Visit Wareham

Wareham is an ancient and pretty town surrounded by the Wareham Walls and built around the Wareham river. Wareham Quay is a lovely place to enjoy a drink and the view with pubs and restaurants overlooking the Quay and there's a small park on the opposite side of the river. River Boat trips along the Wareham River are a nice way to see the countryside from the river. Other places close to Wareham include Swanage, Corfe and Tyneham

-> Wareham Castle, the Wareham Walls and history
-> Wareham Boat Trips and Wareham Quay
-> Wareham pubs, the market and Wareham shops
-> Things to do in Wareham
-> Places to visit near Wareham
-> Wareham accomodation
-> Getting to Wareham

The Wareham walls and Wareham Castle

Wareham is an ancient walled town. Due to its proximity to the River Frome, it was an important town in ancient times and this was why the ancient Wareham Walls were built. Made from earth, the walls were built by Alfred the Great in the 9th century to protect the town from Viking invaders. On part of this site was Wareham castle, now all that remains are the huge Anglo Saxon earthworks and the foundations of part of the castle. After seeing centuries of warfare including protecting the town from Vikings and involvement in civil wars, Wareham castle and the town was captured by the Parliamentarians. What remains of Wareham castle is now listed as an ancient monument. The Wareham walls were built for defence but part of the Western wall was known as the Bloody Bank due to it being the site of town executions. Judge Jeffrey's infamous Bloody Assize's sentenced many of the rebels of the Monmouth Rebellion to death. They were hung, drawn and quartered at the Bloody Bank. Many centuries earlier, a hermit called Peter de Pomfret and his son were reputedly brutally dragged by horse to this site and hung on the Bloody Bank for falsely prophesising the demise of King Johns reign. Standing on top of the Wareham Walls, it's clear that this highly fortified town would have been extremely difficult to penetrate, with the Walls surrounding 3 sides of the town, the river covering the 4th and with Wareham castle, the town was extremely well defended. Much of the land around the outskirts of Wareham is marshland, therefore much of it is unchanged since all those centuries ago when the walls were first constructed. You can stand on top of the walls and imagine back in days long ago to the time of Alfred the Great, standing on top of the walls and keeping watch for invaders. Today, the Wareham Walls still surround the town, why not follow the Wareham Walls walk around the town and see one of the last remaining Anglo-Saxon walled towns of Britain.

Wareham Quay and Wareham boat trips

Wareham Quay has to be one of the most beautiful places in all of Dorset. There are picnic spots and a number of pubs around the quay, making it the ideal spot for lunch, a drink, a picnic or even sunbathing. Boat trips along Wareham River board at Wareham Quay, giving you the opportunity to see this beautiful part of Dorset from the river. Paddle-boarding is popular on this part of the Wareham river. The banks of the Wareham river (the river Frome) are a haven for all sorts of wildlife whilst Arne nature reserve is close-by.

Wareham Pubs, shops and the Wareham market

There are a number of pubs in Wareham to enjoy a cold refreshing drink. Some in the town and a number of them are on Wareham Quay, some offer live entertainment. Wareham market takes place once a week usually on Saturdays - Wareham market is set up on the lovely Wareham Quay.

Things to do in Wareham

Being only a short drive from Dorchester, Wareham is a great option if you are looking for a day out in Dorset. You can enjoy the views from the Wareham Walls and see where Wareham castle once stood, enjoy the Wareham river walks, take a Wareham Boat trip along the river, enjoy a picnic next to the river or go to one of the pubs for a spot of lunch. Wareham is close to Poole, Swanage and Corfe Castle. as well as Tyneham and the Lulworth range walks on days when they are open - see Tyneham Village.

Places to visit near Wareham

Nearby is Swanage with its beach and the popular Swanage steam train railway, with parks, a beautiful seafront overlooking Swanage Bay and pier. The village of Corfe is also another delightful place to visit, close to Wareham. The historic Corfe Castle, slighted by parliamentarian forces in the civil war and remaining as a ruin ever since is under the care of The National Trust, as is Kingston Lacy. Both the Kingston Lacy estate and Corfe Castle were owned by the same family. Poole is also not far. Brownsea Island is just a short boat trip across Poole harbour. Walking along Poole Harbour, you will find a number of pubs before heading out into open park. There are also plenty of shops in Poole making it one of the best places for shopping in Dorset. Tyneham Village, its walks and the nearby Worbarrow bay are open to the public on selected days throughout the year, the Tyneham valley really is a wonderful place to visit.

Wareham accomodation

Places to stay in Wareham are plentiful, there are a number of Wareham hotels in and around the town. Caravan sites around Wareham and self catering Wareham holiday cottages both in the town and the surrounding areas provide plenty of choice.

Getting to Wareham and parking

Wareham has a large pay and display carpark just outside the Wareham walls as you come into the town, there is also some parking around the town. If you are planning to get to Wareham by train or bus, it is well served by these too. Estimated distances by road: Swanage to Wareham: 10 Mile, Bournemouth to Wareham: 15 mile, Weymouth to Wareham: 20 mile.