HISTORIC BUILDINGS, GARDENS AND MUSEUMS
There’s a wealth of places to visit for the history enthusiast near Wareham and in the surrounding Purbeck countryside. Pretty much the last 65 million years is covered!
Historic Houses and Castles
Don’t miss a visit to the historic Corfe Castle or Lulworth Castle or visit the tiny unassuming but fascinating Cloud’s Hill cottage, home of TE Lawrence. If you are fascinated with Purbeck’s association with the military and its importance during World War Two, then don’t miss a visit to the abandoned village of Tyneham or the Tank Museum at Bovington.
Gardens
The Purbeck countryside is vast and full of places to explore, but sometimes it’s nice to be able to visit somewhere where the trees and flowers are within strolling distance!
The Blue Pool Nature Reserve for instance, where the colour phenomenon of its waters is caused by light diffracting from minuscule particles of clay suspended in its still depths, is now a Site of Special Scientific Interest, is a true gem of Purbeck.
Another must-visit, situated just outside of Wareham, is Carey’s Secret Garden, which opened its gate to the public in May 2021. This wild, walled Victorian garden was rediscovered in 2019, and has undergone extensive restoration to re-imagine the gardens for a modern age.
The Blue Pool Nature Reserve
This nature reserve with its stunning blue waters is steeped in history and is now a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Carey's Secret Garden
Visit 3.5 acres of beautiful gardens enclosed by a 150 year old wall!
Holme for Gardens
Landscaped Gardens, Cafe, Farm Shop and Garden Centre
Museums
There are plenty of other museums to visit near Wareham. See the amazing fossils of the Jurassic Coast at the Etches Collection Museum in Kimmeridge or the Visitor Centre at Lulworth Cove. Discover the story of Purbeck’s limestone at the Langton Matravers Museum or the Purbeck Mineral and Mining Museum.
Lulworth Cove Visitor Centre
Visitor information centre, telling the story of Lulworth from 150 million years ago.
Swanage Museum and Heritage Centre
Archaeology, geology and industrial history of Swanage.
Purbeck Mineral and Mining Museum
Tells the story of this important industry for Purbeck
The Tank Museum
The world’s best collection of tanks with live displays.