Warehams's accessibility attracted regular Viking raids – Canute captured it in 1016, and earthen walls were raised around the town on three sides for protection. The grassy banks remain, a haven for wildlife now, and enclose the thriving Saxon market town and more than 200 buildings of historic and architectural interest. 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.
Near to the quay, the Purbeck Information and Heritage Centre is set within a 12th Century medieval church. This centre is a mine of information and the staff have countless tips on how to explore this interesting town. Across the road is the small but fascinating Wareham museum which has displays and artifacts which help tell the story.
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; farmers from around the county bring their products for sale. This is coupled with the oldest auction based market in the country and also a new street market every Saturday in the summer.
Walks in and around Wareham are plentiful; The Wareham Forest Way discovers some of the less known landscapes including an Iron Age hill; Wareham Town Walks follows the Saxon ramparts surrounding the historical town or Wareham Two Rivers Walk takes you through fascinating wetlands still largely undiscovered.
Corfe Castle is one of Britain’s most majestic ruin with over 1,000 years of turbulent history. The castle once controlled the gateway through the Purbeck Hills. The Castle View Visitor Centre explores the lives (and deaths) of past residents and there is an extensive country estate to discover and explore. The Swanage Railway operates a steam train service to Corfe.
Only a short distance away is ‘Blue Pool’, a unique and tranquil beauty spot. The ‘Blue Pool’ was once a clay pit and accounts for a rare phenomenon as it retains miniscule light diffracting particles of clay causing a spectrum of colour variation.
Monkey World is also well worth a visit with rescued chimpanzees in large natural enclosures, also lemurs, macaques, orang-utans. Chimps' nursery, pets' encounter, obstacle course, and restaurants. Quad bike trekking is a great outdoor adventure, perfect for all times of the year. Challenging terrain and the sheer capability of our quads make it a unique experience.
Join in the carnival atmosphere as Wareham comes alive in early July. The town celebrates with local bands, BBQ, beer tent and side stalls.