If you’re looking for a place to stay close to Bournemouth Airport or just some centrally located accommodation with a fascinating history, why not check out The Avon Causeway in Hurn, Christchurch?
Unique appeal
This isn’t your typical airport hotel, although it’s one of the closest places to stay if you’re jetting off for winter sun or flying in to BOH for a stay in Bournemouth. The hotel actually occupies the former Hurn Railway Station, which was built back in the 1860s to serve passengers travelling between Bournemouth and Ringwood via Christchurch but closed through lack of demand back in the 1930s.
This venue today is modern and stylish but still evidently proud of its railroad roots, with relics from its glory days preserved and on display around the venue. If you’re travelling to or from Bournemouth Airport, The Avon Causeway Hotel is just a mile and a half down the road. People using the Avon Causeway as an airport hotel can leave the car, free of charge, for up to a fortnight after their short stay, offering a great saving on airport parking and peace of mind too.
Central location
If you’re arriving by train it’s a shame this 1862 building is no longer a functional rail station but the next one isn’t too far away. Christchurch train station is four miles from here while you can get to Bournemouth’s central train and coach interchange in just less than six.
While the hotel occupies a largely rural setting, just ten minutes from the western edge of the New Forest, it’s also just six miles from Bournemouth town centre with its beach, theatres, restaurants and shops. The lovely town of Christchurch with its famous priory, beautiful harbour and pretty high street is five miles from here and the nearest beach, at Southbourne, just four miles door-to-shore.
Ample accommodation
The Avon Causeway is primarily a family-friendly coaching inn with rooms but the accommodation is spacious and comfortable. There are twelve bedrooms; a double four poster room, standard doubles, twins, family of three rooms (one double bed and one single) and family of four too (double bed, single bed and z bed).
All bedrooms are en suite with complimentary tea and coffee making facilities, free WiFi throughout the hotel, free on-site parking for the duration of your stay (and onwards for a fortnight when flying from Bournemouth) and there’s also a desk with lamp and hairdryer – pretty much everything you need to feel right at home.
A warm welcome
Standard check-in here is from 2pm to 11pm with early check-ins available by arrangement. You can check out any time before 11am on the final day of your stay but please be advised that there is no porter service available for early departures.
Unfortunately, The Avon Causeway Hotel cannot accommodate pets and guests should be aware that all bedrooms are on the first floor and there is no lift available so you would need to be able to climb 20 stairs for a comfortable stay here.
Bed and breakfast
Breakfast is always included in the room rate and is served Monday to Friday from 7am to 9am and Saturday and Sunday 8am till 10am. If you need to grab some food ‘on the fly’ you can even pre-order a ‘take away’ breakfast the night before you need it. The hotel offers an extensive breakfast menu including the classic full English, smoked salmon and vegetarian dishes.
Pub favourites
The restaurant serves food from midday to 3pm and 6 to 9pm Mondays to Fridays and from midday till 8pm on Saturdays and Sundays. All the food is homemade and there are various special menus including a children’s and a Coeliac UK-accredited gluten-free menu. You’ll find a wide choice of starters including soups, salads and pates and moreish taster boards such as a baked Camembert in the box with all the trimmings.
The mains list features all the pub classics like fish and chips, ham, egg and chips, pan seared tuna and a full rack of barbecue ribs. The Avon Causeway also serves a lip-smacking line-up of home-made pizzas, ciabattas and sandwiches. If you’ve still got room for pudding why not plump for a slice of the mascarpone and lime cheesecake or an indulgent rocky road terrine with salted caramel ice cream?
Wadsworth Brewery ales
The bar is open 11am-11pm Monday – Saturday and 11am – 10:30pm on Sundays and is well stocked with ales, wines and spirits. It is a Wadsworth Brewery Inn and alongside its regular brands also guests a variety of interesting and seasonal ales on tap throughout the year.
You can enjoy your dinner and drinks in the bar or restaurant, on the terrace to the front of the building or in the non-smoking beer garden behind. If you’ve brought the kids and they need to burn off some energy before sitting down to dine you’ll be thankful for the outdoors play area too.
Original events space
If you want to throw a unique and memorable event The Avon Causeway has a beautifully restored Pullman Carriage with a shunting locomotive installed on a short section of old track outside, which provides a completely original private dining venue. The carriage also hosts the hotel’s popular Murder Mystery parties and can accommodate 20 to 35 guests for more intimate wedding celebrations, anniversaries or family gatherings.
The Inn is also a popular venue for business meetings, away-days and conferences. As well as free WiFi throughout the building, business guests also have use of various conference facilities to make sure their event runs smoothly including bespoke meeting rooms, fax, copier and printer.
Make your booking
Whatever brings you to The Avon Causeway Hotel, you’ll find a modern and cosy venue wrapped up in a little piece of local history. The bedrooms are smart and come with all the essentials and while you would never know you were so close to Bournemouth International Airport, the convenience of its free parking make this Inn a great choice whether you’re staying in Christchurch or jetting off to warmer climes.