Wareham

Wareham - Gateway to Dorset's Isle of Purbeck.

Wareham is a thriving market town situated between the banks of the River Piddle and the River Frome, on the road from Poole to Swanage, and on the railway from Poole to Dorchester and Weymouth.

Wareham offers huge architectural interest with its Saxon street plan and grassy banks - remains of ancient earthen walls built on three sides of the town as a mediaeval defence against Viking raiders.

Dorset's oldest church is in Wareham, and so too is the country's only gas lit cinema The Rex. There is much locally to be discovered concerning Lawrence of Arabia and his cottage is open to the public.

The Black Bear has a life size staue of a bear above the entrance dating back to 1770.

River cruises from Wareham Quay will take you into Dorset Lakeland, and there is a variety shops, tearooms, pubs and restaurants to attract your attention.

Not far from Wareham: Swanage