Panorama taken from the main road through Wareham in Dorset. The picture, taken in 2009, shows the mixture of old and modern, Wareham is an ancient village, once an important port.

Wareham - Wareham visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Wareham' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Dorset.

Wareham is an ancient market town in rural Dorset. The town was laid out in a grid fashion in Roman times, built on dry ground between the River Piddle and Frome, both of which flow into Poole Harbour. The town contains several notable buildings and numerous interesting shops, galleries, a few good hotels and restaurants. It is easy to spend a day walking along the river, exploring the ancient churches and enjoying the food. Among the important attractions in the town are:

• St Martin on the Wall Church - the oldest Saxon church in Dorset containing 12th century wall paintings and 9th century memorial stones.
• Lady St Mary Church - sited next to Hillview Cemetery containing a rare example of a 6-sided lead font, unique Victorian central heating system and stained glass windows.
• Wareham Quay - next to the bridge over the Frome, lined with some shops and the Granary Restaurant. Close to the Priory Hotel and a site for some festivals.
• North Street and South Street - the main road running north-south through the town, lined with various independent shops and art galleries. The Wareham Tourist Information Centre is on South Street near to the quay.
• Wareham Town Museum - the story of Wareham from prehistoric times to the current day.
• Information and Heritage Centre - full of ideas of what to do in the area and hotel, bed and breakfast and holiday cottage booking services
• Wareham Riverboats - rent a rowing boat, 3-seater canoe or kayak and explore the River Frome.

Wareham was a Saxon royal burial site, both King Beorhtric (800AD) and the coffin of Edward the Martyr (978) are found here. The remains of Edward were moved to Shaftesbury Abbey. Several inhabitants in the area were ordered executed by beheading by Judge Jeffreys during the Bloody Assizes trials after the Monmouth Rebellion in the mid 17th century. Within the north west walls of Wareham is the 'Bloody Bank' where a large stone used for beheadings can still be found.

Wareham is also well placed for exploring nearby attractions on the Isle of Purbeck like:

• Corfe Castle - Nearby village and home to the 12th century ruins of Corfe Castle and Corfe Model Village.
• Swanage Steam Train - take a steam train from Swanage to Corfe Railway Station.
• Bovington Tank Museum - great for boys, an outdoor tank and army museum.
• Monkey World - popular with children this zoo park has an extensive monkey conservation programme.
• Lulworth - famous for Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, with stunning coastline and beautiful walking.

Train: Wareham Rail Station.
Road: Wareham is 4 miles northwest of Corfe Castle on the A351, about 11 miles from Poole and Bournemouth and 22miles east of Dorchester