At Spurwing Guest House we are extremely fortunate to have many restaurants and tourist attractions close by making it a perfect base for local dining and sightseeing.
Taken from our Spurwing Guest Information Book in each room, please find a list of places to eat and places to visit.
FOOD AND DRINK
Restaurants, Tea Houses and Pubs
- THE 29029 RESTAURANT, contemporary Indian and Nepalese Cuisine, highly recommended by guests.
Sandford, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 7AD
Tel: 01929 556959
Website: www.the29029restaurant.co.uk
- THE ITALIAN KITCHEN, real Italian cuisine.
Wareham Quay, 37 South Street, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4LR
Tel: 01929 550990
Website: www.theitaliankitchendorset.com
- THE QUAY INN, friendly local pub serving food and a range of ales.
The Quay, Wareham, BH20 4LP
Tel: 01929 552735
Website: www.thequayinn.com
- THE BEAR, stylish restaurant/bar serving cocktails and a carefully considered bar list.
14 South Street, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4LT
Tel: 01929 288150
Website: www.thebearwareham.co.uk
- THE OLD GRANARY, pleasantly located restaurant/bar on the River Frome.
The Quay, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4LP
Tel: 01929 552010
Website: www.theoldgranarywareham.co.uk
- NINE RESTAURANT AND BAR, chic restaurant combining classic French inspiration with modern English techniques.
9 West Street, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4JS
Tel: 01929 781581
Website: www.9restaurantandbar.co.uk
- THE HORSE AND GROOM, friendly local pub serving food and a range of ales.
St.John’s Hill, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4LZ
Tel: 01929 552222
Website: www.horseandgroomwareham.com
- GARDEN GATE TEA ROOM, warm, cosy and friendly tea room offering breakfast and lunch choices.
7 North Street, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4AB
Tel: 01929 552128
- THE THAI JASMINE RESTAURANT, Thai cuisine.
59 North Street, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4AD
Tel no: 01929 551428
- WAREHAM GOLF CLUB (All Stars Bar and Kitchen), snacks and bar food. (Mon – Fri 8am-3pm/Sat – Sun 7am-3pm)
Sandford Road, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4DH
Tel: 01929 554147
Website: www.warehamgolfclub.com
- THE CAKE HOUSE TEA ROOM, located on a family farm with hens and farm animals, nestled in beautiful Dorset countryside.
East Creech Farm, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5AP
Tel: 01929 480519
Website: www.thecakehouse-eastcreech.co.uk
- THE SQUARE AND COMPASS, home produced cider and quality real ales. Pies and pastries and stunning views.
Worth Matravers, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 3LF
Tel: 01929 439229
Website: www.squareandcompasspub.co.uk
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
LOCAL WALKS
SHORT WALKS
- Saxon Walls of Wareham, a 1 mile walk from our guest house. The earth walls were built in Saxon times to defend the town from the Vikings. Please refer to our blog on our website: Saxon Walls of Wareham
- River Piddle and Wareham Weir Walk, a 1 mile walk from our guest house. A pleasant walk alongside the River Piddle to Wareham Weir. Please refer to our blog on our website: 3 Walks from our Wareham B&B
- Quarrymans’ Ways, a 1.5-mile circular trail starting in Acton and then travelling along the Priest’s Way which is one of the oldest roads in Purbeck. The trail provides a unique chance to see old quarries. There are several stiles and gates along the way.
- Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door, a 2 mile walk there and back along a small stretch of the spectacular Jurassic World Heritage Site coastline. Please refer to our blog on our website: Walking from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door
MODERATE WALKS
- Wareham Forest Walk, a 3 mile walk from our guest house. The path winds through the beautiful forest with an option to walk up to a viewpoint. Please refer to our blog on our website: 3 Walks from our Wareham B&B
- Studland to Old Harry, a circular 3.5 mile walk from South Beach Car Park, Studland to Old Harry Rocks.
- Smugglers’ Ways, a 3-mile circular trail from Worth Matravers to Winspit Quarry and along the coast path to Seacombe. This was once a path used by smugglers who under the cover of darkness would store their smuggled goods in the hidden caves and tunnels. There are spectacular sea cliffs and a secretive cove along the way.
- Commoners’ Ways, a circular walk which starts and finishes in Kingston. The walk is approx. 5.5 miles in distance and will take 3-4 hours to complete. Take in the beautiful views as you amble along and maybe stop at Corfe Castle village.
LONGER WALKS
- Lawrence of Arabia Trail, a 7-mile trail starts and finishes at Bovington’s renowned tank museum taking in Lawrence of Arabia’s home at Moreton where he is buried.
- Wareham Forest Way, a signposted 13-mile walk through some of the less well-known landscapes in Dorset. Starting from Wareham Quay, travel up through the forest to Morden and continue through farmland and country estates to Sturminster Marshall.
- Purbeck Way, from Wareham Quay, walk to Corfe Castle passing Stoborough and Creech Heaths. At Corfe Castle either walk south to Chapman’s Pool or east to Ballard Down, both finish at the Jurassic Coast. The Purbeck Way is 15.5-miles but can be split into shorter sections.
- The Southwest Coast Path, South Haven Point (Studland) marks the start (or finish) of the 630-mile South West Coast Path – the UK’s longest national trail. For serious walkers the trail offers a challenging and rewarding walk, taking around 8 weeks, maybe not this holiday! To get a taste though, why not take a short stretch in Dorset to experience stunning and inspirational heritage and landscapes.
All the above walks can be found on the Dorset Tourism website Visit Dorset where you can download route leaflets.
NATURE AND WILDLIFE
- RSPB ARNE NATURE RESERVE, heathland and woodland walks to Poole Harbour. Please refer to our blog on our website: RSPB Arne near our Bed and Breakfast Dorset
Arne Road, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5BJ
Tel: 01929 553360
Website: www.rspb.org.uk
- THE BLUE POOL, tranquil woods and heathland.
Furzebrook Road, Nr.Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5AR
Tel: 01929 551408
Website: www.bluepooltearooms.co.uk
- BROWNSEA ISLAND, Poole Harbour, famous for red squirrels and wildlife. Please refer to our blog on our website: Brownsea Island owned by the National Trust
Poole Harbour, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7EE
Tel: 01202 707744
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/brownsea-island
- ABBOTSBURY SWANNERY, the only place in the world where you are able to walk through the heart of a colony of nesting Mute Swans. Please refer to our blog on our website: The Swannery at Abbotsbury
New Barn Road, Abbotsbury, nr Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4JG
Tel: 01305 871858
Website: https://abbotsburyswannery.co.uk/
JURASSIC COAST AND BEACHES
See our blog on our website: 3 Beaches near our Dorset B&B
- LULWORTH COVE, beautiful white pebble beach with its blue waters. Please refer to our blog on our website: Walking from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door
Main Road, West Lulworth, Dorset, BH20 5RQ
Website: www.visit-dorset.com
- DURDLE DOOR, England’s first national world heritage site by UNESCO in 2001. Please refer to our blog on our website: Walking from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door
Via Durdle Door Holiday Park, West Lulworth, Dorset, BH20 5PU
Website: www.visit-dorset.com
- STUDLAND BEACH AND NATURE RESERVE, a four mile stretch of unspoilt golden sandy beach owned and protected by The National Trust. Please refer to our blog on our website: 3 Beaches near our Dorset B&B
Studland, near Swanage, Dorset, BH19 3AH
Tel: 01929 450500
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/studland-bay
- OLD HARRY ROCKS, standing tall at the southern end of Studland Bay is one of the most famous landmarks on the South coast – Old Harry.
Handfast Point, Studland, Dorset, BH19 3AX
Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/studland-bay/old-harry-rocks-walk
- SWANAGE PIER AND BEACH, all-round family seaside fun. You can take the seasonal train or the bus direct from Wareham to Swanage, or you can take the steam train from Norden (see under ‘Local Transport’). Please refer to our blog on the website: The Bus from Wareham Station to Swanage
Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1LB
Website: www.swanage.gov.uk
- KIMMERIDGE BAY, on Dorset’s Jurassic World Heritage Coast and well known for its rock pooling, snorkelling and water sports. The Etches Collection Museum is close by with fossils dating back 157 million years. Please refer to our blog on our website: The Etches Collection
Kimmeridge, Nr Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5PF
Website: www.kimmeridgebay.org
- BOSCOMBE MANOR BEACH, BOURNEMOUTH, a quieter stretch of beach in Bournemouth with toilets and a food and drink kiosk. If you get there straight after breakfast, you can park on a side street for free. There is a little bit of a gradient walking down to the beach.
Postcode: BH5 1JA
RESCUE CENTRE, PARKS AND GARDENS
- MONKEY WORLD APE RESCUE CENTRE, Dorset’s largest visitor attraction. Please refer to our blog on our website: Monkey World near our Wareham B&B
Longthorns, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6HH
Tel: 01929 462537
Website: www.monkeyworld.org
- FARMER PALMER’S FARM PARK, designed for children aged 0 – 8 years old.
Wareham Road, Organford, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6EU
Tel: 01202 622022
Website: www.farmerpalmers.co.uk
- DORSET FALCONRY PARK, a falconry bird of prey display team.
Lewell Mill Lane, Lewell, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8AN
Tel: 01305 250710
- PUTLAKE ADVENTURE FARM, indoor soft play, children aged 0 -10 years old.
High Street, Langton Matravers, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 3EU
Tel: 01929 422917
Website: www.putlakeadventurefarm.co.uk
- ABBOTSBURY SUBTROPICAL GARDEN, fabulous collection of exotic plants and trees from across the globe. Please refer to our blog on our website: 2 Tranquil Dorset Gardens
Buller’s Way, Abbotsbury, Nr Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4LA
Tel: 01305 871387
Website: www.abbotsburygardens.co.uk
- ADVENTURE WONDERLAND, a family theme park with a great range of rides and attractions.
Merritown Lane, Hurn, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6BA
Tel: 01202 483444
Website: www.adventurewonderland.co.uk
- HOLME FOR GARDENS, 5-acre gardens, farm shop and cafe. Please refer to our blog on our website: Garden Centre near our Dorset B&B
West Holme, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6AQ
Tel: 01929 554716
Website: www.holmeforgardens.co.uk
- SCULPTURE BY THE LAKES, a place where you can experience art and the landscape, not merely view it. Please refer to our blog on our website: Sculpture Park in Dorset
Pallington Lakes, Pallington, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8QU
Tel: 07720 637808
Website: www.sculpturebythelakes.co.uk
- UPTON COUNTRY PARK, 160 acres of parkland, shoreline and formal estate gardens.
Poole Road, Upton, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BJ
Tel: 01202 262753
Website: www.uptoncountrypark.com
- CAREYS SECRET GARDEN, a walled, wild plot that’s been untouched for over 40 years. Until now. Please refer to our blog on our website: 2 Tranquil Dorset Gardens
2/3 miles from Spurwing Guest House, Wareham. Once a booking online has been made, the address of the garden is disclosed.
Website: www.careyssecretgarden.co.uk
- DORSET ADVENTURE PARK, a family fun waterpark and mud trail including 200 metres of wet inflatables.
Arfleet Mill Lakes, Studland Road, Corfe Castle, Dorset, BH20 5JG
Tel: 01929 505030
Website: www.dorsetadventurepark.com
- KINGSTON LACY, an elegant 17th century Italian inspired country mansion set in attractive formal gardens and extensive parkland. Please refer to our blog on our website: Kingston Lacy belonging to the National Trust
Blandford Road, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 4EA
Tel: 01202 883402
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/kingston-lacy
- THE WALLED GARDEN, a 5-acre landscaped garden with an on-site café and garden shop. The village of Moreton has become well known because of its association with TE Lawrence. His grave backs onto the walled garden. The Georgian St Nicholas Church is worth a visit with its unique engraved glass windows. Please refer to our blog on our website: TE Lawrence’s Time in Dorset
Moreton, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8RG
Tel: 01929 462243
Website: www.walledgardenmoreton.co.uk
CASTLES AND LOCAL HISTORY
- CORFE CASTLE, Corfe castle village. An important Norman castle was damaged during the Civil War. Please refer to our blog on our website: Corfe Castle near our Dorset B&B
The Square, Corfe Castle, BH20 5EZ
Tel: 01929 481294
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/corfe-castle
- SAXON CHURCH OF ST MARTIN, WAREHAM, which has a Saxon exterior and is the most complete Saxon Church in Dorset believed to date from around 1020. Please refer to our blog on our website: 5 Local Churches in Dorset
North Street, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4LB
- LULWORTH CASTLE AND PARK, built in the 17th century, parkland and woodland walks.
The Lulworth Estate, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QS
Tel: 01929 400352
Website: www.lulworth.com
- DURLSTON CASTLE AND COUNTRY PARK, 320 acres of countryside and national reserve, consisting of sea-cliffs, coastal limestone, and woodland.
Lighthouse Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2JL
Tel: 01929 424443
Website: www.durlston.co.uk
- TYNEHAM VILLAGE, ‘the deserted village that time forgot.’ Please refer to our blog on our website: The Deserted Village of Tyneham
Unnamed road, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5DE
- CLOUDS HILL, the rural retreat of British Intelligence Officer T.E. Lawrence. Please refer to our blog on our website: TE Lawrence’s Time in Dorset
King George V Road, Bovington, near Wareham, Dorset, BH20 7NQ
Tel: 01929 405616
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/clouds-hill
- HARDY’S COTTAGE, birthplace of author Thomas Hardy. Please refer to our blog on our website: Exploring Thomas Hardy’s Dorset
Higher Bockhampton, near Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8QJ
Tel: 01305 262366
Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/hardys-cottage
- MAX GATE, Thomas Hardy had this house designed and built for himself and his wife Emma Gifford. Please refer to our blog on our website: Exploring Thomas Hardy’s Dorset
Alington Avenue, Dorchester, DT1 2FN
Tel: 01305 262538
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/max-gate
- ATHELHAMPTON HOUSE AND GARDENS, exquisite example of Tudor architecture. Find out why Thomas Hardy loved the place, and learn about the ghostly goings on.
Puddletown, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7LG
Tel: 01305 848363
Website: https://www.athelhampton.com/
MUSEUMS
- THE ETCHES COLLECTION, a museum of amazing fossils collected by Dr Steve Etches, the marine life of Jurassic Coast. Please refer to our blog on our website: The Etches Collection
Kimmeridge, Dorset, BH20 5PE
Tel: 01929 270000
Website: www.theetchescollection.org
- WAREHAM TOWN MUSEUM, tells the story of Wareham from its early Saxon and Vikings as well as a fascinating Lawrence of Arabia exhibition. Please refer to our blog on our website about things to do in Wareham: What to do on your day in Wareham
Town Hall East Street, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4NS
Tel: 01929 553448
- THE TANK MUSEUM, has something for everyone and for all ages. Please refer to our blog on our website: The Tank Museum near our Wareham B&B
Bovington, Dorset, BH20 6JG
Tel: 01929 405096
Website: www.tankmuseum.org
MUSEUMS IN DORCHESTER
- THE DINOSAUR MUSEUM
Icen Way, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1EW
Tel: 01305 269880
Website: www.thedinosaurmuseum.com
- THE TEDDY BEAR MUSEUM
High East Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1JU
Tel: 01305 266040
Website: www.teddybearmuseum.co.uk
- TUTANKHAMUN EXHIBITION
High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1UW
Tel: 01305 269571
Website: www.tutankhamunexhibition.co.uk
- DORSET MUSEUM, enjoy the richness of Dorset’s natural, historical and cultural heritage.
High West Street, Dorchester, DT1 1XA
Tel: 01305 262735
Website: www.dorsetmuseum.org
- SHIRE HALL HISTORIC COURTHOUSE MUSEUM, uncover the fascinating tales from within the haunting cells of the historic building, and enjoy The Shire Hall Café.
High West Street, Dorchester, DT1 1UY
Tel: 01305 261849
Website: www.shirehalldorset.org
CINEMA AND SHOPPING
- THE REX CINEMA, an art-deco gem of a small-town cinema from the 1920s. Please refer to our blog on our website: Wareham’s Unique Rex Cinema
West Street, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4JX
Tel: 01929 552778
Website: www.therex.co.uk
- TOWER PARK, ‘Cineworld Cinema’, ‘Splashdown’ for water rides and ‘Lemur Landings’ for a children’s play area. Also bowling and plenty of restaurants.
Yarrow Road, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4NY
Tel: 01202 723671
Website: www.towerparkentertainment.co.uk
- CASTLE POINT, around 40 major retail shops, as well as cafes and restaurants.
Castle Lane, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH8 9UZ
Tel: 01202 510050
Website: www.castlepointshopping.com
- WAREHAM SATURDAY MARKET, stalls selling local produce, 9am start.
The Quay, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4LP
- DORCHESTER MARKET, founded in 1860. Wednesday market day, indoor and outdoor from 200 different market traders. A giant car boot sale on a Sunday.
Weymouth Avenue, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1QS
Tel: 07889 616166
Website: www.visit-dorset.com
SPORTS, ARTS AND WELL BEING
- WAREHAM GOLF CLUB, an established 18-hole golf course on the edge of Wareham Forest.
Sandford Road, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4DH
Tel: 01929 554147
Website: www.warehamgolfclub.com
- PURBECK SPORTS CENTRE AND SWIMMING POOL
Worgret Road, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4PH
Tel: 01929 500000
Website: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
- LULWORTH EQUESTRIAN CENTRE, horse riding suitable for 4+
Kennel Farm, Coombe Keynes, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QR
Tel: 01929 400396
Website: www.lulworthequestriancentre.co.uk
- BURNGATE STONE CARVING CENTRE, a stone working centre that runs courses throughout the year in stone carving.
Kingston Road, Langton Matravers, Dorset, BH19 3BE
Tel: 01929 439405
Website: www.burngatestonecentre.co.uk
- LIGHTHOUSE, POOLE’S CENTRE FOR THE ARTS, find out what’s on at Poole theatre.
21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Tel: 01202 280000
Website: https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/
- LITTLE SHOP OF CALM, massage therapy and holistic healing.
6 West Street, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4JU
Tel: 07833468722
Website: www.littleshopofcalm.co.uk
VINEYARD TOUR AND TASTING
- ENGLISH OAK VINEYARD, sparkling wine vineyard, tours and tasting. Please refer to our blog on our website: Award-Winning Dorset Vineyard
Flowers Drove, Lytchett Matravers, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6BX
Tel: 01258 858205
Website: www.englishoakvineyard.co.uk
BOAT AND CYCLE HIRE
- WAREHAM BOAT HIRE, hire a motorboat, paddle a canoe or Kayak, row a boat or try a paddle board.
Abbots Quay, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4LW
Tel: 01929 550688
Website: www.warehamboathire.co.uk
- CYCLEXPERIENCE, bike rental. From here cycle to Studland, Swanage or Kimmeridge.
Purbeck Park (formerly Norden Car Park), Corfe Castle, Dorset, BH20 5DW
Tel: 01929 481606
Website: www.cyclex.co.uk
BOAT CRUISES, LAND ROVER SAFARI AND RNLI
- PURBECK SAFARI, 4×4 Land Rover tour exploring the stunning Purbeck Hills. Please refer to our blog on our website: 4×4 Tour with Purbeck Safari
Tel: 07858 956181
Website: www.purbecksafari.co.uk
- GREENSLADE PLEASURE BOATS, ferry trips to Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour cruises, coastal cruises, and Wareham River trip.
The Orange Kiosk, Poole Quay, Dorset, BH15 1HJ
Tel: 01202 669955
Website: www.greensladepleasureboats.co.uk
- CITY CRUISES POOLE, various sightseeing from Poole Harbour and Swanage Pier, as well as an open top sightseeing bus.
The Quay, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HJ
Tel: 020 77 400 400
Website: www.citycruisespoole.com
- RNLI COLLEGE, guided tour to explore the College and its training facilities, as well as see where the all-weather fleet of boats and the hovercraft are repaired and maintained. Booking in advance is necessary.
West Quay Road, Poole, BH15 1HZ
Tel: 0300 300 7654
Website: www.rnli.org
LOCAL TRANSPORT
- PURBECK BREEZER, hop on board to experience the views of the beautiful Isle of Purbeck. Please refer to our blog on the website: The Bus from Wareham Station to Swanage
Tel: 01202 338420
Website: www.morebus.co.uk/purbeck-breezer
- SWANAGE STEAM TRAIN, a unique steam train journey through six miles of beautiful scenery passing the magnificent ruins of Corfe Castle, travelling down to the blue flag beach at Swanage. You can catch it from Norden where you can park all day (charges apply).
Norden, Corfe Castle, Dorset, BH20 5DW
Tel: 01929 425800
Website: www.swanagerailway.co.uk
- WAREHAM STATION, SOUTH WESTERN RAILWAY, Trains to Poole, Weymouth, Bournemouth, Southampton, London Waterloo, as well as a seasonal service from Wareham to Swanage seaside – please refer to South Western Railway for timetables.
North Point, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4AS
Tel: National Rail Enquiries: 03457 48 49 50
Website: www.southwesternrailway.com
- LOCAL TAXI COMPANY
Tel: 01929 556575
Email: pkd.richardstaxis01@gmail.com
- EVEREST TAXIS WAREHAM
Tel: 07473330063
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