Wareham's attractions
... there's something for everyone!
It’s no wonder that thousands choose beautiful Wareham as their preferred holiday destination: it’s got something for everyone. Wareham isn’t just a gateway to the Isle of Purbeck, it is one of the most beautiful, and ancient, riverside towns in the country. There’s so much to enjoy in Wareham itself…
Don’t miss the ancient Saxon walls, or the beautiful riverside walks. Chill on the river by hiring a boat or paddle board at Abbot’s Quay, or take a trip along the river. And if you’re still looking for some more fun activities in Wareham then check out the local town museum or catch a movie at Dorset’s oldest running cinema!
So here’s our guide to Wareham’s attractions…
Relax in Wareham...
Picnic by the river!
River Frome
Wareham Quay is often the centre for local events, especially during the summer months, as well as for the weekly Saturday Market. A great place to relax by the river and watch the world go by.
Opposite the Quay is a small green river bank area popular for picnics or just relaxing on a warm sunny day.
Behind is a small nature reserve called the Priory Meadow where you can enjoy a short, pleasant walk.
Wareham Common & West Mill
A pretty, tranquil natural riverside area at West Mill, located a short walk along Wareham Common and the River Piddle. Read more details on the Wareham Riverside Walks Guide.
Please remember to take your rubbish home with you! Sadly there has been some issues with rubbish being left here. Please leave the area clean and tidy so everyone can enjoy this natural beauty spot.
Walks around Wareham...
Wareham Walls
Wareham is famous for the monumental Saxon defensive walls which surround the town. The walls stretch around three sides of the town with the river on the south side and are the best examples of Saxon Walls in the country!
Wareham River Walks
Enjoy walking along the River Frome and the River Piddle in Wareham. With their water meadows, nature and wildlife these are areas of outstanding beauty that are really worth exploring. A must for any keen photographers!
Tour of Wareham
Explore a thousand years of history along Wareham’s streets. Notable, interesting and historical buildings including St Mary’s and St Martin’s Church with the effigy of T.E. Lawrence. You can even find evidence of Wareham’s Norman Castle!
Make a splash on the river !
Boat trips around Wareham Quay
Throughout the year there are a number of pleasure boat trips from Wareham Quay to Poole Quay, along the Frome river, or you can take a round trip river cruise along the river from the Quay. For a bit of fun you can hire motor boats, kayaks, canoes, stand up paddle boards, and rowing boats on the other side of Wareham Quay, across the road.
Attractions in town centre
The Rex Cinema!
The oldest running cinema in Dorset! The Rex is a much loved community cinema run by volunteers. The cinema boasts a full programme of recently released movies as well as live streaming of theatre, ballet and opera.
The Quay's the Key!
All visits to Wareham have to include The Quay, the place that’s always been at the heart of Wareham. It surely is one of the most photographed locations in Dorset! Its also a great spot to find a boat trip or hire a boat or paddle board.
Town Museum
An interesting local museum located in the centre of Wareham on East Street (by the main traffic lights and the Town Hall). It tells the history of Wareham from prehistoric times until the present day. Plus a special exhibition dedicated to T.E. Lawrence, who had close links to the town.
Places to visit near Wareham...
- All
- Animals
- Birds of Poole Harbour
- Castles
- Cinema
- Cycling
- Dorset Wildlife Trust
- Entry Fee
- Family Days Out
- Fun ways to explore Purbeck
- Gardens
- Get Active
- Historical
- Interactive and Experiences
- Jurassic Coast
- Museums
- National Trust
- Nature and Wildlife
- Nature Reserve
- No Entry Fee
- On the Water
- Purbeck Heaths
- Walking
- Wareham Town Centre
- Zoos
- All
- Animals
- Birds of Poole Harbour
- Castles
- Cinema
- Cycling
- Dorset Wildlife Trust
- Entry Fee
- Family Days Out
- Fun ways to explore Purbeck
- Gardens
- Get Active
- Historical
- Interactive and Experiences
- Jurassic Coast
- Museums
- National Trust
- Nature and Wildlife
- Nature Reserve
- No Entry Fee
- On the Water
- Purbeck Heaths
- Walking
- Wareham Town Centre
- Zoos
Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre
Visit Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre to see over 260 rescued and endangered monkeys …
Arne RSPB Nature Reserve
Set against the backdrop of Poole Harbour the 565 hectares of Arne is famous for …
Clouds Hill
A tiny isolated cottage in the heart of Dorset which Lawrence furnished to his own …
Margaret Green Animal Rescue Visitor Centre
A little about the centre … Founded in 1965 by a lady called Margaret Green, …
Local events...
Evening events in and around Wareham..
There’s plenty of evening entertainment in and around Wareham throughout the year! From live music, open air theatre and movies, festivals, carnivals, cinema, and many special food and music events organised at local bars and restaurants!
Annual local events
Wareham has a good selection of annual events every year. From Live music and entertainment with Wareham Wednesdays at Wareham Quay in the Summer to Wareham’s Carnival Parade in July and Father Christmas Parade in December.
Wareham Wednesdays takes place on certain Wednesdays during the summer weeks with live music, entertainment fair, and food stalls. Plus an pirate invasion and fireworks! Check out their Facebook page @warehamwednesdaysevents.
Wareham’s annual carnival usually takes place over the weekend in the summer. With a parade, live music and a fair. Check out their Facebook page @warehamcarnival.
Wareham’s popular Christmas annual event celebrating the arrival of Father Christmas. With a parade and live entertainment. Check out their Facebook page @christmasinwareham