Wareham

Saxon walls still ring this ancient market town where the River Frome meets the Piddle - proper old England stuff. Wareham sits snug between heathland and coast, its grid of medieval streets laid out by King Alfred himself back in the 9th century. Those earthwork ramparts aren't just for show either; they're among the best-preserved Saxon defences in the country.

Corfe Castle looms just a few miles south, reached via the heritage Swanage Railway that stops at both Corfe Castle and Norden stations. The ruins are absolutely magnificent - proper romantic English castle stuff that makes you understand why the Victorians got so excited about medieval history. Close by, the Blue Pool draws crowds with its startling turquoise waters, though it's a bit of a tourist magnet in summer.

Purbeck's rolling hills surround the town like green waves. West Hill and East Hill offer cracking walks, while Creech Barrow Hill provides views clear to the coast. The Purbeck Mineral and Mining Museum tells the story of the local clay and ball clay industries that shaped this landscape for centuries.

Families rate Dorset Adventure Park highly - it's proper outdoor fun rather than theme park nonsense. For something quieter, Sandyhill Arts puts on decent exhibitions and workshops.

Poole lies eight miles northeast if you need proper shops and transport links. The A351 runs straight through town, making Wareham easily accessible by car. Staying at one of the nearby parks like Burnbake Forest Lodges or Luckford Wood puts you perfectly positioned for both the Dorset coast and the Isle of Purbeck's attractions, without the summer crowds that swamp Swanage.