Just down the road from the campsite is Wareham Quay. The quayside is a hive of activity, especially during the warmer months. There is a small farmers market, where local producers and artisan makers come to sell their wares on Saturday’s each week. On Wednesday’s during the summer there is live music, dancing and fireworks. Children will love the traditional family friendly activities, which happen earlier in the evening and include duck races, tug of war and face painting.
The quay is lined with a selection of quaint pubs and cafe’s, ideal for grabbing a bite to eat and watching the world go by. If you’re looking for something a little bit more adventurous you can hire a kayak or self drive boat, allowing you to explore the River Frome at your leisure.
Less than a mile away from our campsite is Wareham River Boat Hire at Abbots Quay. You can hire self drive motor boats, kayaks, canoes, row boats, and paddle boards and explore the beautiful River Frome! Hop the bus and its 10 minutes away, or if you'd prefer to walk, you have a choice of following the main road or taking a more scenic route form our campsite across the fields and along the river.
Dorset Adventure Park in Corfe Castle (4 miles away from our campsite) is a fun-filled wild day out! Set in over 18 acres of woodland, the park offers a wide range of fun and challenging activities that will appeal to all ages and interests, while having the time of your life! Your family will be sure to have a day of adventure and excitement to remember always.
Corfe Castle is 4 miles away from our campsite. You can hop on the bus, drive, walk or cycle. Owned by the National Trust, it is one of the most iconic survivors of the English Civil War. It is perched on a hill between the grassy slopes of the Purbeck Ridge overlooking the village with far reaching views over Purbeck.
Monkey World is set amongst the woodland of Dorset lays 65 acres of sanctuary for over 250 primates of more than 20 different species who were endangered and rescued. Monkey World is home to the largest group of chimpanzees outside of Africa, three groups of orang-utans, five different species of gibbon, 14 species of monkeys and prosimians. Its a great day out for all ages and just an 11 minute drive from our campsite.
A short distance from Wareham lies The Blue Pool, a tranquil nature reserve set within a former clay pit. The pool's unique turquoise hue, resulting from light diffraction through fine clay particles, creates a mesmerizing sight. Surrounded by 25 acres of heathland and woodland, the reserve offers peaceful walking trails and opportunities to spot wildlife, including rare birds and reptiles. The on-site tearooms provide a perfect spot to relax and enjoy refreshments amidst the serene landscape.
Explore a vast area of sandy beaches and heath with views of Old Harry Rocks. Famed for its 4-mile stretch of golden sand, Studland is a glorious slice of natural coastline in Purbeck. Featuring a four-mile stretch of beach with gently shelving bathing waters and views of Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight, it is ideal for cold water swimming. There is the Knoll Beach Café with indoor and outdoor seating, Knoll Beach Shop, Groom's Cottage second-hand bookshop, Little Sea freshwater lake and Fort Henry - the Second World War observation bunker where Churchill, Eisenhower and King George VI watched rehearsals for D-Day. There are also a number of beach huts you can hire. There are a few water sport providers along Studland Bay. Fore adventure at Middle Beach and Studland Watersports at Knoll Beach.
Experience a nostalgic journey on the Swanage Railway, a heritage steam railway that runs through the picturesque Purbeck countryside. The line connects the historic village of Corfe Castle to the seaside town of Swanage, offering passengers scenic views along the way. The railway hosts various events throughout the year, including themed train rides and dining experiences. It's a delightful way to explore the region's beauty while reliving the golden age of steam travel. Photo credit: James Cummins
A 14 minute drive away is Tank Museum. The museum houses 300 military machines, representing the key battles of every major conflict since the First World War. Our moving exhibitions tell the story of this British invention; from the mud of the Somme to the beaches of Normandy and the deserts of Iraq – featuring powerful stories from the soldiers that fought in them.
Lulworth Cove, a 17 minute drive away, is world famous for its beautiful secluded beach and clear blue water surrounded by unique geological landforms including Stair Hole. The crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming, paddleboarding and exploring. There are a number of places to eat and you can take the cliff walk to Durdle Door.
Durdle Door is one of Dorset’s most photographed and iconic landmarks. It is part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and is an extremely popular beauty spot. It is located on the Lulworth Estate in south Dorset and is part of the Jurassic Coast. The coastline is of such international geological importance that it was designated England’s first natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001 and is now part of a family of natural wonders including America’s Grand Canyon and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
Photo Credit: Vikki Douglas
A 12 minute drive away is Farmer Palmers Farm Park - Dorset's award-winning family run farm park! It has a massive range of indoor and outdoor activities, attractions, adorable animals. All designed for children 8 years and under. There is Pig Racing, the Dinosaur Roar Discovery Trail, Bumpy Tractor-Trailer Ride, Deer Feeding Experience, Pedal Tractors, Pedal Go-karts, Sand and Water Play Area, Sand Playground, Wendy House Area, Inside and Outside Bouncy castle, outdoor obstacle course, the Little Farmer's Barn, Duck Pond, Picnic Areas, Summer Maize Maze, Straw Mountain slides and a Soft Play Zone.
Located on the Arne Peninsula near Wareham, the Arne RSPB Reserve is a haven for nature lovers. Spanning over 5 square kilometers, the reserve encompasses diverse habitats, including heathland, woodland, and salt marshes. It's renowned for its rich biodiversity, hosting species such as the Dartford warbler, nightjar, and sika deer. Visitors can explore well-maintained trails, enjoy birdwatching from designated hides, and immerse themselves in the tranquility of this protected area.
40 minutes aways is Moors Valley, an award-winning visitor attraction offering a host of outdoor activities for all ages. As well as Go Ape, you can enjoy a ride on an authentic steam train around Moors Valley Country Park via 20 different steam locomotives, discover miles of walking trails, cycle routes and dog-friendly trails, two large adventure play areas, Adventure Valley featuring Mini Land Rovers and Adventure Golf, Cycle Hire, Gruffalo and friends’ sculptures, a one mile Play Trail, Tree Top and Music Trails, and accessible Bee Hive play structure.
Situated in the heart of Wareham, the Wareham Town Museum offers insights into the town's rich heritage. The museum's exhibits cover various periods, from prehistoric times to the present day, highlighting significant events and figures associated with Wareham. A notable feature is the special exhibition on T.E. Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia, who lived nearby. The museum also showcases the Wareham Sword, a Saxon artefact discovered in the River Frome, providing a tangible link to the town's ancient past.
St Martin’s Church, often referred to as St Martin-on-the-Walls, stands as a remarkable testament to Anglo-Saxon architecture in Dorset. Dating back to approximately AD 1020, it is the most complete example of an Anglo-Saxon church in the county. The church's historical significance is evident in its tall, narrow nave and chancel, as well as late Anglo-Saxon wall-arcading in the northwest aisle. One of its most notable features is the 12th-century frescoes on the north wall of the chancel, depicting Saint Martin on horseback dividing his cloak to share with a beggar—a vivid illustration of medieval artistry. Additionally, the church houses a stone tomb effigy of T. E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia), crafted by his friend Eric Kennington, adding a modern historical connection to this ancient site. Despite its age, St Martin’s Church remains an active place of worship, offering regular weekly communion services. Its enduring presence through centuries of history makes it a must-visit for those interested in England's rich ecclesiastical heritage.
Wareham is distinguished as one of the few remaining Saxon-walled towns in England, with its defensive earthworks dating back to around 875 AD. These fortifications were constructed to protect the town from Viking invasions and encompass a rectangular area of approximately 90 acres. The walls, consisting of an earthwork bank with a protective ditch and originally topped by timber-faced ramparts, offer a tangible connection to the town's early medieval past. Visitors can embark on the Wareham Walls Walk, a one-mile signposted trail that not only provides scenic views of the town and the River Piddle but also passes by the remnants of Wareham Castle's motte. Informational signs along the route narrate the town's tumultuous history, including Viking attacks, civil war skirmishes, and executions. The castle itself, believed to have been constructed shortly after the Norman Conquest, featured a motte with inner and outer baileys and a small square keep. Although much of the original structure has not survived, the site remains a poignant reminder of Wareham's strategic importance through the centuries.
