Wareham
The Blue Pool
You can find this by taking the turning to Furzebrook & the Blue Pool at the roundabout as you just approach Wareham from Corfe Castle.
The pool itself started life early in the 17th century as a chalk pit, when men used to dig the high quality clay called “ball clay” with a 'tubal' spade. They used to lug it out on wheelbarrows. The clay was laid down about 50 million years ago courtesy of rivers from the West Country. The clay was and still is used for fine pottery. The title 'Blue' comes about because minute particles of clay suspend in the water of the pool diffracting the light producing colours from 'cloudy' grey through green to the superb blue.
For those seeing the word 'pool' and thinking bathing or swimming, forget it. This big puddle is deep and dangerous.
The pool is encompassed in about 25 acres of woodland. In 1985 it was designated an area of Special Scientific Interest (SSI), some rare plants and animals including the Green Sand Lizard, many varied birds including the Dartford Warbler, and dragonflies, are indigenous. There are many deer, and deer trails are marked on the various paths around the pool.
Museum, gift shop and tearoom plus the Wareham Bears – a collection of 200 miniature dressed bears in their own house and surroundings.
Entrance fee applies. www.bluepooltearooms.co.uk
Capstone Holiday Rental
Wareham
A historic walled Saxon market town – you will have passed through Wareham on your way to Swanage, (unless you travelled across the Ferry from Sandbanks to Studland). The first recorded settlement in Wareham was in 700AD and since then, the town has had a rich history including a devastating fire in 1762. You can walk around the ancient Saxon walls – a distance of about 1 mile.
Wareham has a good range of interesting shops, several restaurants and banks, 8 pubs, the town museum and a Tourist Information Centre. There is a Saturday market on the Quay and a Thursday market at Cottees Saleroom on East Street. There is also the Wareham Home Producers market in the United Reformed Church, Church Street, every Thursday morning.
Boat trips available along the River Frome, including hiring your own motor or rowing boat, canoe or kayak.
For more details: www.warehamboathire.co.uk
Monkey World
This ape rescue centre, home of the TV program Monkey Life, is situated very close to the Tank Museum near Wareham. You can visit and see the stars of the show from the gibbons and chimps to orangutans, capuchins and lemurs. Series 8 of the program is in production for viewing later this year.
The apes have all been rescued and rehabilitated here and given the chance to spend the rest of their days being cared for in a natural environment.
Admission charges apply. For more details: www.monkeyworld.org
Bovington Tank Museum
Located in Bovington, 6 miles from Wareham this is the museum of the Royal Tank Regiment and Royal Armoured Corps is a collection of tanks and armoured fighting vehicles. The Tank Museum brings the history of tanks and tank crew to life, supported by the world's best collection of tanks & action packed live displays. Exhibitions, vehicle rides and lots of children's activities plus many special events throughout the year.
Admission charges apply. For more details: www.tankmuseum.org
