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Aerial photo of Wimborne

Wimborne property & area guide

Wimborne

Wimborne Minster, also known as Wimborne, is a historic market town in Dorset, England. It's a treasure trove of beautiful architecture, with Wimborne Minster, a large church dating back to the 7th century, as its crown jewel. The town centre, a pedestrian's paradise, invites you to explore its unique blend of shops, cafes, and restaurants, each with its own story to tell.

Wimborne has attracted some of the UK’s finest musicians, writers, and academics and has even been featured in some well-known novels. It offers a calm lifestyle, an easy commute to the busier coast, a bustling market town centre, and excellent schooling.

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

What’s happening to property prices in Wimborne?

As of Oct 2022, The average price of the following property type is:

Detached house:
£566,407
Semi-detached house:
£371,873
Terraced house:
£297,602
Flats:
£199,467


Existing properties up +15.7% as of Aug 2022 year on year


*Data sourced from the Land Registry https://landregistry.data.gov.uk

A brief history of Wimborne...

Wimborne Minster is a living example of the town's rich history. Its stunning architecture, dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, is a sight to behold. The town's commitment to preserving its heritage is seen in its well-preserved historic buildings. The Minster Church of St Cuthburga, with its distinctive paired towers, is a striking example of Saxon and Gothic architecture. The town's graveyard is the final resting place of notable historical figures, including King Ethelred and the grandparents of Henry VII.

This deep-rooted history has left an indelible mark on Wimborne's character as a thriving residential area. The town's commitment to preserving its heritage, evident in strict planning regulations, adds to its appeal as a desirable place to live. Residents of Wimborne enjoy being surrounded by living history, where cherished traditions like the annual folk festival continue to bring the past to life alongside modern-day living. Wimborne holds the record for the longest firework display in Dorset on bonfire night since 2014.

Regeneration in Wimborne

Over the years, regeneration efforts in Wimborne Minster have been slower than in some other towns as the priority for Dorset Council has focused on maintaining the importance of historical, archaeological, and architectural sites. Dating back to its Saxon origins, Wimborne Minster evolved from a medieval town to an economically expanding centre in the 17th and 18th centuries. The arrival of the railway in 1847 created further growth, leading to suburban expansion in the Victorian era and later in the 20th century.

The way the town looks and is laid out reflects how it has grown and changed over a long period of time, with a historic core surrounded by medieval suburbs and Victorian-era expansions. Notably, Wimborne Minster's buildings are still standing from the 16th to the 18th century, setting it apart from neighbouring towns affected by fires in the 18th century. The Minster Church of St Cuthburga, with its distinctive paired towers, also still stands and is a reminder of the town's architectural heritage.

The landscape setting of Wimborne Minster, between the rivers Allen and Stour, adds to its charm and historical significance. The town's history can also be seen in the well-preserved bridges, industrial buildings, and Victorian suburbs.

Regeneration efforts in Wimborne Minster have prioritised its heritage as a primary asset, attracting visitors, boosting tourism, and creating a sense of pride and identity among residents.

Property in Wimborne

Wimborne attracts a wide variety of property buyers, including young professionals and families. The area is popular with those who work in nearby Bournemouth, Poole, and Southampton, as they are all relatively easy to commute to from Wimborne. Some of the most sought-after properties in Wimborne can be found on Greenhill Lane, Arrowsmith Road, and Rowlands Hill.

Wimborne's property market has a history of steady growth, with rental demand remaining strong due to its desirability. This makes Wimborne an ideal choice for property investors looking to diversify their rental portfolio and potentially reap the benefits of a thriving market.

Wimborne residents enjoy the beautiful architecture that can be seen in the town, particularly Wimborne Minster and its surrounding streets. This gives the town a unique character and a sense of stepping back in time. The town is also known for its friendly and welcoming residents with a strong community spirit. Wimborne also has several parks and gardens, perfect for picnics, walks, or spending time outdoors and has a good mix of shops, cafes, restaurants, and pubs suited to most residents’ everyday needs.

While it might not have the extensive options of a big city, Wimborne has all the essential amenities residents need.

Types of property in Wimborne

Wimborne Minster and surrounding locations offer a beautiful range of properties for sale. The local market is made up of characterful properties that have been preserved for decades if not centuries. This includes period homes, cottages, and a variety of modern properties built since WW2, with much development continuing today. Due to the many period homes in the area – including Tudor, Stuart, Victorian and Georgian properties – the market has various options for buyers looking for a home in Wimborne with more space. Properties in the surrounding area are big on character and size, with many having outdoor space of at least half an acre.

View properties for sale in Wimborne

Explore properties across Wimborne’s residential neighbourhoods

Wimborne may be a small town, but it offers a variety of residential neighbourhoods that cater to different preferences. Here's a glimpse into the residential options in Wimborne:

Town centre living

  • Residents can be right in the heart of the action, with shops, cafes, restaurants, and the historic Wimborne Minster on their doorstep. The town centre offers a vibrant atmosphere and convenient access to everything they need.

Suburban estates

  • Suburbs in Wimborne typically consist of modern detached, semi-detached, or terraced houses. These properties balance proximity to amenities and a quieter environment compared to the town centre. Often, homes here have green spaces or play areas within the estates, ideal for families.

Period property pockets

  • There are many charming period properties with unique characters or larger houses in Georgian or Victorian styles available in Wimborne. Often located in streets close to the town centre, they offer a good blend of history and convenience.

Village outskirts

  • Residents can enjoy a truly peaceful and rural setting on the outskirts of Wimborne. It is ideal for those who love nature and want to escape the hustle and bustle of town life.

Schools, colleges and universities

Families with children have a choice of primary schools and nurseries in the local area with good Ofsted ratings. They include Wimborne First School and St John Church of England First School. There are also good Secondary Schools and Sixth Forms, either on the outskirts of the village or in nearby areas, including Queen Elizabeth School and Sixth Form. Further education can also be accessed from the nearby Bournemouth and Poole College. The town is ideally located for access to some of the area’s finest private schools for all ages, including Castle Court School, Dumpton School, Canford School and Bryanston School.

Transport

Wimborne is well-connected to surrounding major towns, perfect for locals who commute to work nearby. The A31 connects Wimborne with towns to the east and west, while the A349 offers easy access to the coast, including Poole and Bournemouth.

Getting around the area without a car is also easy. More Buses operate local bus routes that take Wimborne residents to nearby towns and villages like Poole and Bournemouth.

Local taxi services also operate in the area, and there are plenty of cyclist routes.

Things to do in Wimborne

One of the first things you should do in Wimborne Minster is to visit the Saxon church in the centre of the town that gave Wimborne its name. This church has been around for 13 centuries and has an incredible history. It’s also the resting place of Alfred the Great’s brother and has a chained library with handwritten books from the 1300s, one of only four chained libraries left in England. Even if you’re not into history, Wimborne Minster Church is a beautiful structure with leafy surroundings and is a pleasant afternoon out.

Other popular things to do in the area include a visit to Kingston Lacy stately home, a day out at the local model town and gardens, rowing a boat along the river, or taking a countryside walk along one of the many routes, stretching anywhere between 2 miles to 64-mile hikes.

The restored Art Deco Tivoli theatre always has a variety of shows, while The Model Town, Museum of East Dorset, and Priest's House Museum are must-visits for families. They offer interactive exhibits and historical insights that will keep everyone entertained any time of year.

Wimborne is also famed for its festivals, especially the annual Folk Festival.

Community in Wimborne

Wimborne's friendly residents and regular local events throughout the year mean there is a strong sense of community here. A small selection of local organisations for local Wimborne residents are listed below:

  • Wimborne in Bloom: Wimborne in Bloom, a volunteer organisation, aims to improve the town's beauty through floral displays, raising around £20,000 annually for plants, planters, and maintenance. Their efforts, supported by fundraising events and collaboration with the Town Council and Wimborne BID, promote the town's appeal and community pride.
  • Planet Wimborne: Planet Wimborne is a community group created to address the climate and ecological crisis. Promoting collaboration among individuals and organisations in Wimborne, they advocate for sustainable lifestyles, educate the public, and raise awareness of environmental issues to protect the planet and local environment.
  • The Allendale Community Centre: The Allendale offers live entertainment, markets, fairs, and regular activities, along with room and facility hire for the benefit of local residents in Wimborne. With events ranging from music and theatre to children's activities and markets, it's a versatile venue where you'll always find something going on.
  • Dorset Community Action: Located next to the Minster in central Wimborne, the Community Centre offers affordable venue hire for classes, meetings, events, and training sessions. As a dementia-friendly facility, rooms are fully equipped for various activities. The 'Seed2Plate' programme is popular with people who live in Wimborne and supports gardening skills with workshops and beginners' courses.  Many staff members are residents and have deep connections to Dorset’s communities.

This month's featured properties

Each month, we select a range of properties for sale in Wimborne and surrounding Dorset areas based on their character, prime location, size, and unique features. These listings are in high demand and won't last long. Schedule your private viewing today, or check back for fresh regional listings next month.

Contact our friendly team to learn more about property in Wimborne.

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Please view our current listings. Alternatively, get in touch if you don’t see any listings that match your criteria. We provide expert guidance to support your property search.

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Don’t hesitate to contact Hearnes for more information on how we will accurately value your property. Our team are on hand to fully explain our property valuation service so you know exactly what to expect.

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Marketing your property

Do you have a question about how we’ll market and sell your property? Read on for answers to all your queries about our comprehensive service for sellers today. We guarantee 100% clarity from the outset.

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Latest info

Latest info

We write regular posts to share information on the world of property. Many of our posts provide real-time insights into local property trends. Take a look to find out more.

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Our reviews

Our reviews

Here at Hearnes, we have many happy clients. Read some of our reviews to see how we have helped buyers and sellers just like you.

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View our branches

View our branches

We have five branches, each dedicated to helping buyers and sellers in their local area. Find information, including contact details, for each of our branches here.

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Meet our team

Meet our team

Each of our branches has a dedicated and professional team ready to help buyers and sellers in their local area. Find out more about each of our team members here.

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Where service counts

Where service counts

Here at Hearnes, we are a people business operating within the property sector. We are all about service and going the extra mile to ensure our clients get the home they want as smoothly as possible.

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Contact us

Contact us

We're always happy to help. Whether you are looking to sell your home, buy a new one, or just want to chat with someone about how we can help with a stage in the process, get in touch, and we'll see what we can do!

Aerial photo of Wimborne Minister

Search for your next property

Search for your next property

Please view our current listings. Alternatively, get in touch if you don’t see any listings that match your criteria. We provide expert guidance to support your property search.

Photo of a river

What's your property worth?

What's your property worth?

Don’t hesitate to contact Hearnes for more information on how we will accurately value your property. Our team are on hand to fully explain our property valuation service so you know exactly what to expect.

Aerial photo of Badbury Rings

Marketing your property

Marketing your property

Do you have a question about how we’ll market and sell your property? Read on for answers to all your queries about our comprehensive service for sellers today. We guarantee 100% clarity from the outset.

Photo of a bench overlooking a river

Latest info

Latest info

We write regular posts to share information on the world of property. Many of our posts provide real-time insights into local property trends. Take a look to find out more.

Photo of Poole beach huts

Our reviews

Our reviews

Here at Hearnes, we have many happy clients. Read some of our reviews to see how we have helped buyers and sellers just like you.

Photo of a woodland walk

View our branches

View our branches

We have five branches, each dedicated to helping buyers and sellers in their local area. Find information, including contact details, for each of our branches here.

Photo of a country walk

Meet our team

Meet our team

Each of our branches has a dedicated and professional team ready to help buyers and sellers in their local area. Find out more about each of our team members here.

Aerial photo of Blue Lagoon, Lilliput, Poole

Where service counts

Where service counts

Here at Hearnes, we are a people business operating within the property sector. We are all about service and going the extra mile to ensure our clients get the home they want as smoothly as possible.

Photo showing an anchor in front of a building

Contact us

Contact us

We're always happy to help. Whether you are looking to sell your home, buy a new one, or just want to chat with someone about how we can help with a stage in the process, get in touch, and we'll see what we can do!