There are places within Dorset, which are easy to visit by train. From Weymouth, we combined Poole and Wareham for a day out. The railway station at Poole is a short walk to the town’s natural harbour through the narrow mediaeval streets. There is a modern shopping area called the Dolphin Centre on the waterfront. I think that this recent development rather spoils the seafront though. On the quayside, you can see tall ships, fishing vessels and luxury Sunseeker powerboats, which are manufactured in the town. The largest island in Poole Harbour is Brownsea Island, made famous by Robert Baden – Powell who started the Scout Movement there. The island is now owned and managed by the National Trust.
We had a stroll around the harbour area before stopping for a break in one of the independent coffee shops. We visited Studio Poole which is located opposite the original site of Poole Pottery. Here we watched the artists at work and browsed the shop to look for gift items. Visitors can also book a Have-A-Go Experience, although we didn’t on this occasion.
We then hopped back onto the train to Wareham. It is a pleasant small market town on a dry point between the River Frome and the River Piddle. There is a wealth of history in the pretty streets, not surprising because the Doomsday Book refers to the town as having two mints! It was a thriving inland port until the silting up of the river caused a decline in trade when this was transferred to Poole. However, there is an attractive and peaceful quayside and we explored this charming area before having an evening meal in the Kings Arms pub. As well as ancient churches and other old buildings there is a wide choice of places to eat and drink.
All in all, a grand day out!
