Wareham

Today we travelled by ferry to Wareham. The ferry left Poole, travelled out of Poole Harbour, along the Wareham Channel and then along the River Frome until we came to Wareham. Poole harbour is the largest natural harbour in Europe, and is certainly impressive. I can imagine that in summer time it is full of motor boats and yachts of every description. There were certainly plenty moored in the harbour today.

The ferry also took us past the Sunseeker building yards, where there must have been 4 or 5 yachts under construction as well as about 8 finished ones in the water. Sunseeker yachts are famous, and apparently used in James Bond movies. They cost between £5 and £10 million to buy. Very impressive! So next time we are in St Tropez I will keep an eye out for Sunseeker yachts.

Walter looking relaxed while he waits for ferry to start moving away from the quay. Unfortunately it was not a brilliantly sunny day, which was promised but did not eventuate.
We travelled past some very flash units, which no doubt cost a mint to own or rent. Very south of France, without the weather!
Next door to the apartments was a Royal Marine base and special boat service. A little bit of reality and not so glamorous!
The River Frome twisted and turned between the reed beds. Small motor boats and sailing boats were moored along the river. All you could see were tall masts amongst the reed beds. It looked very unreal. I think it took about half an hour to travel along the river. A fascinating journey!
A sailing club alongside the river.

The Parish Church of Lady St. Mary with the old priory buildings in front. There is no longer a monastery here of course and it is now the Priory Hotel. A very expensive hotel according to our guide on the ferry. Beautiful gardens though.

The Quay was once the hub of Wareham. Ships arrived from the continent and unloaded their cargoes for distribution throughout the area. The trade was mainly in salt and potters' clay. Now it is a tourist attraction, although very quiet today as it is the end of the summer season. The sun came out which added to its charm.
Wareham used to be an important cross Channel port in Saxon times but during the Middle Ages the river silted up and trade transferred to the new port of Poole. However Wareham had its share of excitement, two fires which destroyed most of the town, and the men of the town were involved in the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685. Wareham has been designated an outstanding Conversation Area and over two hundred buildings are listed as being of architectural interest. A fascinating town, sadly we only had an hour to look around so could see just a few of the streets and buildings.

One of the lovely streets in Wareham.

Lots of delicious looking pies for sale. Of course we could not resist and bought one to take home with us.
Looking forward to our deep filled meat pie for dinner tomorrow evening.