12. My Hometown

I have lived in London for 25 years, after coming to study at University, but I come from Christchurch, Dorset. For non-UK readers, it is on the South Coast of England, about 120 miles from London. It's a beautiful ancient small town and a marvellous place to grow up; we were minutes from the river, quay, beach and town, close to the New Forest, and to bigger towns such as Bournemouth and Southampton.

 

Our 900+ year old Priory church. We were married here, my parents, my mother's parents, and her grandparents too.

 

There are also ruins of the attached convent and monastery dissolved by Henry VIII, which are great to explore.

 

We have two rivers flowing into the sea; the Stour and the Avon, saltmarshes with amazing birdlife, harbours, sandy beaches and stony beaches, Saxon settlements and tales of smugglers. We have an Arts Centre with theatre productions, cinema showings and exhibitions and a weekly market. Christchurch enjoys the longest life expectancy in the country!

 

I love going back to see Mummie. The pace of life is relaxed and peaceful after London, a stroll into the town takes ages as you chat to people on the way.

 

We have some marvellous independent shops selling gorgeous things, an old fashioned ironmonger where you can find absolutely anything, many a café (the New Forest Perfumery being our favourite) and a proper high street. No McDonalds, KFC or any of the usually ubiquitous fast-food joints, instead a good traditional Fish and Chip shop.

 



 

Impressive Victorian ironwork in the rail station.



 Sweet little house in Milhams Street
 

Kimmeridge - fab for ladies clothes and accessories



 Thomas and Lucia - vintage home and garden



 

Check out this older post for more lovely independent shops: http://sky-blu-pink.blogspot.co.uk/2010/10/visit.html

 

We were so lucky to spend our childhood here, and to have someone beautiful to visit still.