Wareham
Market Town
9 South Street
Wareham
Dorset
BH20 4LR
Tel: +44 01929 552740
Wareham is a curious and fascinating town. It has a history that goes back nearly 2000 years; flourishing in Saxon times and was a strategic stronghold for King Alfred the Great. After seeing action in both Civil Wars, Wareham’s importance slowly diminished as the nearby town of Poole grew in stature, leaving a picturesque market town on the banks of the River Frome.
It is the gateway to Purbeck and is also a centre for the rural communities providing services for those in the town itself and in the many outlying villages and hamlets. Wareham is the start of many of our walking and cycling routes to explore the rest of Purbeck.
Near to the Quay is the Discover Purbeck Information Centre. This centre is a mine of information and the staff have countless tips on how to explore this town and the rest of the area. At the main cross-roads is the small but fascinating Wareham Town Musuem which has displays and artefacts which will help tell the story of the town.
The old Saxon walls that still surround the town make an interesting walk of the boundaries. One of the highlights of the walls is the Saxon church of St Martins which contains early medieval wall paintings and an effigy of Lawrence of Arabia, originally bound for Westminster Abbey.
The town’s quay is now a focal point and, where once it used to be a busy and bustling place with great sailing vessels docking here and taking the famous off to France and beyond, it is now one of the most relaxing places in Purbeck.
Wareham is also gaining a reputation as a centre for locally produced foods. Local shops sell a range of local produce and every fourth Thursday in the month, a farmers market is held at the Corn Exchange where producers from around the county bring their products for sale. This is coupled with the oldest auction based market in the country and also a market on the Quay every Saturday.
What's Nearby
Wareham Town Museum
Archaeology, pictorial collection of Lawrence of Arabia. Also display of many artefacts relating to...
0.1 miles awayWareham Walls
The Walls are saxon ramparts which surround the historic town of Wareham. Paths on the walls give...
0.26 miles awayPurbeck Sports Centre
With good road links and free parking, Purbeck Sports Centre can help you to reach your fitness...
0.76 miles awayWareham Forest
Walk or cycle through heathland and forest by Morden Bog National Nature Reserve, one of the...
1.48 miles away
The Blue Pool
A unique attraction in the Isle of Purbeck.
A chance to escape the outside world and enjoy walks...2.55 miles awayFarmer Palmer's Farm Park
Farmer Palmer's is where young adventurers (eight years and under) can frankly ‘let their hair...
3.55 miles awayMargaret Green Animal Rescue
Animal Sanctuary and Visitor Centre in the Purbecks rescuing a variety of animals including cats,...
3.66 miles awayPurbeck Mineral & Mining Museum
Open Sundays
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A 1000 years of history provides 1000 reasons to visit one of Britain's most important and dramatic...
4.14 miles awayCorfe Castle Model Village and Gardens
Detailed 1/20th scale model of Corfe Castle and village before its destruction by Cromwell. Set in...
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Tyneham village was evacuated in December 1943 for military training during the second world war...
5.15 miles awayFine Foundation Marine Centre
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5.41 miles awayMonkey World - Ape Rescue Centre
Monkey World, the internationally-acclaimed ape rescue centre, is home to over 230 rescued and...
5.82 miles awayUpton Wood
Small woodland on the edge of Upton (opposite Upton Country Park). Various events and volunteer...
6.08 miles awayLulworth Castle & Park
Walk in the footsteps of Kings and Queens as you enjoy wide open spaces, historic buildings and...
6.18 miles awayThe Tank Museum
The Tank Museum brings the history of tanks and tank crews to life, supported by the world's best...
7.19 miles away
