At 20 square miles, Christchurch is a small coastal Dorset district to the east of Bournemouth. This district was formed on 1 April 1974, by the merger of the old borough of Christchurch with part of Ringwood and Fordingbridge Rural District. It is traditionally Hampshire, but is now administratively and ceremonially in Dorset. Christchurch has a total population of approximately 45060 (2003), 80% of whom live in built up areas such as the town of Christchurch itself. 75% of the area of this district is covered by environmental designations. This includes salt marshes, heathland, woodland and meadows (please see link for more details). Christchurch itself also has 12 designated conservation areas which protect the buildings and spaces within the town.

Christchurch is a popular location to retire to, in 2003 35% of the population were 60 or over, this is the highest proportion of any Local Authority in the country. Christchurch is also a popular tourist location. Every year, Christchurch runs a food and wine festival which draws thousands of visitors to the town to enjoy international cooking displays and competitions.