An award winning romantic hotel turns out to be perfectly placed for a getaway to explore the Dorset coast too.
The Priory Hotel in Wareham has been recognised as being the most romantic hotel in the South West of the UK in the Cesar Awards run by the Good Hotel Guide.
Not only will you be able to enjoy a cosy pampered stay at the hotel.
It is also very much perfectly placed to provide an ideal base to enjoy romantic days out in the surrounding rural and coastal delights of the county.
Priory Hotel Wareham Dorset romance award.
Places like the iconic Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door, Poole Harbour, Corfe Castle, Swanage and Portland Bill.
Lulworth Cove.
These are ideal places to get away as a couple and enjoy stunning coastal walks and rural pure escapes in the rolling chalk down-lands of the county.
Romantic Priory Hotel In Wareham
All within easy reach of the Saxon market town of Wareham where The Priory is located. No getaway excursion from there is further than a 45 minute drive away.
A long weekend break of a perfect blend of luxury and relaxation. Plus an outdoor re-invigorating refresh of hiking, exploring, water sports all along the nearby picturesque Dorset coastline.
The wonders of that stretch of coast in Dorset
The charming and stunning Lulworth Cove for instance. A natural bay cut deep by erosion into the chalk cliffs where the crystal clear waters and its geology are to be marvelled at.
Views around Camp Bestival Lulworth, Dorset.
Not too far away and you have yet a second natural rock formation to see at Durdle Door.
Durdle Door limestone arch landmark on part of the World Heritage Jurassic Coast’
The limestone rock arch formed as part of what is now called ‘The Jurassic Coast’.
This is a land of fossils and all along the coast from Swanage to Portland you may be lucky to find one yourself.
Romantic Priory Hotel Wareham
Swanage as well as having a charming seafront, beach and pier it is home to a leading steam railway running from the town and at times to join the mainline railway at Wareham itself.
Swanage Railway trip.
Corfe Castle with its tumbled down walls is minutes away from the hotel.
Corfe Castle with the steam railway passing.
The castle fortification stands high above the village. Built as far back by William the Conqueror, in the 11th century, the castle commands a gap in the Purbeck Hills.
Its intriguing history can be discovered in more detail as it does come under the care of the National Trust.
Heading east from Corfe will get you on the road to the Studland and Sandbanks car ferry. And where you can visit another National Trust property of Brownsea Island.
Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, Dorset. National Trust.
The site of the very first Scouting movement camp run by Lord Baden-Powell. This island in the middle of Poole Harbour is a haven for wildlife too. Here Red Squirrels run wild and free.
It’s also populated by many waterfowl and seabirds pretty well at any time of year.
Island Trips, Tanks And Mega Yachts
Even Sandbanks is a place of note sporting some of the most expensive homes in the UK. Along with the high prices of land and homes it’s also a base for the luxury super-yacht builder of Sunseeker.
Poole Sunseeker motor yacht being rolled out.
The alternative route west from Wareham can take you to the largest tank museum in the world of Bovington Tank Museum.
Tank museum summer event.
Its collection is huge as are the vehicles themselves. And at various times of the year they have action packed outdoor displays which are well worth experiencing if you have a chance.
Further west are the combined towns of Weymouth and Portland. Weymouth with its historic regency seafront where King George III took to sea bathing during 14 annual summer seasons from 1789.
Weymouth Beach Dorset.
The fine sandy beach is very safe and the sheltered bay gives great views of the Jurassic coast looking back east from there.
Jurassic Jaunt Along Dorset Coast
On to Portland and Portland Bill, the most southerly point of Dorset. Here the promontory of this limestone outcrop houses a Trinity House lighthouse.
The Island of Portland as seen from high above Portland Bill
Which for most of the year is accessible for visitors for a small charge.
Certainly a delightful place to stop for afternoon tea at the Lobster Pot cafe. A place where you can take a series of walks from there to head east or west from the lighthouse.
East and yet more extensive views of the Jurassic Coast passing historical stone cranes.
Chesil Beach
And views back to almost Swanage. Or West to what is referred to as ‘The Island’ are the sheer cliffs and are popular with climbers.
Here you can look down and admire the 18 mile long Chesil Beach. Regarded as one of the UK’s top ten views. This is also all part of the World Heritage Jurassic Coast of Dorset.
Portland was the site for the Olympic 2012 sailing events.
Returning to the riverside hotel in Wareham where you can enjoy your romantic sanctuary of classic service in its tranquil river side haven.
Romance And Rest At The Priory
Although within the town its 4 acres of gardens allow clients a perfect quiet and restful place for repose and relaxing. Where you will be looked after by attentive and efficient staff.
Romantic Priory Hotel breakfast.
All catered for under the watchful Head Chef Stephan Guinebault who has been at the hotel since 2006 and since 2017 has been able to further showcase his talents in the contemporary Garden Room restaurant.
Dine in style with Head Chef Stephan Guinebault.
An expansive modern glass walled extension that sits well with its oak roof beams alongside its much older main building that houses 13 of the hotel bedrooms.
Priory Hotel, The Garden Room.
A more perfect location for a romantic South Dorset tour base is certainly here at The Priory in Wareham.
Stylish accommodation enthusiastic and attentive service with first class food and drink.
What more is needed for a perfect romantic break…well that’s up to your partner and you?
