Wareham hotels and self catering cottage accommodation in Wareham

Dorset » Wareham accommodation

Once an ancient Roman site, chosen for its many rivers and close by natural harbour, Wareham is located amidst the River Frome and the River Piddle, right where the Isle of Purbeck begins.

Before the Medieval period, Wareham was considered one of the main ports in the region, but then it declined and Poole began to prosper and take its place. An ex-royal borough, this lovely market town still features fortified embankments, constructed by order of Alfred the Great, as well as a number of interesting buildings from different time periods. While some cottages from the Middle Ages still remain, as well as the church of St Mary, many buildings were devastated by an 18th century fire and rebuilt in beautiful Georgian style.

A great variety of shops, restaurants, cafés and entertainment options are available, such as the 1930s style Rex Cinema, the annual carnival or the different boat trips departing from the busy docks.

The local museum, located inside a gorgeous town hall of the Victorian period, offers displays on local history, with a special focus on Roman pottery, and is free of charge. Also featured in the museum is a collection of documents and information on T.E. Lawrence (also known as Lawrence of Arabia), who, during his final years, resided nearby and visited Wareham on a regular basis. His cottage can also be visited and is located at Clouds Hill.

Roads directly connect Wareham to Poole, Swanage and Dorchester, among others, and the railway, still making a stop here, is always an option. Both Corfe and Lulworth Castles, Monkey World and the Putlake Adventure Farm are close by.