Holiday rentals in Wareham

The small market town of Wareham in Dorset is known as the gateway to the Isle of Purbeck. Its position on the peninsula reflects centuries of settlement, from the Neolithic era and the Romans to the Saxons who founded the town in the 9th century. One of the best ways to experience this history is to walk the Saxon earthwork “walls” that circle the town. The Wareham Town Museum houses engaging exhibitions on the area’s ancient history as well as pottery and artifacts from the Roman period. You’ll see a medieval church, a military museum, and Georgian buildings before ending at the Quay, where you can grab a bite in one of the restaurants or pubs. The area has always had a bustling commerce scene, and today you’ll find art galleries selling local works, cool vintage boutiques, and fresh farm shops offering local specialities like Dorset apple cake.

Temperatures in Wareham are generally mild and agreeable, with sunny and warm summers, and winters that are best spent browsing the outdoor Christmas markets at the Quay, when festive lights cast a glow over the stalls. One of the most popular times to book a Wareham accommodation is July, when the all-ages music and arts festival of Camp Bestival is held at the nearby Lulworth Castle. This event features DJ sets, live comedy, entertainers, and fringe troupes. Layers are advisable at this time of year, as nights can get chilly and rain is a possibility. In October, the area hosts the Purbeck Film Festival, a multi-week celebration of cinema with screenings at local venues. In the colder months, you’ll need an umbrella for drizzly coastal days and a coat for beachside walks before warming up by the fire at a traditional country pub.

Isle of Purbeck

Just a short drive from Wareham is the Isle of Purbeck, a picturesque peninsula that juts into the English Channel between the Isle of Portland and the Isle of Wight. Its towering chalk cliffs are landmarks along this part of the Jurassic Coast — a sweeping coastline with UNESCO World Heritage status that’s famous for its geology and fossil-hunting opportunities — and there’s plenty more ancient history to explore here. The ruins of Corfe Castle sit on top of the Purbeck Hills, and the historic stone and thatched cottages in the village below have been featured in fairytale films.

The Quay

The Quay is the central hub of Wareham, and if you’re looking for the town’s best pubs and restaurants, make your way here. After a drink and a slice of apple cake, rent a small boat to paddle along the gentle River Frome, or sit on the bank and watch as swans glide by. If the weather’s dreary, take in a film screening at the village’s famous remodelled 1920s Art Deco cinema.

Wareham Markets

On Thursdays, Wareham is bustling with two weekly town markets: the Home Producers Market at the United Reformed Church — which is a great spot to grab breakfast, local produce, and flowers — and the slightly later Farmers Market at the Town Hall. For another unique shopping experience, check out Wareham Quay Market, held every Saturday at the Quay. You can hunt through the lines of brightly coloured tents and stalls for souvenirs, crafts, flowers, clothing, and treats from local farms.