Wareham Forest Dorset
Expansive woodland and heathland offering walking, cycling, and wildlife spotting, with the unique Blue Pool nearby.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Nature awakens, fewer crowds
Wareham Forest Dorset
Best Time
Nature awakens, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Expansive woodland and heathland offering walking, cycling, and wildlife spotting, with the unique Blue Pool nearby.
"Wonderful hiking spot, very quiet and peaceful, plenty of wildlife including lizards, newts, fish, rabbits, lots of deer and some rare species of birds flying around."
🥾 Wear appropriate footwear
Be prepared for boggy patches off the main paths; wellies are recommended for adventurous exploration. :athletic_shoe:
🚴♀️ Mountain biking fun
Wareham Forest is great for MTB, offering unchallenging rides ideal for families and fitness. :bike:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Woolsbarrow Fort
North of the forest
Climb to this Iron Age hillfort for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. A drier spot in a generally low-lying area.
The Blue Pool
Furzebrook
Discover this hidden gem with its mesmerizing turquoise waters that change color, set amidst a beautiful forest.
Sika Trail
Signposted cycle route
An easy, unchallenging cycle route ideal for families or a gentle bike fitness session in scenic surroundings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Trails
Wildlife Wonders
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear appropriate footwear
Be prepared for boggy patches off the main paths; wellies are recommended for adventurous exploration. :athletic_shoe:
🚴♀️ Mountain biking fun
Wareham Forest is great for MTB, offering unchallenging rides ideal for families and fitness. +1 :bike:
📸 Capture the Blue Pool
Don't miss the magical, color-changing waters of The Blue Pool. Entry fee applies.
🚗 Parking options
Several parking spots are available along the Wareham to Bere Regis road, providing direct access to forest tracks. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear appropriate footwear
Be prepared for boggy patches off the main paths; wellies are recommended for adventurous exploration. :athletic_shoe:
🚴♀️ Mountain biking fun
Wareham Forest is great for MTB, offering unchallenging rides ideal for families and fitness. +1 :bike:
📸 Capture the Blue Pool
Don't miss the magical, color-changing waters of The Blue Pool. Entry fee applies.
🚗 Parking options
Several parking spots are available along the Wareham to Bere Regis road, providing direct access to forest tracks. :car:
🌳 Explore diverse habitats
The forest features pine woodland, heathland, and boggy areas, offering varied scenery. :evergreen_tree:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Wareham Forest for its peaceful atmosphere, diverse wildlife, and well-maintained trails suitable for walking and cycling. The Blue Pool is a standout attraction for its unique, color-changing waters. Some find the forest's managed nature a bit monotonous, and certain areas can become very muddy after rain, impacting accessibility.
"Wonderful hiking spot, very quiet and peaceful, plenty of wildlife including lizards, newts, fish, rabbits, lots of deer and some rare species of birds flying around.
Can be very boggy if you walk off the beaten road so I’d advise wellies if you’re feeling adventurous!!
Some rivers and some wooded areas aswell as some big open marsh areas
Some great viewpoints dotted around too!"
Collin Parker
"Wareham Forest is a great place for us to walk during winter months. There’s miles of structured mud free paths and tracks. It’s ok for MTB too, a simple unchallenging ride for us but ideal for families or to get a bit of bike fitness in nice surroundings. There’s several places to park along the straight Wareham to Bere Regis road, immediately putting you onto a trackway. Incorporated within the Forest is the ‘Sika Trail’, a signposted cycle route from the larger of the car parks. To the east of the Forest is Morden Bog National Nature Reserve, accessible by a gated pathway. A unique environment maintained by Natural England and home to nightjars, Dartford warblers, smooth snakes, sand lizards and other species. To the north of the forest is the Iron Age hillfort of Woolsbarrow which offers impressive views of the surrounding countryside."
Carl Dycer
"Great place for cycling. Relatively flat. Beautiful forest and heathlands"
chris james
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
While direct public transport to the heart of Wareham Forest can be tricky, you can take a train from London to Wareham. From Wareham, local buses or taxis can take you closer to the forest entrances. Some visitors use Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat as a base, which is accessible.
There are several parking areas along the Wareham to Bere Regis road, offering direct access to forest tracks. The main car parks are convenient for accessing trails like the Sika Trail.
Access by public transport is limited. While you can reach Wareham town by train, getting directly into the forest requires local buses or taxis.
Yes, cycling is a popular way to explore Wareham Forest, with dedicated trails like the Sika Trail. You can also cycle through the forest as part of a longer route.
Yes, the Jurassic Coast, Corfe Castle, and the town of Wareham itself are all within easy driving distance, making Wareham Forest a great base for exploring Dorset.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Wareham Forest itself is generally free to enter and explore. However, specific attractions within or near the forest, such as The Blue Pool, do have an admission fee.
Wareham Forest is an open natural space and does not have set opening hours. It is accessible at all times, though it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
No, booking tickets in advance is not necessary for Wareham Forest itself, as it's a public access area. If you plan to visit specific attractions like The Blue Pool, it's advisable to check their individual booking policies.
While there aren't typically official guided tours for the forest itself, local nature groups or retreats sometimes organize events or workshops within the area.
The Blue Pool has an admission fee, which was around £7.50 according to recent visitor feedback. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most current pricing.
🎫 🌲 Onsite Experience
Wareham Forest offers a variety of trails, including structured mud-free paths ideal for walking and cycling, as well as heathland and boggy areas for more adventurous exploration.
Yes, Wareham Forest is suitable for families. The Sika Trail is an unchallenging cycle route perfect for families, and there are open areas for children to explore.
You can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, lizards, newts, fish, and rare bird species. Morden Bog nearby is known for nightjars and Dartford warblers.
Facilities are limited within the forest itself. Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat offers some amenities, and there are occasional food vans. Nearby Wareham town has more options.
While there are water bodies like The Blue Pool, wild swimming is generally not recommended or permitted in most areas of Wareham Forest due to potential safety hazards and environmental protection.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Directly within Wareham Forest, dining options are scarce. Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat sometimes has a fish and chip van on Fridays. Nearby Wareham town and pubs like The Silent Woman Inn offer more choices.
The Silent Woman Inn is a highly-rated pub nestled in the heart of Wareham Forest, known for its excellent food. Wareham town also offers various cafes and restaurants.
Yes, Wareham Forest is a great place for a picnic. There are many scenic spots where you can enjoy your own food amidst nature.
Occasionally, a fish and chip van visits Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat, particularly on Fridays. It's best to check local listings for any current mobile vendor schedules.
The Silent Woman Inn is praised for its delicious food, with visitors often overindulging due to the quality and quantity.
📸 📸 Photography
The Blue Pool offers stunning, color-changing waters perfect for photography. The forest itself provides opportunities for capturing woodland scenes, especially with sunlight streaming through the trees.
Yes, Wareham Forest offers diverse landscapes, from dense pine woodlands to open heathlands and boggy areas. The climb to Woolsbarrow Fort provides panoramic views ideal for landscape shots.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with soft, golden hues. Sunlight streaming through the trees can create magical effects.
Look for wildlife, unique tree formations, the vibrant colors of The Blue Pool, and the expansive views from Woolsbarrow Fort. The changing seasons also offer photographic opportunities.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check with local authorities or the Forestry Commission for any restrictions on drone flying in Wareham Forest to ensure compliance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a unique family outing, a visit to The Blue Pool is highly recommended. Its mesmerizing, color-changing waters are sure to captivate children, offering a magical experience.
While there's an entry fee, the visual spectacle is often considered well worth it for a memorable family adventure. 🚴♀️ Cycling Enthusiasts
The forest's network of paths, including wide, straight tracks and more varied woodland and heathland sections, makes for an engaging cycling experience.
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Hikers
Many paths are structured and mud-free, making them ideal for winter walks. A highlight for walkers is the climb to Woolsbarrow Fort, an Iron Age hillfort offering impressive panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Wareham Forest by Bike
While some paths are wide and straight, offering ease of exploration, the forest also presents varied terrain including pine woodlands and heathlands.
Cyclists can access the forest from various parking points along the Wareham to Bere Regis road. The forest's relatively flat terrain makes it accessible for many, and it's a popular spot for both casual riders and more dedicated mountain bikers.
The Enchanting Blue Pool
Located in Furzebrook, this natural pool's vibrant hues are a photographer's dream and a unique natural spectacle. The surrounding forest adds to the magical atmosphere, making it a popular spot for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. While the beauty of The Blue Pool is undeniable, it's important to note that there is an admission fee to enter the site.
The Blue Pool is a perfect addition to a day exploring Wareham Forest, offering a different kind of natural beauty. Its accessibility from Wareham Forest makes it an easy detour for those looking to experience more of Dorset's natural wonders.
Wildlife and Nature Conservation
Adjacent to Wareham Forest is Morden Bog National Nature Reserve, a significant conservation area managed by Natural England. This reserve is particularly important for rare species such as nightjars, Dartford warblers, smooth snakes, and sand lizards.
Visitors are encouraged to explore responsibly, staying on marked paths where appropriate to minimize disturbance to wildlife and habitats.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit