Visit Wareham a historic, riverside town
Did you know that Wareham is one of the few remaining Saxon walled towns in England? Explore the town’s 2000 years of history by taking a walk around the Wareham Walls to find out about Viking attacks, civil war skirmishes and gruesome executions!
Wareham is a pretty riverside town where the rivers Frome and Piddle meet. Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the eateries, browse the interesting and unique shops or go for a walk and surround yourself with rolling hills and beautiful views.
The villages of Wool, West Lulworth and Moreton are only a short distance away. Discover the Jurassic Coast, visit the Tank Museum or follow in the footsteps of the famous adventurer and writer T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia).
Exploring Wareham
Wareham Town Museum is a great place to discover local history and learn about the town’s connections with T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia). St Martin’s church features a striking effigy of T.E. Lawrence, lying in full Arab dress. He was based at nearby Bovington Camp and his retreat where he spent much of his time writing, Clouds Hill, is just a short drive from Wareham.
The town’s Quay is a lively meeting place and has lots of events and activities, plus a weekly market on Saturdays. Why not hire a boat, have a picnic or just sit and watch the river flow by?
Fun for all ages in Wareham
For the energetic there are forest bike rides and river kayaking, the little ones can feed lambs and take a tractor-trailer ride, and for the not-so-little there are historic castles and tranquil beauty spots nearby.
Some of Dorset’s most loved attractions are near Wareham. Meet the rescued lemurs, orangutans and apes at Monkey World or have the biggest day out in history at the Tank Museum.
Eating Out and Takeaways
If you’re looking for somewhere to have a bite to eat, you are spoilt for choice with nearly 30 cafés, pubs, restaurants and tea rooms catering for every taste and budget.
From a simple sandwich to take on a picnic up to an elegant candlelit dinner in a country house hotel, Wareham has lots of variety when choosing the perfect place for something to eat or drink.
Buy local in Wareham
Wareham’s high street has plenty of individual and interesting shops, from galleries and boutiques to vintage and gifts. There’s lots of opportunity to get something truly unique as a memento of your visit to Dorset.
You can also do your food shopping locally too at our supermarkets, farmers markets, butchers, bakers and farm shops. So you can get everything you need when you arrive and you’ll be sure it’s the freshest and tastiest too!
Events and festivals
Barely a day goes past when there isn’t an event taking place in or near Wareham – from film and music festivals to carnivals and river races – you’ll always find something to entertain you during your visit.
Download our Visitor Guide
For further information and inspiration, you can download our Wareham Town Guide.
Highlightedfor you
Bradle Farmhouse
Bradle Farm lies in a valley 3 miles west of Corfe Castle surrounded by the Purbeck Hills in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Whilst the original farmhouse and farm are mentioned in the Doomsday...
Corfe and Purbeck Holidays
Corfe & Purbeck Holidays specialise in letting quality self catering holiday properties in the beautiful Isle of Purbeck, Dorset. All of our our cottages are well equipped, comfortably...
Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle ruins are one of Britain's most iconic and evocative survivors of the English Civil War, partially demolished in 1646 by the Parliamentarians, they sit proudly upon a hill of this...
Cyclexperience
Get tranquility and exercise on a bike whilst exploring the woodlands, heaths, beaches and hills of the Isle of Purbeck! Ride top of the range mountain bikes or modern...
Dorset Adventure Park
Located in Corfe Castle, Dorset Adventure park is a family fun Waterpark and Mud Trail. Featuring 18 acres of woodland and lakes with stunning views of Corfe Castle. Whether you’re looking to...
Farmer Palmer's Farm Park
Farmer Palmer's is where young adventurers can frankly ‘let their hair down’ without older children around to stifle their enjoyment! Designed specifically for children aged 0-8years,...
Holme For Gardens
Holme for Gardens is a family business run by Simon and Liz Goldsack. Set in the wonderful Isle of Purbeck not far from the Jurassic Coast, Holme is all about beautiful surroundings, the relaxing...
Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre
Enjoy a fun-filled, fascinating day out for all the family at Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre in Wareham. The 65-acre park is home to the stars of TV’s ‘Monkey Life’ and...
Museum of Jurassic Marine Life - The Etches Collection
Come and visit the ‘Jewel’ in the crown of the Jurassic Coast, The Etches Collection Museum of Jurassic Marine Life situated in the village of Kimmeridge, Dorset Housing the finest single...
Purbeck Park
Purbeck Park - Where adventures begin… Located in the centre of the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, Purbeck Park is a 'must visit' location. Start here and explore nearby attractions and the...
Purbeck Sports Centre
A family friendly sports centre offering something for everyone. Swimming sessions for all abilities, sauna, football and cricket pitches, racket sports, modern gym and a packed timetable of...
RSPB Arne Nature Reserve
Arne Nature Reserve is situated on Poole Harbour and within the Dorset National Landscape, it's a stunning landscape which consists of dramatic open heathland and ancient oak woodland. Arne...
Spurwing Guest House
We are Steph and Richard, owners of Spurwing Guest House. We pride ourselves on our bed and breakfast Dorset being a friendly, popular and comfortable chalet-style bungalow, with ground floor...
The Blue Pool Nature Reserve and Tearooms
Discover the enchanting Blue Pool Nature Reserve & Tearooms, a hidden treasure nestled in the Furzebrook Estate in the Isle of Purbeck. Escape into a world of wonder as you wander along sandy...
The Tank Museum
The Tank Museum brings history to life, with the world’s best collection of tanks and explosive live displays. Come face-to-face with over 300 huge military machines and hear about amazing...
Dorset Cottage Holidays
Dorset Cottage Holidays is a an independent, family run agency, established over 20 years ago and located locally in the heart of Corfe Castle in Dorset. We offer over 60 holiday cottages in Swanage,...
Durdle Door Holiday Park
Close to Lulworth Cove and the iconic rock arch of Durdle Door, the Holiday Park is ideally situated between Weymouth and Swanage in one of the most spectacular parts of the Jurassic Coast. This...
Lulworth Holiday Cottages
Thatched cottage retreats with hidden sun terraces, traditional farm buildings with swimming pools, period properties in rolling park-land... Book a stay in a holiday cottage here on the privately...
Sandford Holiday Park - Parkdean Resorts
The wonderful woodland surrounds Sandford Holiday Park which is bursting with new activities and facilities to make your holiday unforgettable. A Blue Flag beach is just a short drive away, perfect...
Seasons Green
A pretty, 17th century gift shop and gallery in the beautiful village of Corfe Castle. Our range includes unusual products from local makers and creators, as well as small producers...
The Kings Arms
The Kings Arms is a historic Inn found at the gateway to the Isle of Purbeck. Located in Stoborough village near Wareham, records say that an Inn has stood at this site for over 400 years. Today,...
Wareham Forest Tourist Park
Our Park is situated midway between Bere Regis and Wareham in the heart of Wareham Forest. We have spacious and level camping, caravan and motorhome pitches in a tranquil woodland setting, with...
We Christmas and New Year
Christmas and New Year in Wareham
See the Christmas Light Switch On and Santa arriving by sleigh.
DiscoverWareham
Hotels & B&Bs
Make Wareham your base, independent boutique hotels, B&B's and farmhouses.
Self Catering
Holidays parks, luxury log cabins, forest campsites, and cosy cottages.
Shops & markets
This pretty market town has a collection of shops and small supermarkets to suit all your holiday needs or simply...
Events & festivals
Carnival, weekly Wednesday evening summer entertainment and a calendar of large festivals like the famous Camp...
Eating out
You are spoilt for choice with places to eat and drink in and around Wareham – with everything from riverside...
Plan Your Visit
You may also like...
Wareham Visitor Guide
including history, places of interest, the Town Walk, the Walls Walk and a town centre map.
Adventure like The Famous Five
A three day itinerary for following in the footsteps of Enid Blyton's Famous Five.
Lawrence of Arabia Trail
Follow the places linked with famous author and adventurer T.E. Lawrence.
Wareham Map
Map of Wareham Town centre including coach parking information, places of interest, parking and...