Wareham

Purbecks first notable settlement, this small market town situated between the rivers Piddle and Frome (tidal) at the western end of Poole Harbour. Although the town still retains its late Saxon earth embankment walls, as a consequence of a fire in 1762 the present day buildings date mostly from the 18th and early 19th century. Wareham was the main port in this part of Dorset. This changed when traders moved down river to take advantage of deeper waters in the bay giving rise to the development of Poole. Despite its relatively small size of 8,417 (2001 census), Wareham retains a good range of social, recreational and educational facilities including three schools, a wide variety of independent shops, an 18 hole golf course, two supermarkets, restaurants, pubs as well as a weekly farmers market. Purbeck Sports Centre also offers a first-class facility with a modern gym, indoor swimming pool and sports bar.

Stoborough, Arne and Ridge

A mile over the causway South West of the Wareham and the River Piddle is the village of Stoborough. From here visitors can enjoy a number of wildlife walks on Stoborough Heath (National Nature Reserve) adjacent to Hartland Moor NNR. The village also benefits from a school, holiday park, pub and The Springfield Hotel providing residents with top class gym and leisure facilities. Only 2 Miles South through Furzebrook is the ever changing Blue Pool, an old water filled clay pit attracting high numbers of visitors each year.

Sandford

Heading North from Wareham on the A351 lies Sandford with a pub, holiday park,shop, post office, first and middle schools. This village is popular with those looking for a a more laid back life style coupled with the convenience of amenities offered by Poole and Bournemouth.