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20 of the Best Things to do in Wareham Dorset

• Last Updated 26 January, 2024

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Tucked between two spectacular rivers, the historic market town of Wareham in Dorset is the gateway to the Isle of Purbeck. Attached to the mainland but surrounded on three sides by water, this “isle” is one of the most spectacular regions in Dorset. And Wareham sits right at its entrance, so there are dozens of fun things to do both in the town and nearby!

From riverside walks and scenic boat trips to crumbling castle ruins and picturesque villages, this region is bursting with attractions.

Explore the incredible coastal attractions, like Old Harry Rocks and the beaches at Studland. Visit the former home of Lawrence of Arabia, discover Wareham’s boutique stores and art galleries, or uncover some local history. And, of course,  walk the ancient Saxon walls that surround the town! 

Map of Things to do in Wareham

1. walk the wareham walls, 2. wareham boat hire, 3. paddle steamer monarch, 4. wareham river cruises, 5. wareham town museum, 6. wareham quay, 7. visit the market, 8. shopping in wareham, 9. walks near wareham, 1. explore the purbeck coast, 2. wareham forest, 1. lulworth cove and castle, 2. clouds hill – lawrence of arabia’s house, 3. swanage railway, 4. corfe castle, 6. monkey world, 7. bovington tank museum, 8. dorset adventure park, more nearby.

9 Things to do in Wareham

This guide to Wareham Dorset is best used in conjunction with my guide to the Isle of Purbeck . The whole of this stunning Dorset region is easily explored from Wareham, so the town makes an excellent base for a holiday on the Isle.

If you’re looking for things to do specifically in the town of Wareham, the first section of this post has you covered! I’ve also shared a list of the best things to do in the surrounding area – but you should check out the Purbeck guide for even more!

Wareham is one of the few remaining Saxon walled towns in England. Originally built in 875AD to protect the town from Viking attacks, these walls capture 2,000 years of the town’s history – and are still standing today! They aren’t the stone city walls you might be picturing, though. Instead, the Wareham Walls are earthworks: walls built from mounded earth.

Today, the Wareham Walls Walk is a one-mile, signposted walk exploring the town’s history, as well as passing by what remains of the old Wareham Castle motte. It also offers some lovely views of the town and the River Piddle. Information signs dotted along the walls can tell you more about the often gruesome history they’ve seen, including Viking attacks, civil war skirmishes, and executions!

Sitting peacefully on the banks of two of Dorset’s most stunning rivers, Wareham is perhaps best explored from the water. So Wareham Boat Hire is definitely one of the best things to do in town!

You can hire rowing boats, motorboats, kayaks, canoes, and SUP boards to explore the beautiful River Frome at your own pace – and under your own steam! Row, paddle, or cruise your way along the river for some beautiful views of both the town and surrounding countryside.

Don’t fancy doing all the work yourself? Take a river cruise instead! Paddle Steamer Monarch is the world’s smallest commercial paddle steamer and one of only three currently running in Britain. In fact, during 2020 she was the only operational paddle steamer in the UK!

This beautiful, vintage steamer can carry up to 12 passengers and runs regular cruises along the River Frome from Wareham. Step back in time for a touch of elegance as you enjoy views of passing yachts, local birdlife, and the wildlife-rich reed beds skirting the river.

There’s also another river cruise company operating in Wareham, again one of the best things to do if you fancy a day on the water! Wareham River Cruises offer 40-minute trips on “Orca”, their beautiful 12-seater Admiralty Whaler. 

The cruise combines stunning views and nature spotting with local history. You’ll head upriver first in search of water voles, otters, and other wildlife in the reedbeds. Then, as you return downriver, there’s a commentary describing the history of Wareham and its Saxon walls.

Update January 2022: Wareham River Cruises is currently for sale, so the river trips on Orca will not operate again until a new owner is found for the business.

If you want to delve a little further into local history, the Wareham Town Museum is one of the best things to do on your visit. This small, volunteer-run museum tells the story of Wareham and the surrounding area, from the prehistory of the famous Jurassic Coast , to the town’s Saxon routes, right through to the present day.

There’s also a special exhibition all about T.E. Lawrence (aka Lawrence of Arabia), who lived nearby at Clouds Hill. It’s a free museum (although a donation is always appreciated), so it’s worth stopping by even for a short visit.

Wareham Quay has always been a central point in the town. During Saxon times, the Wareham was an important cross-Channel port, so the quay would have been busy with ships arriving from the continent and unloading their cargo.

Today, The Quay is still a busy spot – although the river traffic is mainly small vessels and river cruises these days! The quayside itself is a lively meeting place with plenty of pubs and restaurants, hosting numerous events throughout the year. This is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat, start a riverside walk, or simply sit and admire the tranquil flow of the River Frome and the passing boats.

The Quay also plays host to Wareham’s weekly market, every Saturday from 8am-3pm. It’s a great place to pick up local produce, with stalls selling vegetables, fish, meats, cheeses, preserves, and more. You can also find flowers, gifts, clothing, and toys, so it’s a great place to pick up a unique souvenir.

As well as the weekly market, Wareham also hosts a regular Farmers and Makers Market in the Town Hall, usually on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month. This is a collection of local producers offering a selection of homemade or homegrown produce. So it’s the ideal place to pick up some local goods, or simply meet a few of Dorset’s amazing producers.

Wareham is full of unique independent shops, so it’s a great place to visit if you fancy picking up some local goods. There are art galleries, boutiques, and farm shops to explore – as well as the markets mentioned above.

I’ve listed a few of the town’s independent shops below, but there are plenty more to discover. Wareham is also a Fairtrade Town , so many local shops stock Fairtrade goods and support the annual Fairtrade Fortnight ( 21 February to 6 March 2022 ).

• Purbeck Artisan Yard , arts, crafts, and vintage goods
• The Creative Gallery , art gallery
• Antiquates , fine and rare books
• Yesterday’s Collectables – vintage goods, antiques, and contemporary British brands.
• BareNecesseties , Zero Waste store

• Wareham Two Rivers Walk – two circular walks (which can be combined into one), 2-4 miles
• Woodlark Trail at Wareham Forest – 2-mile loop
• Lawrence of Arabia Trail – 7-miles, taking in Lawrence’s home at Clouds Hill and the cemetery at Moreton where he is buried.
• Purbeck Way – 15.5 miles from Wareham to Corfe Castle along the River Frome.
• Hartland Moor – 2 miles
• Wareham Forest Way – 13 miles

Nature Spots Near Wareham

Surrounded by the sea on three sides, the Isle of Purbeck boasts a lot of seriously amazing coastline. The tip of the isle stretches out into the Channel, ending in a series of chalk stacks known as Old Harry Rocks . These rocks mark the endpoint of the Jurassic Coast, so they’re well worth a visit. And the view from the top is incredible, especially at sunset!

Below are a few of the must-visit coastal spots near Wareham and around Purbeck. It’s also worth checking out my Isle of Purbeck guide for tons more ideas.

• Old Harry Rocks – check out my route guide for a fab 4-mile circular.
• Studland Beach and Nature Reserve
• Kimmeridge Bay
• Chapman’s Pool
• Swanage Beach
• Dancing Ledge – follow my 5.5 mile circular walk route for a lovely coastal walk, or this 3.4 mile walk through Scratch Arse Ware and Dancing Ledge !
• Worbarrow Bay
• St Aldham’s Head
• Winspit Quarry

Wareham Forest is an ideal spot to connect with nature near Wareham. It’s a large area consisting of open heathland and plantations of conifers. A large portion of the forest was devastated by a fire in 2020, but Forestry England are working hard to repair the damage and protect the surviving flora. There are several walking and biking trails so it’s easy to get out and enjoy the local wildlife!

The  RSPB nature reserve at Arne , overlooking Poole Harbour, is a bit of a hidden gem near Wareham. It’s a stunning area of countryside filled with heather, gorse, and ferns, as well as an abundance of bird- and wildlife.  Arne is also one of the few places in England where it’s possible to see sika deer in the wild – and close-up encounters are not unusual!

There are various walking trails around Arne, but I particularly like the Red Trail, which goes through the Big Wood and down to the picturesque Shipstal Beach. This is one of the quieter beaches in the area and you’ll often be lucky enough to have it entirely to yourself.

8 Things to do Near Wareham

Backed by high chalk cliffs, the bay at Lulworth is almost circular. It’s a stunning cove at any time of year, although the beach is particularly lovely in summer.

The area is considered one of the most important sites on the Jurassic Coast, because the rock layers are a brilliant example of marine erosion. But it’s also just a lovely seaside village, with some great pubs and cafes, a pretty beach, and some fab coast walks . Up the road, Lulworth Castle is one of the most impressive castles in Dorset . The grounds are stunning and definitely worth a visit.

Top Tip: In Summer, they often host the Luna Cinema at Lulworth Castle – an outdoor movie experience reminiscent of American drive in movie theatres . There’s something quite magical about watching a movie under the stars in front of a castle!

I’ve a hut in a wood near camp wherein I spend my spare evenings T.E. Lawrence

This isolated brick-and-tile cottage just outside of Wareham was once the peaceful retreat of T. E. Lawrence – aka Lawrence of Arabia. Today, Clouds Hill is managed by the National Trust, and is still pretty much as Lawrence left it.

Swanage Railway  is a heritage steam railway running across the Isle of Purbeck.  Several antique steam trains run services from the beautifully restored station in Swanage town centre to a handful of stations, including the iconic Corfe Castle.

The nearest station from Wareham is at Norden, but for a fun day out you could drive to Corfe Castle and explore that first, then hop on a steam train to the seaside at Swanage .

Corfe Castle is one of the best things to do near Wareham – in fact, in the whole of Dorset! The crumbling hilltop ruins of this thousand-year-old castle are one of the best-known sights in the county. It was destroyed during the English Civil War in 1646 and has a long and fascinating history to discover.

The nearby village of the same name also makes a great day out, packed with charming tearooms and a cute Model Village. It’s one of the prettiest villages in Dorset , surrounded by the rolling Purbeck hills and overlooked by that ancient castle.

The “ghost village” at Tyneham makes a great day out from Wareham.  During the Second World War, the British Military purchased the land for training purposes, apparently promising that the residents could return to their homes after the war. However, this never happened: the land is still owned by the military, and the houses stand empty and in ruins.

On weekends, the abandoned village is usually open to the public, and is a fascinating place to explore. Some of the buildings, including the church and schoolhouse, have been restored and opened as living museums, offering a glimpse into rural village life in the 1930s and 40s.

One of Dorset’s top attractions lies just down the road from Wareham, at Bovington. Monkey World is a primate and ape rescue centre.  They rescue chimps, monkeys, and apes from things like the illegal pet trade and entertainment industries, and rehabilitate them into the wild when possible.

When it’s not, the primates stay at the centre, living in spacious, thoughtfully-designed enclosures. So you can get some great up-close encounters with a wide range of species, whilst helping to support ongoing rescue and rehabilitation projects around the world.

The Tank Mus eum at Bovington Camp, just outside of Wareham, is the world’s biggest collection of tanks! The museum has over 300 armoured fighting vehicles to explore. So you can learn all about tanks, their crews, and their history – from 1916 to the present day.

Last but not least on this list of things to do near Wareham is the Dorset Adventure Park . Formerly the Dorset Water Park, this is a wet and wild woodland amusement park set across two lakes . The Inflatable Sports Aqua Park is a floating Total-Wipeout-style course with over 200m of inflatable obstacles. There’s also a Mud Trail Assault Course, with 50 obstacles along a 2km trail.

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Nature and Wildlife

Great access to nature on wareham's doorstep.

Did you know that Purbeck is one of the most wildlife rich places in the UK and has gained further recognition with the declaration of the new Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve (NNR). Wareham provides great access on its doorstep to explore this rich variety of nature and wildlife. With fantastic options for walking, cycling, boat trips and hire, public transport, and private car.

Did you know Purbeck is ...

One of the most biodiverse areas in Britain with over 450 species that are rare, threatened or endangered

The only place in Britain where all 6 native reptiles are found.

The home of 65 special wild flowers, over half of which are officially rare or scarce.

Discover the rich variety of nature and wildlife attractions, activities and events in and around Wareham and Purbeck

Purbeck heaths nnr, wareham forest, dorset wildlife trust, rivers & water meadows, birds of poole harbour, fun ways to explore, purbeck heaths national nature reserve.

Declared in 2020, the Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve brings together smaller Nature Reserves along with the surrounding landscape to make a bigger, better and more joined up area in Purbeck for wildlife and their habitats to thrive and for visitors to discover and enjoy.

The Purbeck Heaths spans over three thousand hectares across Purbeck including Studland, Corfe Castle, Arne, Church Knowle, and Steeple with Tyneham.

The land is owned by seven different landowners; The National Trust, RSPB, Rempstone Estate, Dorset Wildlife Trust, Amphibian & Reptile Conservation Trust (ARC), Forestry England and Natural England and is located within the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The landscape of Purbeck Heaths landscape is a complex mixture of habitats including the UK’s largest and best quality low lying wet and dry heathland. There are also valley mires (swampy, boggy grounds), acid grasslands, coastal sand dunes and saltmarsh. Plus important areas of lowland deciduous woodland and wet woodland. Purbeck Heath also includes hundreds of hectares of mainly conifer plantations that are under restoration to heathland.

The Purbeck Heaths are home to tens of thousands of species including many that are rare and threatened. It is one of the very few landscapes in the UK that is home to all 6 native reptiles, a number of iconic heathland birds, raptors, wildfowl, rare native plants, bat species and is last UK strongholds of some important heathland insects and butterflies. Read more on the Purbeck Heaths Website.

Where to visit the Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve...

Arne RSPB Nature Reserve

Set against the backdrop of Poole Harbour the 565 hectares of Arne is famous for …

The Blue Pool

The Blue Pool Nature Reserve and Furzebrook Estate Established in 1935 The Blue Pool Tearooms …

Purbeck Park

Located in the centre of the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, Purbeck Park is a …

Dorset Wildlife Trust is a local conservation charity. Dedicated to making space for nature, their aim is to ensure Dorset’s wildlife and wild places can adapt, recover and play their part in tackling the global climate change and ecological crises through nature-based solutions.

With the support of 27,000 members and hundreds of volunteers, Dorset Wildlife Trust manages 40 nature reserves and four visitor centres across Dorset as well as working in partnership with other conservation charities, landowners, local councils, communities and businesses to improve the natural environment for the wildlife and people of Dorset.

Their nature reserves are home to many rare and common species of plants, mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates and also play a vital role as core nature-rich sites from which wildlife can spread across the landscape. The nature reserves are open to everyone, 365 days a year, and there’s plenty of evidence that spending time in nature is good for people’s health, wellbeing and happiness.

Dorset Wildlife Trust Nature Reserves near Wareham

Wild Woodbury

A 170 hectares of former agricultural land acquired by Dorset Wildlife Trust in 2021 just …

Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre

Discover Kimmeridge Beautiful Kimmeridge Bay lies just 7 miles (by road) from Wareham. It sits …

Stonehill Down Nature Reserve

Nextdoor to Kilwood is Stonehill Down nature reserve with its stunning views across Purbeck, also …

Higher Hyde Heath Nature Reserve

Four miles east of Wareham, Higher Hyde Heath is an internationally important area of dry …

Poole Harbour is a rich mosaic of different habitats which support a stunning variety of birdlife throughout the year. Whether it’s the 25,000 wetland birds seeking shelter during the winter months or the arrival of long-distance migrants from sub-saharan Africa for the summer, there’s plenty to see and learn about locally!

Looking for inspiration? Birds of Poole Harbour’s website hosts an interactive guide to help you learn when and where the best places are to watch birds locally. Situated to the west of Poole Harbour, Wareham acts as the corridor into the Purbecks, but hidden gems can also be found only a stone’s throw away from the Saxon town centre.

Where to spot wild birds around Poole Harbour

Birdlife at Bestwall & Swineham

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Birdlife at the Corfe River Valley

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Birdlife at Slepe Heath

Slepe Heath is a productive and beautiful heathland landscape with stunning views of Poole Harbour …

Birdlife at Challow Hill Corfe

Challow Hill is nestled along the southern boundary of Poole Harbour and situated just east …

Wareham Forest is a great place to explore and discover the famous heaths and woods of the Dorset countryside.

Many miles of tracks take you through beautiful and ancient landscapes, where if you are lucky you’ll see some of the things that make it so special.

This area is home to lots of unique plants like Dorset Heath heather, and Wildlife including Natterer’s Bat and rare reptiles such as Sand Lizards and Smooth Snakes.

Wareham's Rivers and Water Meadows

Wareham’s location  between the River Frome and the River Piddle make it an ideal location to explore the wildlife and nature on the river banks and watermeadows. 

Read more about Wareham’s riverside walks along the Frome and Piddle.

Fun ways to explore Purbeck!

Ditch the car and find  more fun new ways to explore Purbeck’s natural attractions! Here’s some great ideas for exploring Purbeck whether you are looking for some fun adventures, amazing wildlife and nature or just to enjoy some awe inspiring views of the Purbeck hills and Jurassic Coast.

Wareham Quay River Cruises

Hear the colourful history of Saxon Wareham with a 40 minute river cruise. Travel up …

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Offering self drive motor boats, kayaks, canoes, rowing boats, boat trips and stand up paddle …

Purbeck Safari

Purbeck Safari is a family run business whose aim is to enable you to access …

Swanage Railway

Located a short drive from Wareham, the Swanage Railway is the perfect place to enjoy …

Nature and Wildlife Events

Explore Nature & Wildlife in and around Wareham

Kilwood Nature Reserve

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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 )

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.

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

• 1.1 Visitor information
• 3 Get around
• 4.1 Churches
• 4.3 Further afield

Wareham is a romantic and unforgettable old town in Dorset , UK . It lives within its earthen walls, with ramparts north, east and west and a river to the south. Apart from its fine bridge, its wonderful earthen walls, its fascinating churches and its little quay, there is much to make Wareham lovable. Its bright streets, charming squares, enchanting houses, splendid views and delightful riverside walks makes it a must for visitors to the Purbecks.

Understand [ edit ]

It is England’s little town between the rivers, built on a high strip of land embraced by the Piddle and the Frome, an ideal place for a settlement in the old days when ancient Britons threw up marvelous ramparts of earth to guard their fortress. Its origin lies far back in centuries but its ramparts have been defensive walls for Caesars and Alfreds men and were not dismantled as a fort until the days of Cromwell.

The Britons set them up, the Romans reinforced them and they remain an astonishing spectacle in a 21st-century town. The Romans laid out the four main streets of Wareham following the points of the compass and everywhere in this town is something to remind us of the past. Wareham has had a castle, a priory, and eight churches of which most of them, along with most of its old houses, have been destroyed by fire.

There is a fine new bridge across the Frome replacing the 18th-century one on which a curious stone, now in the museum, threatened transportation to anyone who dared to damage the bridge. A similar stone is still existing on the bridge in Wool.

Near the bridge is the neat old warehouses and the quay belonging to Wareham’s active past.

The house called the Priory stands on the site of the priory the Saxon Aldhelm founded and reflected in the waters of the Frome is the embattled tower of the old church of St Mary’s. This great church with a thrilling history of something Roman, something Saxon and something Norman, it still preserves within its walls the stone coffin in which they laid poor King Edward who was murdered by his stepmother Queen Elfrida at Corfe Castle.

The entry in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle for March 18, 979, tells us:

Here Edward is said to have lain in unhallowed ground for three years until Dunstain took him away and buried him in Shaftsbury. There he lay for a thousand years in a little lead coffin in which his bones were found in our time, having been transferred from this stone coffin in St Mary’s.

One of the chief treasures of St Mary’s is its lead font, a unique member of only 38 in England but is especially unique because it has six sides whereas all but one of the others are round.

Near the font is a small room with a great fascination for those who love old things and old tales. In this room are cases containing Roman pottery and medieval tiles dug up in Wareham’s fields and gardens, between two pewter Cromwellian flagons is a handsome brass almsdish with a decorative rim embellished in the middle are two men carrying grapes slung from a pole resting on their shoulders.

This ancient dish has a remarkable story, something incredible but known to be true. One night towards the end of the 19th century a lady staying at the rectory had a vivid dream, which she told the rector. In it she had been told that if the panelling of the chancel were taken down something (she knew not what) would be found behind it. The rector and all who heard her tale laughed but at her insistence the panelling was removed and the almsdish found. It is thought it was hidden away during the Commonwealth period.

One of the most captivating place in Wareham is the little church of St Martin’s-on–the-Wall, made new 700 years ago but with a Saxon window in its saddle back tower and the long and the short work of the Saxons. It was founded by Aldhelm.

It is thrilling to think that this small building was set up by the founder of Sherborne Abbey. Deserted for years, it has now been restored, reconsecrated and brought into almost daily use again. It has something in it almost one thousand years old, the chancel arch the Saxons built, with the rebuilding of the Normans and of the many ages since. There are old roof beams and some painted stars of great antiquity.

One of its chief possessions is the fine figure of Lawrence of Arabia given by his brother. Sculptured by Eric Kennington, it shows him in Arab dress lying with his head on a camel saddle,his sandaled feet supported by a Hittite stone whilst by his side the three books he always carried with him. His house which is cared for by the National Trust, and open to the public, is at Clouds Hill near Bovington and his remains lie in the graveyard of St Nicholas Church at Moreton.

Wareham has a vivid history, from the Danes ravaging the town and then establishing themselves there, through the brutal Judge Jefferys hanging his victims on the walls and King John sending to death poor Peter of Pomfret, who had prophesied his doom.

Visitor information [ edit ]

• Information about Wareham from Visit Dorset

Get in [ edit ]

• 50.693 -2.115 1 Wareham station has South West Trains from London Waterloo station (from £58, Mar 2017) via Clapham Junction , Woking , Basingstoke , Poole , Southampton Central, and Bournemouth ; or from Weymouth .

Get around [ edit ]

See [ edit ]

Churches [ edit ]

Nature [ edit ], further afield [ edit ], do [ edit ].

• WarehamDorset.com . A helpful guide to attractions and accommodation providers in Wareham, the Gateway to Purbeck.  
• 50.712056 -2.216138 2 Purbeck Shooting School , Puddletown Rd, BH20 7NG , ☏ +44 1929 405101 . Clay Pigeon Shooting  
• row boats .  

Buy [ edit ]

• 50.685081 -2.109377 1 Heirlooms of Wareham Antique Jewellers , 21 South St, BH20 4LR , ☏ +44 1929 554207 . Family-run jewellers, specialising in antique and modern jewellery and silverwares. Repair services, valuations for insurance and probate. Rotary watch stockists.  

Eat [ edit ]

Fish and chips on the quay!

• 50.685292 -2.109455 1 The Chipperies , 15 South St , ☏ +44 1929 552947 .  

Drink [ edit ]

• Burtie's Wine Bar .  
• Coffee at the Salt Pig (North St) or Harry's Bar (South St)

Over the river in Stoborough:

Sleep [ edit ]

There are lots of Bed and Breakfasts around Wareham.

• 50.6852 -2.1101 1 The Bear , 14 South St, Wareham BH20 4LT , ☏ +44 1929 288150 . 18th-century coaching inn with 11 rooms and cosy bar. B&B double £110 . ( updated Nov 2022 )
• 50.682655 -2.155353 2 Homebridge house , Holmebridge , ☏ +44 1929 550599 .  

Cope [ edit ]

• 50.68659 -2.10957 1 Public toilet , 1 Howard's Ln, BH20 4HU ( By the car park ). ( updated Jan 2021 )

Go next [ edit ]

• Corfe Castle village and Norman castle ruins
• Swanage Steam Railway
• Lulworth Cove and Castle

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » Massachusetts (MA) » 15 Best Things to Do in Wareham (MA)

15 Best Things to Do in Wareham (MA)

Once touting itself as “The Gateway to Cape Cod”, the seaside town of Wareham is much more than a stepping stone.

First off, there are 54 miles of shoreline here on Buzzards bay, along a heavily indented coast where public beaches are bathed by gentle, warm waters in summer.

The best of these may be Onset Beach, a perfect curve of golden sand, with idyllic views of wooded points, historic houses and islands in the bay.

In Wareham you can tour the famous cranberry bogs, feast on the freshest seafood, watch some of the best amateur baseball in the world, and kayak in a vast maze of coves, bays, rivers and ponds.

1. Onset Beach

A crescent of soft golden sand, the fabulous Onset Beach is at the head of the namesake bay, which cuts a long way inland and is protected by Wickets Island and Onset Island.

This gives beach crystalline protected waters that stay shallow for some distance and are perfectly safe for youngsters to wade in.

Behind, Onset is a small seaside community, established in the 1880s as a summer camp for Spiritualists, and with idyllic cottages that were built as second homes for people who would come here to try to communicate with the dead.

The waters of Onset Bay are made for paddling, and the Nemasket Kayak Center, which we’ll talk about later in this list, has a location right on the beach.

2. Swift’s Beach

Fronting a peaceful residential community on Swift’s Neck, this stunning beach sits at the mouth of the Wareham River. Swift’s Beach faces southeast and is completely protected from ocean swells.

There’s an accommodating sweep of sandy shoreline, interspersed with tufts of grass, and at the height of summer the water is warm in the shallows.

When the tide goes out there’s an enormous spread of tide pools and muddy sand abounding with clams and hermit crabs. To use Swift’s Beach you’ll need to get hold of a day pass from the Town of Wareham Department of Natural Resources.

3. Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary

A big swath of the Great Neck peninsula in Wareham has been designated a priority habitat of state-listed rare species.

In response, Mass Audubon has collaborated with a number of public and private organizations to protect and manage a sanctuary, spreading across more than 200 acres.

Four miles of Historic carriage roads and deer paths, many accessible thanks to the generosity of private landowners, take you through pine forest to the edge of the marshes.

From here you might catch sight of the resident ospreys in spring and summer, or a wading heron, while great horned owls make their nests in the woods.

4. Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge

An important intracoastal waterway, easing navigation between Buzzards Bay and Cape Cod Bay, the seven-mile Cape Cod Canal was completed in 1914.

It’s a good idea to make the short trip next door to Bourne to see the canal, lined with 7 miles of paved bikeway on the north side, and 6.5 miles on the south side.

The sight that may stop you in your tracks is the Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge, opened in 1935. This vertical lift bridge is 544 feet across, 271 feet tall, and has a 135-foot clearance when raised.

From the bikeway you can watch it rising for water traffic, or lowering to allow trains to pass through. It had the longest vertical lift span in the world at the time of its completion, and is today the second-longest vertical lift bridge in the country.

5. Shell Point Beach

Along the shore and merging with Onset Beach, Shell Point Beach is distinct, and merits its own entry in this list.

As the name tells you, the beach is on a sandy cape, with Sunset Cove on one side and Onset Bay on the other. Like its neighbor, Shell Point Beach shelves very gently, and because it’s so tucked away the water is pool-like.

The beach’s small parking lot runs down the spine of Shell Point, and there are panoramic views of the beautiful shoreline, adorned with waterfront houses and little docks. In the last few years a parking fee has been implemented here, May through September.

6. Lindsey’s Restaurant

This family seafood eatery in East Wareham has been locally owned and operated for more than 75 years. Lindsey’s Restaurant started out in 1948 as a fried clam take-out spot, opened by Paul and Frances Lindsey.

The building was remodeled in 1979 by their son Buzzy, and daughter-in-law, Cheri who continues to run the business.

Lindsey’s Restaurant buys all of its fish and shellfish from local wholesalers, working around Cape Cod waters.

So naturally, the essential menu items to try are New England signatures like lobster rolls, scallops, clam cakes, clam chowder, lobster bisque, and of course, fried clams.

7. Myles Standish State Forest

Just past Wareham’s northern edge you can reach the largest publicly owned recreation area in southeastern Massachusetts.

Myles Standish State Forest is 12,000+ acres of pitch pine forest and scrub oak, ecologically important for its glacially formed kettle hole ponds.

Four of the forest’s five campgrounds are located next to ponds, and you can jump from one shoreline to the next on 13 miles of hiking trails, 15 miles of paved bicycle trails, and 35 miles of horse trails.

The flat topography and abundance of quiet, paved trails make this place ideal for a bicycle trip, and for thrills you can go offroad on the intersecting sand and gravel tracks.

8. Water Wizz of Cape Cod

One of a string of visitor attractions, stores and chain restaurants along Route 28 in East Wareham is a family-owned water park, open for more than 40 years now.

Always improving, Water Wizz of Cape Cod is constantly adding to its array of rides and attractions, and there’s plenty for bigger kids and teenagers to get into.

Take Devil’s Peak, which drops almost vertically from a height of 75 feet, or the high-speed Pirate’s Plunge and the swooping tube ride, Squid Row.

Herring Run River is a classic lazy river, and the swells at the Mussel Beach wave pool reach 3.5 feet. Smaller children and toddlers are sure to enjoy the zero-depth playground at Little Neck Beach, and Captain Kid’s Island has a giant tipping bucket.

9. Spillane Field

Wareham has a collegiate summer baseball team, competing in the West Division of the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL).

Organized baseball on Cape Cod goes back deep into the 19th century, and today the CCBL offers some of the best amateur ball you could hope to watch.

To date, more than 1,400 major league players have spent some formative time in the Cape League, many playing for Wareham’s local team.

The Wareham Gatemen first joined the league in 1927, claiming the first of a total nine league championships in 1930.

Home field is a 3,000-seater stadium next to Wareham High School, named for the highly decorated teacher and coach, Clem Spillane (1934-2017), who never posted a losing record.

The season begins in mid-June and is wrapped up by mid-August, with the all-star game normally played at Spillane Field in late July.

10. Makepeace Farms

Something that comes immediately to mind when people think of southeastern Massachusetts is cranberries. This goes for Wareham, as one of the world’s largest cranberry growers, the A.D. Makepeace Company is based here.

Dating back some 170 years, Makepeace is a founder of the Ocean Spray cooperative, and is also the largest private property owner in eastern Massachusetts.

There’s a storefront at Makepeace Farms (146 Tihonet Rd), with a gift shop for everything cranberry-related, as well as a cafe with menu items like cranberry walnut chicken salad, or a classic Thanksgiving roasted turkey sandwich.

For deeper insights into cranberry production, you can organize a bog tour via the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association.

In spring you’ll see how the bogs are prepared for the growing season; in summer these bogs are a sea of little blossoms, and then comes the iconic wet harvest in fall.

11. Nemasket Kayak Center

The amazing quantity of ponds and slow-flowing rivers around Wareham, makes this a wonderful place for a paddling experience.

The Nemasket Kayak Center has several locations in the area, but is headquartered in the complex as Makepeace Farms at 146 Tihonet Rd.

Here you can rent single or double kayaks, canoes, or stand-up paddleboards, for an hour, day, three days or a week.

The center arranges guided paddles at several beautiful locations, including Agawam Mill Pond, the Agawam River, Mario Harbor, Onset Bay, Wickets Island and along the Weweantic and Sippican Rivers.

There’s also a paddling school, teaching kayak, canoe and stand-up paddleboard basics, but also hosting stand-up paddleboard yoga classes.

12. Little Harbor Country Club

Close to Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary there’s an executive, 18-hole par 56 course. With a total yardage of just over 3,000 yards, Little Harbor Country Club is a great pick for beginners, and for people who want to work on their approach play and short game.

Still, there are a couple of par 4s on the way, so you’ll need to use every club in your bag. A real advantage of this course is that you can get around all 18 holes in as little as three hours, and for many people it’s easy to complete on foot, although carts are available.

The air-conditioned clubhouse has a fully stocked snack bar, as well as a pro shop with all of the top brands.

13. William Minot Forest

In a lovely spot, just in from the east bank of the Wareham River there’s more than 200 acres of town-owned forest to explore.

This land was deeded to the town as long ago as the 1950s and has been carefully managed over the last 70+ years to foster biodiversity and provide a beautiful natural setting for walks. William Minot Forest has rolling topography, molded by glaciers more than 10,000 years ago.

There are several miles of restorative woodland trails, one of which takes you north, across Minot Avenue and over the railroad tracks to Bryant Farm, another town-owned property with sprawling marshes by the Wareham River.

14. Tremont Nail Factory District

In business since 1819, the Tremont Nail Company, one of the first cut nail manufacturers in the United States, was based in Wareham until as recently as 2006 when the company was taken over and production moved to Mansfield.

The old mill complex, once powered by water, is preserved as a U.S. Historic District, with five buildings more than a century old, and portions that have changed little since the mid-19th century.

Tours of the site have been given in the past, and if you’re interested in industrial history you can take a look around from the outside. When we compiled this list, one of the buildings was occupied by EcHo, an artisan homewares shop.

15. Wareham Crossing

Near where I-495 and I-195 intersect and terminate in western Wareham there’s an open-air shopping center with close to 50 stores and restaurants.

Wareham Crossing opened in 2007, and combines a power center with a more pedestrian-friendly outdoor mall, featuring quaint storefronts, street furniture, trees and shrubs.

A few of the retailers in the latter part are LOFT, Torrid, L.L. Bean, GameStop, Bath & Body Works, Yankee Candle and Famous Footwear. For big box stores you’ve got Target, Petco, T.J. Maxx, JCPenney, Lowe’s and more.

Food and drink options run from Starbucks to Red Robin, QDOBA and LongHorn Steakhouse.

15 Best Things to Do in Wareham (MA):

• Onset Beach
• Swift’s Beach
• Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
• Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge
• Shell Point Beach
• Lindsey’s Restaurant
• Myles Standish State Forest
• Water Wizz of Cape Cod
• Spillane Field
• Makepeace Farms
• Nemasket Kayak Center
• Little Harbor Country Club
• William Minot Forest
• Tremont Nail Factory District
• Wareham Crossing

Plan Your Trip to Wareham: Best of Wareham Tourism

Essential Wareham

Wareham Is Great For

Eat & drink

• TownePlace Suites by Marriott Wareham Buzzards Bay
• Mulberry Bed & Breakfast
• Cranberry Gardens Inn
• Old Red Farm Inn
• TownePlace Suites Wareham Buzzards Bay
• Ella's Wood Burning Oven Restaurant
• Cafe Soleil
• The Gateway Tavern
• The Riverside Cafe
• Narrows Crossing Restaurant
• Sand 'n' Surf
• Cartland of Cape Cod
• Wareham Crossing
• The Fan Club
• Clem Spillane Field

Top Things to Do in Wareham, Dorset - Wareham Must-See Attractions

Things to do in wareham, explore popular experiences, tours in and around wareham.

4 Day Tour in Cornwall, Devon and Stonehenge from Bristol

JURASSIC SPECTACULAR | 10+ Stops on the Jurassic Coast!

Dorset Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK

Skip-the-Line Tank Museum Guided Tour from London by Car

Lulworth Cove & Durdle Door Mini-Coach Tour from Bournemouth

Poole Harbour and Island Cruise from Poole

4x4 Land Rover Safari Across Purbeck Hills and Jurassic Coast

Full Day Jurassic Coast Mini-Coach Tour from Bournemouth

PRIVATE TOUR of DORSET | UP TO 8 Passengers

City Sightseeing Bournemouth Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Top attractions in wareham.

Other Top Attractions around Wareham

What travellers are saying

• Monkey World
• The Tank Museum
• Clouds Hill
• Holme for Gardens
• The Blue Pool,
• Durdle Door
• Careys Secret Garden
• Purbeck Safari

Wareham, Dorset - the gateway to Purbeck

Wareham - the gateway to purbeck.

Nearby Attractions

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Visit Wareham and be Inspired

Wareham is an ideal base for a family holiday in Purbeck. Whether you love walking and cycling, enjoy birdwatching, fishing or boating, Wareham, has it all nearby.

There is plenty of accommodation in town from cosy self-catering cottages and B&Bs to hotels and campsites.

Wareham also offers a wide range of independant shops, restaurants and pubs, a museum and a very helpful Tourist Information Centre . Click here for guidebook.

Relax or explore - please yourself

The ferry cruises from the Quayside down the River Frome to Poole and Brownsea Island, or you can jump on the no.40 bus for a day on the beach at Swanage.

Catch a film at the wonderfully restored REX cinema , or enjoy a quiet pint and a bite to eat in one of Wareham's eight pubs . Don't miss the 'Chipperies' in South St - best chips in town!

Wareham has a busy Saturday market on the Quay. There is also the Wareham Home Producers market in the United Reformed Church, Church Street, every Thursday, 8.30am - 11.00. Other nearby attractions include: Brownsea Island , Corfe Castle , Lulworth Cove , Durdle Door , County Town of Dorchester and the Jurassic Coast - a World Heritage site.

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Popular places to visit, swifts beach.

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Swifts Beach during your trip to Wareham Center?

Tobey Hospital

Though Tobey Hospital might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Wareham Center while you are here.

Swifts Neck Association

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Swifts Neck Association during your trip to Wareham Center?

Reviews of Wareham

5/5 - excellent.

Perfect location for stay after a day at Ednville

Went to whale watching from Barnstable.

Great town, quiet, friendly, affordable, and convenient to many MA attractions.

Family goes generations back.

Nice little town still hidden as the gateway to Cape Cod

• Cities near Wareham

Buzzards Bay

East Wareham

• Places of interest
• Woods Hole Ferry Terminal
• Cape Cod Melody Tent
• Cape Codder Water Park
• Inkwell Beach
• Plymouth Harbor
• Plymouth Rock
• New Bedford Seastreak Ferry Terminal
• Sandy Neck Beach
• Old Silver Beach
• Plimoth Patuxet Museums
• Craigville Beach
• Island Queen Ferry
• White Horse Beach
• Falmouth Heights Beach
• Massachusetts Maritime Academy
• Mayflower II
• Sandwich Boardwalk
• Cape Cod Canal
• Surf Drive Beach
• Plymouth Memorial Hall
• Mashpee Commons
• Martha's Vineyard Museum
• Popponesset Beach
• Oak Bluffs Harbor
• Pinehills Golf Club
• Heritage Museums and Gardens

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Art and crafts

Shopping in wareham.

Are you looking for individual and interesting shops? Then Wareham is your answer. You’ll find everything from postcards to antiques, and because most of the shops are not high street brands, your purchase will be more unique.

Wareham’s shops are focussed around the town cross roads, branching out in all four directions. The shops in South Street end at Wareham Quay: a focal point of the town and somewhere to take a boat trip or stop for a coffee or lunch. You can download a copy of the  Wareham town centre map  for information.

Amazing art

Dorset artists are lucky enough to have the inspiration of our beautiful countryside and coastline for their work. You will find many of Wareham’s galleries selling paintings or prints of local landmarks such as Durdle Door, Old Harry Rocks and Corfe Castle.

The Creative Gallery  is run as a co-operative with artists/makers often creating their works in the shop. Their creations are priced for every pocket, from cards and small gift items to original paintings, glass, jewellery and photography. They also run a monthly programme of guest makers, who produce pieces from a wide range of other disciplines, so there's always something new for visitors to view.

Foodie heaven

There’s nothing like being on holiday and sampling the local food and drink. Dorset specialities include Dorset Apple Cake, Blue Vinney Cheese and Purbeck Ice-Cream. Or if you’d prefer a pint of the amber nectar, then there are plenty to choose from – will you go for Fossil Fuel, Leg Warmer, Tally Ho or Beach Blonde!

If you think you need to do the food shop before you arrive, then think again. Wareham has well-known supermarkets, as well as butchers, bakers,  farm shops  and markets. And there is always that local convenience store or campsite shop just round the corner.

For those who love buying antiques and collectables, you’ll find some great treasure troves in Wareham. With vintage, retro and upcycling all the rage these days, you’ll be jumping for joy when you visit the Purbeck Artisan Yard. They sell a great mix of new and old, plus they hold craft courses too – what more could you want!

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