Wareham is a beautiful part of Dorset offering lots of countryside activities and places full of history to visit.
Whether you enjoy iconic landscapes, interesting museums or water activities, there’s lots to see and do.
In this article, you’ll discover 20 must-do activities that will make your visit unforgettable.
Table of Contents
Explore Wareham Walks
Walking is a fantastic way to explore Wareham’s scenic beauty.
The Wareham Town Walls Walk is a perfect starting point. This 1-mile circular route follows ancient Saxon walls, offering lovely views and glimpses of local wildlife.
For a bit more adventure, try the Wareham Two Rivers Walks.
These trails meander alongside the rivers Frome and Piddle. The wetlands are a haven for birdwatchers.
The Lawrence of Arabia Trail near Bovington is another exciting option. This 6¾ mile trail takes you through country lanes, woodland, and heathland, starting at the Tank Museum.
If you want to know more, here are some great Wareham walks.
📌 Good to Know:
- Dog friendly
📍 Various locations
Enjoy Wareham River Activities
Exploring the River Frome is an amazing way to enjoy Wareham. It’s a beautiful river, offering lots of fun activities for everyone.
Whether you fancy motor boating, kayaking, canoeing, rowing, or paddle boarding, there’s something for every taste and skill level!
You can hire a self-drive motor boat and explore over 4 miles of the lovely river.
If you prefer paddling with friends, consider renting a Canadian canoe, which fits up to 3 people.
It’s an exciting way to explore the river and embrace Britain’s fastest-growing watersport.
📌 Good to Know:
- No previous experience is required; life jackets and buoyancy aids are provided
- Wheely Boat, available for accessible trips, accommodates up to 8 people
📍 Abbots Quay, Wareham., BH20 4LW
Visit Clouds Hill
Clouds Hill is a hidden gem worth exploring. This quaint cottage was once the refuge of T. E. Lawrence, famously known as Lawrence of Arabia.
The National Trust now looks after this historic site, preserving its character and charm.
Visitors can step inside the cottage to see the rooms arranged as Lawrence left them. The house gives a glimpse into the life of this notable figure, where he relaxed, wrote, and entertained friends.
The motorbike shed showcases Lawrence’s passion for Brough Superior motorcycles, with a dedicated display about his life and bikes.
Guests can also enjoy the view from the small hill above the cottage, where Lawrence himself often spent his evenings.
📌 Good to Know:
- Managed by The National Trust
- Activities such as brass rubbing are available
- Dog friendly
- Picnic Area
📍 King George V Road, Bovington, BH20 7NQ
Enjoy Holme for Gardens
Holme for Gardens is a delightful spot for plant and garden lovers.
It boasts beautifully landscaped gardens bursting with vibrant plants and wildlife. Each garden room offers a unique experience, from butterfly meadows to a wild pond area, ensuring there’s always something new to explore.
Visitors will find an extensive garden centre with friendly staff eager to share their gardening expertise.
The Orchard Café serves delightful meals, cakes, and cream teas, perfect for a relaxing break.
📌 Good to Know:
- Dog-friendly areas
- Free Parking
- Some areas are wheelchair accessible
- Onsite cafe
📍 West Holme, Wareham, BH20 6AQ
Discover Careys Secret Garden
Carey’s Secret Garden, hidden in Dorset’s Isle of Purbeck, is a magical spot waiting to be explored.
Nestled behind a 150-year-old wall, this garden spans 3.5 acres and was rediscovered in 2019. It has been gradually restored and now showcases a blend of Victorian charm with modern gardening techniques.
Visitors will find edible hedgerows, fruit trees, roses, flowers, and a thriving vegetable and herb garden.
The garden is less than five minutes away from Wareham Train Station, making it easily accessible for everyone.
While exploring, don’t miss the Secret Salt Pig Coffee Shop for some delightful refreshments.
Click here to read about Carey’s Secret Garden.
📌 Good to Know:
- Free Tours: Fridays at 11am (April – September)
- Secret Salt Pig Coffee Shop
- Assistance dogs only
📍 Garden Wood, Wareham BH20 7PG
Discover the Stair Hole and Lulworth Crumple
Just a short walk from Lulworth Cove, Stair Hole offers a stunning view of geological wonders on the Jurassic Coast.
This hidden gem is a small cove where the folded limestone strata, known as the Lulworth Crumple, are clearly visible.
Several caves, including the impressive Cathedral Cavern, can be seen from the seaward side.
The viewpoint allows visitors to observe classic stages of coastal erosion, such as caves, blow-holes, arches, stacks, and stumps.
Behind the eroding Portland Stone, an embryonic cove shows how Lulworth Cove might have looked 10,000 years ago.
The Lulworth Crumple reveals amazing patterns formed by tilted and twisted sedimentary beds.
📌 Good to Know:
- Lulworth Cove, a 5-minute walk
- Features: Caves, blow-holes, arches, and stacks
- Dog friendly
📍 West Lulworth, Wareham
Explore Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door
Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door are Dorset’s most iconic and photographed landmarks.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers stunning landscapes and geological wonders.
Lulworth Cove is a great spot for various activities like rock pooling, watersports, walking, and coasteering. The cove’s unique landforms make it one of the best places to study geology.
Durdle Door, a famous stone arch, was formed over 10,000 years ago. Walking down to the beach, you’ll be met with amazing views and an untouched piece of nature that takes your breath away.
Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove can get very busy during peak times, so bear that in mind if you’re looking for a quieter attraction.
📌 Good to Know:
- Visitor Centre offers free entry and detailed local guides.
- Places to eat in Lulworth Village
- Dog friendly
📍 Lulworth Cove Carpark: West Lulworth, Wareham BH20 5RS
Visit Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre
Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre in Wareham is a must-visit for animal lovers!
Home to over 260 rescued and endangered primates, the 65-acre park offers an exciting day out.
Visitors can meet the stars of TV’s ‘Monkey Life’ and learn about their rescue stories.
Three adventure playgrounds, including the Great Ape Play Area, provide endless fun for kids.
📌 Good to Know:
- Cafes and kiosks for meals and snacks
- Learn about primates from keeper talks
- No dogs permitted
- Wheelchair accessible
📍 Tout Hill, Longthorns, Wareham BH20 6HH
Go on a Purbeck Safari
Explore the beauty and magic of Dorset on a Purbeck Safari.
This family-run tour offers a unique adventure across the Purbeck Hills and heaths, perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Climb aboard the iconic Land Rover Defender and set off from Wareham.
The tour covers the Arne peninsula, where you can spot rare birds like Osprey, Merlin, and Peregrine. Wetland birds like Spoonbill and Avocet are also frequent sightings.
The journey continues through Corfe Castle, with stunning views of the chalk and limestone ridges.
Learn about the local geology, flora, and fauna that make this area special.
Each safari is a new experience, showcasing the seasonal changes of the landscape.
Whether you’re an avid bird watcher or just love nature, this safari offers a gentle-paced yet adventurous way to see the Isle of Purbeck.
📌 Good to Know:
- Gentle-paced and off-road tracks
- Year-round tours
- Not wheelchair accessible
📍 Located in Wareham
Tour Corfe Castle
The dramatic ruins of Corfe Castle rise above the village, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding Purbeck Hills.
This ancient fortress, dating back to the 11th century, is a must-see for all ages.
Corfe Castle is a thousand-year-old royal castle. Its history includes crucial roles in the English Civil War and the heartbreaking murder of King Edward the Martyr in 978 AD.
The castle’s impressive remains are open all year round, attracting visitors from near and far.
📌 Good to Know:
- National Trust
- Dog friendly
📍 The Square, Corfe Castle, Wareham BH20 5EZ
Relax at The Blue Pool
The Blue Pool Nature Reserve & Tearooms at Furzebrook Estate in Wareham is a perfect spot to unwind.
Nestled in the Isle of Purbeck, this 300-acre site boasts stunning natural beauty and rich history.
Visitors can enjoy gentle walks along the paths, taking in the serene views and diverse wildlife.
For a unique experience, cross the UK’s longest suspended rope bridge. It provides a thrilling way to explore the landscape from above.
The on-site Tearooms, featuring charming 1930s decor, offer delightful breakfasts, lunches, and afternoon teas.
Relax on the terrace with a view of the pool, or stay cosy inside by the fireplace.
📌 Good to Know:
- UK’s longest suspended rope bridge
- Dog friendly
- Some parts wheelchair accessible
- Tearooms
📍 Furzebrook Rd, Wareham, BH20 5AR
Visit Tyneham Village
Tyneham Village offers a unique and interesting step back in time.
Abandoned in December 1943 during WWII, the village remains a snapshot of the past.
The stone cottages and buildings stand as silent witnesses to the lives once lived there.
Information boards provide intriguing details about the village’s history and its residents.
You can explore remnants of the schoolhouse, church, and cottages.
The area is part of the Ministry of Defence’s training grounds, so access is limited to weekends and public holidays.
📌 Good to Know:
- Evacuated in December 1943 for military training
- Honesty box parking (£4)
- Dog friendly
📍 Unnamed Rd Wareham, Wareham BH20 5DE
Explore Arne Nature Reserve RSPB
Arne Nature Reserve offers a stunning mix of heathland, woodland, mudflats, and wetlands.
Nestled on the edge of Poole Harbour, this spot is ideal for birdwatching and discovering local wildlife.
Visitors can spot rare birds like Spoonbills and Dartford Warblers.
Keen eyes might also catch glimpses of Sika Deer and all six of the UK’s native reptiles.
Grazing cattle, ponies, and pigs helps maintain the heathland, ensuring it stays a thriving habitat.
📌 Good to Know:
- Guided walks are available
- Spot seals along the shoreline
- Café and Visitor Centre on-site
- Pushchair and wheelchair accessible
- Designated dog-friendly trails
📍 Arne Rd, Arne, Wareham BH20 5BJ
Discover The Tank Museum
The Tank Museum is a must-visit attraction in Bovington.
With its incredible collection of 300 military machines, the museum offers a unique look into key battles from the First World War through to present-day conflicts.
You can explore ten detailed exhibitions, experiencing the stories of tank crews and their courageous actions.
Tanks don’t just sit still here; visitors can often see them in action, making the experience even more thrilling.
📌 Good to Know:
- Cafe and restaurant
- Soft play
- Assistance dogs only
- Wheelchair accessible
📍 Bovington, Wareham BH20 6JG
Visit Wareham Town Museum
Located in the heart of Wareham, the Wareham Town Museum offers a captivating journey through history.
Situated in the Town Hall, this volunteer-run museum showcases the rich heritage of Wareham, from prehistoric times to the present day.
Visitors can explore exhibits on archaeology, geology, and local history.
One highlight is the special section dedicated to Lawrence of Arabia, who lived nearby at Clouds Hill. This section includes fascinating artefacts and stories about his life.
The museum also displays Saxon artefacts, including the notable Wareham Sword, discovered in the River Frome mud in 1927.
It’s an interesting visit for anyone wanting to learn about Wareham’s history.
📌 Good to Know:
- Assistance dogs welcome
- Wheelchair accessible
📍 Town Hall, East St, Wareham BH20 4NS
Explore The Etches Collection Museum
Located in the charming village of Kimmeridge, the Etches Collection Museum offers a fascinating journey through Jurassic Dorset’s marine life.
The museum boasts an impressive array of fossils, showcasing marine creatures that lived 157 million years ago.
Visitors can marvel at sea monsters, ancient predators, and unique marine flora and fauna.
Nearly all fossils were found within 2 miles of the museum, making it a truly local collection.
The exhibition features interactive CGI displays that bring the ancient seas to life.
You can watch palaeontologist Steve Etches in action as he conserves new finds in the museum lab.
📌 Good to Know:
- Museum shop
- Assistance dogs only
- Wheelchair accessible
- Free Parking
📍 Kimmeridge, Wareham BH20 5PE
Visit Purbeck Mining Museum
The Purbeck Mining Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in history and industrial heritage.
Located near Corfe Castle, this museum showcases everything related to the Purbeck Ball Clay industry and its connection to the Swanage Railway.
Visitors can explore a reconstructed mine tunnel and view various mining artefacts and equipment.
The museum collection includes images and objects depicting the social and economic history of the area.
The museum is run entirely by volunteers and is part of the Swanage Railway Trust, a registered charity.
It is housed in the last underground mine building that operated in Purbeck and opened in 2014 after two decades of development.
📌 Good to Know:
- Dog friendly
📍 Purbeck Park Nr, Corfe Castle, Wareham, BH20 5DW
Tour Lulworth Castle
Built in the 17th century, Lulworth Castle has entertained royalty and aristocracy.
Visitors can explore the basement rooms and learn about the fascinating history of the Weld family.
Children will love searching for the hidden bats around the castle.
The panoramic views from the Lulworth Castle tower are breathtaking, offering a glimpse of the Purbeck countryside and the Jurassic Coast.
You will also spot the Roman Catholic Chapel of St. Mary’s and the 15th-century Church of St Andrew within the estate’s grounds.
Take a relaxing walk through the extensive parkland and woodland, or enjoy a picnic in the spacious grounds.
The children’s playground is perfect for young ones to burn off some energy.
The Castle Tearoom provides refreshments and souvenirs, making it a delightful break during your visit.
If this is your thing, you’ll want to check out this article on the castles in Dorset.
📌 Good to Know:
- Children’s playground
- Tearoom
- Dog friendly
📍 East Lulworth, Wareham BH20 5QS
Practice at Purbeck Shooting School
Purbeck Shooting School offers an exciting opportunity for both novices and seasoned shooters.
An 80-acre site of heathland and conifer plantation, it provides a stunning backdrop for practice.
Established in 1995, this shooting school is famous for its excellent facilities and was once voted the Best Shooting Ground in the UK.
Each shooting position boasts multiple machines, creating diverse and ever-changing targets.
The natural contours of the land add to the challenge, making targets appear almost out of nowhere.
Covered teaching stands ensure that bad weather won’t interrupt your practice.
📌 Good to Know:
- Ideal for novice and experienced shooters
- Excellent group activity
📍 Puddletown Rd, Wareham BH20 7NG
Watch a Film at The Rex Cinema
The Rex Cinema is not just any cinema. This charming venue has been screening films since the 1920s and retains its lovely Art Deco style.
Originally built in 1899 as a hall, it became a cinema in 1920.
Recently updated, The Rex still has its classic 1920s look and the original gas lights. It now has 125 seats and modern digital projection with Dolby stereo sound.
Visitors love the unique experience of having a drink from the bar while watching a film.
The Rex shows new releases, live theatre, ballet, and opera streams. They also host special events like the Purbeck Film Festival.
📌 Good to Know:
- Capacity: 125 seats, space for one wheelchair
- Bar
📍 14 West St, Wareham BH20 4JX
