Christchurch Harbour is a
natural harbour in the county of
Dorset, on the south coast of
England named after the nearby town of
Christchurch. Two Rivers the
Avon and the
Stour flow into the Harbour at its northwest corner. The harbour is generally shallow and due to the tidal harmonics in the
English Channel has a double high water on each tide. On the north side of the harbour, east of the River Avon are Priory Marsh, and to the east of this Stanpit Marsh, a
Local Nature Reserve. To the west side of the harbour are
Wick Fields, the southern flank of the harbour being bounded by
Hengistbury Head, a prominent coastal headland. The harbour flows into the Christchurch Bay and the English Channel through a narrow channel known locally as The Run which rests between
Mudeford Quay and
Mudeford Spit. Shallow draught boats can enter from this channel and cruise up stream for 2 miles choosing either the River Avon or the River Stour, the Stour leading up as far as
Iford Bridge passing Christchurch Quay and
Tuckton.