is a walk away from the ruins of the Norman Hall, Castle Keep and the Red House Museum.

Few places in the country can boast two rivers, two castles, an 11th century Priory Church, a mill of Saxon origin, a Medieval bridge and the site of a civil war siege in 1645. The first Neolithic farmers came to Christchurch and the people of the Bronze Age left their burial mounds. The pagan Saxons also left their burial grounds just west of the High Street, now a car park.

Place Mill dates back to Saxon times and was mentioned in the Domesday Book. Although no longer working, it has been restored and nowadays has a first-floor art gallery with changing exhibitions by local artists, displays of smuggling and local history memorabilia and a ground floor gift shop. From Place Mill, if you follow the Convent Walk you will reach the ruins of the Norman Hall and one of the best examples of a Norman chimney in the country.

Highcliffe Castle, a beautiful Grade 1 listed mansion house set in cliff-top grounds in Highcliffe was built by Lord Stuart de Rothschild in the 1830s. The Heritage Centre features information about the Castle's intriguing history as well as an extensive programme of exhibitions, events and concerts.

Nearest motorway:
M27, J1, 20 miles
Nearest train station:
Christchurch, 3 miles
Nearest airport:
Bournemouth, 6 miles

To Christchurch, Dorset...

Go here for an interactive link which will also give you directions from your location to the hotel. Simply enter your start postcode and that of the Waterford Lodge Hotel (BH23 4DN).

For example, from London 100 Miles - (M3, M27, A35) M27 Junction one to Lyndhurst A337. Take the A35 to Christchurch through the New Forest.

At the 2nd roundabout, 2 miles east of Christchurch, take A337 towards Highcliffe.

At the next roundabout turn right towards Mudeford, the hotel is then ¼ mile on the left.

• 1 mile from Highcliffe Castle
• 2 miles from the famous Christchurch Priory
• 2 miles from Red House Museum and Gardens, a museum with lots of variety and countless interesting objects, local history, geology, natural history and archaeology. It reflects the national importance of the archaeological and wildlife sites of the area, all housed in Christchurch's former workhouse for the poor.
• 4 miles from the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum. This holds an impressive collection of motorcycles dating back to 1900, many of which are the only surviving examples of their type in the world. The racing collection features World Record breaking bikes and their history, including the first bike to lap a Grand Prix Course at over 100 miles per hour.
• 4 miles from the wonder of the New Forest
• 6 miles from the Alice in Wonderland Family Park. With 20 exciting attractions as well as the famous maze, there's fun and excitement guaranteed. The park is especially appealing to younger children as there are rides including swing boats, an astro slide and motorized go-karts. A pantomime is presented twice daily.
• 7 miles from the Russell-Coates Art Gallery. Based on extensive research, this art gallery allows visitors to see the museum largely how it looked during the Russell-Coates residence. It is a unique moment in the museum's history to see the building revealed before the collections are returned.
• 7 miles from Oceanarium. Walk through tunnels of fish from around the world and experience the sounds and smells of the countries too. This is both educational and different as well as an attraction. Suitable for all weather conditions. All the facilities are accessible for disabled. A cafe and shop are also available. Situated on the West Beach promenade, opposite Bournemouth Pier and close to BIC.
• 8 miles from Hurst Castle. The castle is situated at the seaward end of the single spit. It was built by Henry VIII as one of a chain of coastal fortresses and was completed in 1544. This is where Charles 1 was imprisoned in 1648. On your visit you can still see two of the 38-ton guns, which were installed in the 1870's.

Reservations - Christchurch (01425) 282100
To reserve your room, please telephone the hotel with your choice of dates and accommodation, when availability will be confirmed. We shall provisionally reserve the accommodation for you, pending our receipt of your confirmation and deposit within four working days. Provisional bookings will be released if confirmation is not received.

Deposits
Reservations may be confirmed either in writing or by Debit / Credit card. A non-returnable pre-payment of the first nights tariff is required to secure a booking.

Payment
Cash or cheques are welcomed in settlement of your account. Cheques should be supported by a current banker's card issued by a major UK bank. You may also pay by Debit card, Mastercard, Visa and American Express. In all instances, all accounts must be settled before departure.

Late arrivals
Guests arriving later than 7.00pm should advise the hotel of their estimated time of arrival

Amendments
E-mails, letters and faxes are not valid as bookings or cancellations unless confirmed by the hotel. Any amendment will be treated as a cancellation and re-booking.

Guest information
Rooms are available from 2.00pm and should be vacated on your day of departure by 11.00am. Please inform reception if you have any difficulties with these times. The hotel offers ample free parking. No refunds will be made for meals not taken. We reserve the right to amend prices and facilities.

Cancellation
In the event of a cancellation, non-arrival or curtailment of a confirmed booking, the hotel is entitled, by law, to reimbursement for any losses, provided it has been unable to let the accommodation. We advise you to contact your own broker to ensure you have adequate holiday insurance cover.

Customer Care
We hope that you will have an enjoyable break. If anything is not to your satisfaction during your stay, please bring it to the attention of the manager on duty so that the matter may be immediately resolved.
Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact any of our Reception staff by telephoning us on 01425 282100.