The Wishing Well at Upwey is a charming natural spring and one of Dorset’s most popular visitor attractions since Victorian times. This crystal-clear spring emerges from the chalk hills at the source of the River Wey, producing 2,000 gallons of pure water per hour. The tradition of throwing coins into the well while making wishes has been practiced for generations, and the site’s peaceful tea gardens have welcomed visitors since 1918. The spring-fed pools, surrounded by lush vegetation and set in tranquil gardens, create an idyllic setting for a traditional English tea room experience. The Wishing Well Café serves cream teas, homemade cakes, and light lunches in gardens where ducks and swans paddle in the crystal waters. Children love feeding the waterfowl and making wishes at the spring. The site featured in Thomas Hardy’s works and was visited by George III who praised the water’s purity. A delightful, quintessentially English attraction perfect for families.
Photo by Chris Downer from Geograph, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Upwey Wishing Well
Location
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Gallery images from Geograph Britain and Ireland, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Hover over images to see photographer credits.
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