A Saxon town, a turquoise lake and one of England's finest heathland nature reserves — all within 10 miles of each other
About this day
This is one of our hand-crafted Dorset Days — a complete itinerary built around three locations that sit within a few miles of each other, so you spend your time exploring rather than driving. All stops, parking details, tips and food recommendations are included.
Begin in Wareham — one of the oldest towns in Dorset, with Saxon earthworks that still surround the town centre. The quay on the River Frome is a lovely starting point, with boats moored and views across the water meadows. The town has excellent independent shops and cafés, and the Church of Lady St Mary contains a remarkable collection of Lawrence of Arabia memorabilia — T.E. Lawrence lived nearby and is buried at Moreton.
Walking the Saxon earthworks that still enclose the town — you are walking on walls that were built over 1,000 years ago.
Useful to know
Drive 5 miles south to the Blue Pool — a former clay pit that has filled with water of an extraordinary turquoise colour, caused by fine clay particles suspended in the water. The 25-acre site includes woodland walks, a rope bridge, a museum of Purbeck clay history, a tea room and a gift shop. The pool itself changes colour throughout the day depending on the light — from turquoise to green to blue. Iron Age pigs roam the woodland and are fed daily at 1:30pm.
The colour of the water — that extraordinary turquoise — is unlike anything else in Dorset. It genuinely looks like it has been photoshopped.
Useful to know
End the day at Arne — one of the finest heathland nature reserves in England, managed by the RSPB. The peninsula juts into Poole Harbour and the views across the water to Brownsea Island and the Purbeck Hills are spectacular. The heathland is home to all six species of British reptile, including the rare smooth snake and sand lizard, as well as Dartford warblers, nightjars and sika deer. The circular walk from the car park takes about 2 hours.
The view from Shipstal Point across Poole Harbour at sunset — with Brownsea Island in the foreground and the Purbeck Hills behind — is one of the great views in Dorset.
Useful to know
The best pubs and cafes within easy reach of today's stops — all from our Dorset Business Directory.
The tea rooms at the Blue Pool serve homemade lunches, cream teas and cakes in a beautiful woodland setting. The menu changes seasonally and uses local produce where possible. Sitting on the terrace with a cream tea and views of the turquoise pool through the trees is one of the most pleasant lunch experiences in Dorset.
A cream tea with views of a turquoise lake through the trees — one of the most atmospheric lunch spots in Dorset.
A pub right on the quay in Wareham, serving food and local ales with views of the River Frome. A good option for breakfast or an early lunch before heading to the Blue Pool.
Riverside views with a good pint — a classic Wareham start to the day.
A traditional town centre pub in Wareham, serving food and ales. A reliable option for an evening meal after a day on the heathlands.
A solid town pub — good food and a warm welcome at the end of a long day.
The Featured Recommendation slot is available for local businesses. Get in touch to find out more.
Wareham: Quay car park, BH20 4LU (pay and display). Blue Pool: car park at BH20 5AT (admission includes parking).
Arne: RSPB car park at BH20 5BJ (free for members). Wareham has several additional pay car parks in the town centre.
From Bournemouth: A35 west then A351 to Wareham (approx. 15 miles, 25 mins). From Dorchester: A352 east to Wareham (approx. 12 miles, 20 mins). Wareham has a mainline railway station with direct trains from London Waterloo.
Wareham town centre is largely accessible. The Blue Pool has accessible paths around the main pool area. Arne has some accessible paths on the main circular walk.
Spring and summer for the Blue Pool and Arne wildlife. The pig feeding at the Blue Pool runs daily at 1:30pm. Arne is best for Dartford warblers in spring and nightjars in summer evenings.
Dogs: Dogs welcome in Wareham and on the Saxon walls. Dogs on leads at the Blue Pool (not in the tea rooms). Dogs welcome at Arne on leads. The Quay Inn is dog-friendly.
Download this day as a PDF to take with you, or head back to browse more pre-built Dorset days.
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