Wareham

Wareham is a historic market town situated between the River Piddle and the River Frome 8 miles southwest of Poole. The town’s strategic setting has made it an important settlement throughout its long history. The current town was founded by the Saxons and the town’s oldest features are the town walls, ancient earth ramparts surrounding the town likely built by Alfred the Great in the 9th century to protect the town from the Vikings (Danes).

Sat Nav postcode to Wareham Quay car park BH20 4LP (Google map)

Wareham Quay overlooks the River Frome.
Wareham Quay

Up until the Middle Ages it was an important port but eventually the harbour began to silt up and Poole became the main port in this area.

One of the town’s highlights is the picturesque Wareham Quay. There is a convenient short stay car park here. Next to the Quay is The Old Granary, now a restaurant and bar. It has a nice little outdoor patio and decking with river views (highly recommended) but take insect repellent if sitting out on summer evenings. Overlooking the Quay, behind the Old Granary, is the medieval Priory Church of Lady St Mary.

View from the bridge over the River Frome looking towards the Quay and down river towards Poole Harbour.
View from the bridge over the River Frome looking towards the Quay and down river towards Poole Harbour.
View from the bridge over the River Frome looking upriver. You can see the colourful rowing boats and kayaks which you can hire out from Wareham Boat Hire https://www.warehamboathire.co.uk They also hire out motor boats. For more info see their website or our webpage Boat Hire
River From just downriver from Wareham Quay. Priory Church of Lady St Mary in the background. Riverside building and lovely grounds belong to the up-market Priory Hotel https://theprioryhotel.co.uk one of the best independently owned, boutique hotels in Dorset. The hotel’s restaurant is superb and open to non-residents. You can also go for breakfast or just coffee. As you would expect it’s on the pricey side but a nice treat.
View from the riverside footpath looking upstream towards the Quay and bridge. Take insect repellent in the summer.
Wareham Boat Hire https://www.warehamboathire.co.uk
The Old Granary Restaurant is on the quayside and has great views.
The Old Granary Riverside Restaurant & Bar https://www.theoldgranarywareham.co.uk gets my recommendation
The Quay Inn pub on the Quay often has live music in the evenings.
The Quay Inn – quayside pub and restaurant http://www.thequayinn.com – often has live bands and music
Shops along Wareham High Street
Wareham South Street. The white building is The Bear Hotel and Restaurant https://thebearwareham.co.uk
Row of houses along West Street in Wareham
West Street.
Priory Church of the Lady St. Mary, near the Quay.
Priory Church of the Lady St. Mary, near the Quay.
Fresh fish and seafood in the shop window of the Salt Pig
Fresh fish and seafood in the shop window of the Salt Pig http://www.thesaltpig.co.uk on North Street. The Salt Pig is a farm shop, butchers, fishmongers and cafe. Produce is locally sourced with an emphasis on quality rearing and animal welfare.
St Martin's Church, Wareham - sometimes referred to as St Martin's-on-the-walls, is an Anglo-Saxon church said to have been founded by Saint Aldhelm in the 7th century. The present building dates from about AD 1030.
St Martin’s Church, Wareham – sometimes referred to as St Martin’s-on-the-walls, is an Anglo-Saxon church said to have been founded by Saint Aldhelm in the 7th century. The present building dates from about AD 1030. The building has been altered and expanded over the years but the nave and a tiny window in the north side of the chancel are original features.In the north aisle sits a stone tomb effigy of T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia). (Google map). The church is a 5 minute walk along the principle street North Street from Wareham Quay.

Related Pages: Kingston / Swanage / Poole Quay / Poole Harbour / Swanage Railway / Monkey World / Tank Museum / Boat Trips / Corfe Castle