top tips when visiting Wareham Forest
- activities
- family-friendly
- food and drink
- holidays
Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat is the perfect base for exploring Dorset and all the incredible things around.
From the stunning countryside to the many woodlands and impressive sandy beaches. The days out to enjoy are endless when you take a trip to Wareham Forest in Dorset. With that being said, we thought this blog would be the perfect read just before your holiday to Dorset as it is packed with all the useful information to keep you busy. From the nearest shops to the resort to the top things in the area you don’t want to miss. You can refer to this blog if you need some ideas whilst on holiday. If you have any questions pop over to our Wareham Forest FAQ page.
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what to do before checking in?
You will be able to check in from 4pm but we recommend making your way down to Dorset in the morning to make the most out of the day. Start your holiday by visiting Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park which is only a 3-minute drive up the road from Wareham Forest. It’s the perfect way to spend the first day exploring this incredible fun park. There is so much to do at Farmer Palmer’s from both indoor and outdoor play areas, farm animals in outside pens, a seasonal maize maze and woodland trails to explore. The park is open from 9.30am and closes between 4pm and 5pm depending on school holidays. So, once you are done exploring all the amazing things on the park you can then make your way to our resort ready for check in.
what are the top things in the area?
Whilst you are holidaying at Wareham Forest you will most definitely want to enjoy a day out or two but where to go? In this section we have put together a list of the top five things to do in the area covering a range of things from chilling on the beach to enjoying a walk to learning some history.
1. Dorset Adventure Park
16 min drive from resort
This outdoor adventure park is perfect for those wanting something fun, energetic and thrill seeking. There is both a water and mud trail with various obstacles and assault courses to complete. It’s suitable for both adults and children.
2. Monkey World
17 min drive from resort
Monkey World is an ape rescue centre spread across 65 acres with a range of chimpanzees, gibbons, monkeys, prosimians and orangutans. Enjoy exploring the animal park and learn all about the primates and how Money World is helping with rescue and rehabilitation.
3. Hamworthy Park and Beach
14 min drive from resort
Hamworthy Park and Beach is located on the shore of Poole Harbour and is the perfect place to spend a day exploring. The beach is lined with multiple beach huts and is a sand and shingle beach. There is also a play area for children, a seasonal paddling pool and a place to get refreshments.
4. Upton Country Park
9 min drive from resort
Upton Country Park is home to 160 acres of park land, shoreline, formal estate gardens and Upton House. There is over 2000 years of history to discover as you explore the grounds and marvel at the Grade II listed House.
5. Lulworth Castle Wareham
20 min drive from resort
Originally a 17th century hunting lodge in the style of a revival fortified castle, Lulworth Castle is the perfect place to explore and learn about its fascinating history. As well as the castle itself there are plenty of woodlands with trails to walk and a playground.
closest shops for essentials?
Whether you are planning to do a full shop on your way to the resort or you will just be picking up a few bits during your holiday its always useful to know where the nearest shops are. Below you will find five of the closest shops all under a 15-minute drive away which makes them perfect for quickly popping out if you forgot something or are buying things whilst you’re there.
- Co-op Food & Petrol – 4 min drive from resort
- ALDI – 6 min drive from resort
- Lidl – 9 min drive from resort
- Asda Poole Superstore – 12 min drive from resort
- M&S Foodhall – 13 min drive from resort
where to eat out?
Although all our lodges at Wareham Forest are self-catering you may fancy a night or two off cooking your own food and enjoy a meal out. Luckily for you there are plenty of amazing places to eat out around Wareham Forest and we have listed five of them below all within a 15-minute drive away from the resort.
1. Clay Pipe Inn
2 min drive from resort
The Clay Pipe Inn is a bar and grill perfect for watching sport, enjoying a meal with family or just a drink in the evening. They also offer a takeaway service which means you can take your delicious food back to your holiday home.
2. The Baker’s Arms
4 min drive from resort
This dog-friendly country pub serves everything from Sunday lunch to fish and chips. The Baker’s Arms is in picturesque surroundings creating the perfect peaceful place to enjoy a bite to eat at lunch or during the evening.
3. The Barn Café
4 min drive from resort
Since 2014, The Barn Café has been the perfect place to go for breakfast or lunch. With classic menu items like a full English, sausage baguette, soup of the day and sandwiches. It’s the perfect way to start your day if you fancy a breakfast out to fuel you for the day.
4. The 29029 Restaurant
6 min drive from resort
Known for being the finest Indian restaurant in Dorset Wareham, The 29029 Restaurant has a modern interior and a warm welcome. Their food is cooked fresh using the best local produce, ingredients, and spices to create delicious dishes.
5. The Yachtsman
14 min drive from resort
This family friendly pub is just a short drive away from Wareham Forest and has all the best English pub food that you would expect on the menu. Along with log fires, a large garden and oak beams making it the perfect setting all year round.
best beaches in the area?
There are various beaches in the area that are perfect for beach days with your family. With there being so many beaches, we thought it would be best to do the research for you and give you the two best beaches in the area.
Sandbanks Beach
23 min drive from resort
The perfect beach close to the resort that you can spend the whole day at. It’s the winner of the Blue Flag award for over 30 years. At Sandbanks Beach you can enjoy soft golden sands and incredibly clean water perfect for swimming in. Along with the beach there is plenty to do around there to keep you entertained from various water sports and equipment hire options and a crazy golf course. There are also plenty of cafes, shops, and toilets along the promenade too.
Chesil Beach
45 min drive from resort
Spread across 18 miles, Chesil Beach is a shingle beach known for being one of the three major shingle beaches in Britain. Although it’s a slightly longer drive from the resort it’s worth visiting if you’ve got time. It’s not your typical beach but it forms part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and is perfect for exploring and enjoying the views out to sea. There are wildlife habitats and a large saline lake as well as a visitors’ centre, and café.