Welcome to The Upwey Wishing Well Tea Rooms & Water Gardens—a multi-award-winning hidden gem set right in the picturesque village of Upwey, run by Jacci Pestana since 2016. Surrounding the historic natural spring that has drawn visitors for centuries, our sub-tropical water gardens offer a peaceful escape where you can wander alongside babbling streams, lush greenery, and tranquil pools.

Over the years, Jacci and our close-knit team have poured their passion into creating a warm, genuine gathering space for locals and visitors alike. Food is at the heart of everything we do: from hearty morning brunches and fresh, seasonal lunches to delicious, traditional Sunday lunches packed with flavor and all the trimmings. For those seeking an extra special treat, our incredible High Tea experience offers an indulgent array of delicate savoury bites, sweet delights, freshly baked scones, and classic Dorset clotted cream & jam

Beyond our daily menus and weekend feasts, we love bringing our community together by hosting special events every single month—from seasonal storytelling suppers and wellness workshops to live music and creative gatherings.

Whether you're stopping by for a relaxed brunch with friends, a hearty Sunday lunch with family, treating someone to an unforgettable High Tea, or joining us for one of our monthly events, we treat every guest like family. From sunny afternoons spent dining on the terrace to cozy moments inside the tea rooms, the Wishing Well is a place to relax, celebrate, and carry on the timeless tradition of making a wish at the spring

Although this is known as the Wishing Well, it is not strictly a well at all but rather is a natural spring which is the source of the river Wey. The river flows from Upwey to Weymouth some 5 miles downstream, believed to date back to the last Ice Age and was at one time the village’s water supply. It is at this point where, because of the formation of rock, sand and clay, water literally bubbles its way to the surface from the underground stream. The water is always clear and maintains a steady temperature of 10.5 degrees 

Prior to 1874 the wishing well was referred to as a ‘ spring ‘ but following a novel by Hawley Smart called 

‘Broken Bonds’ the spring was renamed the Upwey Wishing well. In 1880 it became a commercial tourist destination and was very popular with Victorian s, who were brought down by horse- drawn coaches from Weymouth. In 1895, Captain Gould a local  landowner sunk the well and it was completed by the 1900’s.The well supplied water to Upwey, 

Bincombe and Pollard.  The Stone Arches and wall were erected in 1900 to 1905 in the middle to late 19th century a circular stone well with a rustic parapet and seat was erected. Today, even during summer months the well never dries up and produces a whopping 6.8 million litres a day 

People have been visiting this beautiful and spiritual spot for many years. The location was noted by John Leland in the early 16th century, but it must have been known about long before, because this prodigious spring is the main source of the river Wey. The spring was visited by King George III and his wife Queen Charlotte, who came at least three times, bringing with her the royal princesses Mary, Elizabeth and Augusta. In more modern times visitors have included the Prince of Wales, who went on to become King Edward VIII, and Thomas Hardy. A belief in the mystical powers of the waters was accompanied by a custom of making a wish, which must be kept secret, drinking half a glassful of the water, and then tossing the remainder back into the well over the left shoulder. Since at least the time of King George III’s summer residencies at Weymouth, Upwey and the spring have been favourite destination for visitors to the area, often arriving by horse-drawn carriage. Although some distance away, the village was once served by trains stopping at Upwey Wishing Well Halt. Please enjoy your visit to this special place. 

(Dr Paul Kelly)