Where to Buy Art in Christchurch: Galleries and Creative Shops

Christchurch may be best known for its historic Priory, harbour and coastline, but it also has a small and rewarding creative shopping scene.

Around Church Street, the High Street, Bargates and Christchurch Quay, we can discover original paintings, sculpture, framed prints, ceramics and handmade pieces created by artists from Dorset and beyond. Whether we are looking for a significant piece of contemporary art or an affordable reminder of the coast, these are some of the most interesting places to begin.

Located on Church Street, close to Christchurch Priory, Hatch Gallery is the town’s principal independent contemporary art gallery.

The collection brings together paintings, sculpture, ceramics and other work by established and emerging British artists. Coastal landscapes and subjects inspired by nature feature strongly, making this a particularly appealing place to look for artwork connected to Dorset and the sea.

Regular exhibitions introduce new artists and collections throughout the year, so it is worth returning even if we have visited before. This is the place to begin when searching for an original statement piece or collectable artwork.

Address: 7A Church Street, Christchurch, BH23 1BW
Facebook: Hatch Gallery

Images: Facebook

Place Mill combines local history with an atmospheric seasonal exhibition space beside Christchurch Quay.

During its exhibition season, the historic mill hosts changing displays by artists, photographers, craftspeople and creative groups. Some exhibitions include original paintings, prints, jewellery, ceramics and handmade gifts available to purchase directly.

The programme changes frequently, which makes every visit different. We recommend checking what is currently showing before travelling, as the gallery is not open throughout the entire year.

Location: Christchurch Quay, Christchurch
Find out more about Place Mill

Images: Facebook

Trove in Saxon Square is a treasure-filled collective showcasing work from independent traders and local creatives.

Its varied selection can include artwork, photography, prints, crafts, vintage finds and decorative pieces for the home. Because individual sellers manage their own collections, the stock changes regularly and there is often something unexpected tucked among the displays.

Trove is especially useful when we want locally influenced art or a creative gift without committing to the price of a large original painting.

Address: 21B Saxon Square, Christchurch, BH23 1QA
Instagram: Troveshopuk

Images: Facebook

Venture is an independent shop in Bargates selling work by regional makers, small creative businesses and education-based enterprise projects.

Alongside cards, jewellery and handmade gifts, shoppers can discover wall art and decorative pieces that are unlikely to appear in national chains. Purchases also support a valuable purpose: the shop forms part of Linwood School’s CHI programme, where young people develop confidence and practical retail skills in a supported environment.

Opening hours can vary during school holidays, so we recommend checking before making a special journey.

Address: 36 Bargates, Christchurch, BH23 1QL
Facebook: Venture

Images: Facebook

Bookends is much more than a bookshop. This longstanding independent business on Christchurch High Street also carries a substantial collection of framed artwork, coastal prints and decorative home accessories.

It is a good choice for accessible artwork that can be taken home ready to hang. The coastal collection is particularly well suited to beach houses and relaxed interiors, with pieces inspired by wildlife, landscapes and life beside the sea.

Because Bookends also sells cards, books, gifts and homeware, it is an easy place to browse when shopping for several different people.

Address: 67 High Street, Christchurch, BH23 1AU
Instagram: Bookends

Images: Facebook

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