Wareham is an attractive market town with many historic buildings and a picturesque Quay on the River Frome, ¾ mile from the station. A market is held on the Quay on Saturdays. Remains of Saxon ramparts, known as the Walls, surround the town and a Walls Walk map is available from the Tourist Information Centre. Buses operate from the station (north side) and town centre to Corfe Castle and Swanage. There are plans for the Swanage Railway to extend operation to Wareham, restoring the link sadly closed in 1972.
TI tel. 01929 552740.
www.warehamdorset.com | www.visit-dorset.com
The Museum is located in the Town Hall and tells the story of Wareham from prehistoric times to the present day.
Admission free.
Open Easter-Oct, M-S 1000-1600.
www.wtm.org.uk
These adjoining National Nature Reserves form an extensive heathland site supporting some of England's rarest wildlife.
Hartland Moor is unusual in having both acidic and alkaline bogs giving a rich variety of plants. Heather dominates the dryer areas of both
reserves and Stoborough Heath includes some farmland. Admission free.
Open at all times.
www.naturalengland.org.uk
Situated on the edge of Poole Harbour, Arne Nature Reserve is a mixture of lowland heath, farmland, ancient oak woodland,
reedbeds and mudflats. It supports a wide range of species and highlights include woodlarks. nightjars, sand lizards, Dartford warblers and spoonbills.
Download a map from the RSPB website showing nature trails, observation hides and viewing points. Café.
Open Daily, 0830-dusk, Visitor Centre 0930-1630.
www.rspb.org.uk
Corfe Castle is a picturesque small village with stone buildings overlooked by the Castle ruins. After exploring Corfe Castle the Swanage Railway is a great way to travel on to the seaside resort of Swanage.
Bus Breezer 40 (also 30 in summer) from Wareham station (north side) to Corfe Castle East Street (just beyond the village centre), 18 minutes journey. Daily, hourly (2-hourly Sun & BH Nov-Mar). Open top buses are used in summer. There's a great view of the Castle as you walk from the bus stop. Operated by More.
An iconic survivor of the English Civil War, Corfe Castle was partially demolished by the Parliamentarians
leaving the romantic ruins on a steep hill overlooking the village and surrounding area. NT Tearoom in village near Castle entrance.
Open Daily 1000-1700 (1600 Nov-Feb). Closed in strong winds.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle
Bus to Corfe Castle, see above.
A 1/20th scale model of the village and Castle before it was destroyed in 1646. Other features in the gardens
include life-size Civil War soldiers, a fairy garden, wildlife garden and fossils. Tearoom.
Open Mar-Oct, Daily 1000-1700.
www.corfecastlemodelvillage.co.uk
Bus to Corfe Castle, see above.
The 17th century Town Hall houses a small museum on the ground floor. Admission free.
Open Daily, see website for times.
www.corfecastletowntrust.co.uk
Bus to Corfe Castle, see above.
A 6 mile standard gauge preserved railway from Norden Park & Ride through Corfe Castle
and Harmans Cross to Swanage with steam trains usually operating, sometimes with additional diesel trains.
Return tickets allow breaks of journey - ideal for visiting the railway museum at Corfe Castle station and the Purbeck mining museum
at Norden Park & Ride.
Open see website for operating days and train times.
www.swanagerailway.co.uk
Bus to Corfe Castle, see above.
Swanage is a family seaside resort with a sandy beach and an elegant Victorian timber Pier, plus a small stone pier near the
Tourist Information Centre. The Wellington Clock Tower near the Lifeboat Station originally stood at the southern end of London Bridge.
The Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site stretches all the way from Swanage to Exmouth.
TI tel. 01929 766018.
www.swanage.gov.uk |
www.virtual-swanage.co.uk
Bus Breezer 40 (also 30 in summer) from Wareham station (north side) to Swanage Station, about 40 minutes journey. Daily, hourly (Sun & BH 2-hourly Nov-Mar). Open top buses are used in summer. Operated by More.
The Museum covers the history of Swanage including the Victorian stone industry and the town's
transition to a holiday resort.
Open Apr-Oct, M-F & Sun 1100-1500. See website for winter.
www.swanagemuseum.org.uk
Bus to Swanage, see above.
This Victorian timber pier was built mainly for passenger steamers, replacing an earlier pier built for cargo
including local stone. There are great views of Swanage Bay and on a clear day you can see the Isle of Wight.
Visitor Centre with exhibition and Café.
Open Daily 0900-1700 (closing earlier Oct-Mar).
www.swanagepiertrust.com
Bus to Swanage, see above.
Displays explain the operation of lifeboats and the history of the station including major rescues.
Open most days in summer, see website.
www.swanagelifeboat.org.uk
Bus to Swanage, see above.
A 6 mile standard gauge preserved railway from Norden Park & Ride through Corfe Castle
and Harmans Cross to Swanage with steam trains usually operating, sometimes with additional diesel trains. Return tickets allow breaks of journey -
ideal for visiting the railway museum at Corfe Castle station and the Purbeck mining museum at Norden Park & Ride.
Open see website for operating days and train times.
www.swanagerailway.co.uk
Bus to Corfe Castle or Swanage, see above.
