An important and prosperous south coast port in Saxon times, Wareham’s fortunes declined during the Middle Ages as the River Frome silted up and became unnavigable for large ships.

Nowadays, Wareham is easily reached by road and rail and is an ideal base for touring the Purbeck coast and countryside and many nearby attractions.

Wareham's accessibility attracted regular Viking raids - Canute captured it in 1016, and earthen walls were raised around the town on three sides for protection. Those grassy banks remain, a haven for wildlife now, and enclose a thriving market town with a Saxon street plan and more than 200 buildings of historic and architectural interest.

Follow the signposted Walls Walk for fine views over the meandering River Piddle, or take the Town Walk to explore Wareham's heritage and shop-lined streets.

Be sure to see the parish church of Lady St. Mary with its magnificent stained glass.

In Dorset's oldest church, St. Martins in North Street, see the life-size stone effigy of Lawrence of Arabia. His cottage Cloud’s Hill, is now owned by the National Trust and open to the public. The local history museum displays Lawrence memorabilia.

Join a river cruise at the Quay, hire your own boat perhaps, and when evening comes, enjoy a film at Britain's only gas-lit cinema, The Rex.

There are plenty of places to eat and drink, from tearooms and traditional fish and chip shops to English and continental restaurants as well as a variety of pubs offering traditional fare.

To learn more about Wareham and its special events during 2002, visit the Tourist Information and Heritage Centre in the former Holy Trinity Church on South Street, near to the Quay.