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You are here: Things To Do > Hardy's Birthplace and Thorncombe Woods

Hardy's Birthplace and Thorncombe Woods

Higher Bockhampton
DORCHESTER
Dorset
DT2 8QH

Add Hardy's Birthplace and Thorncombe Woods to your Itinerary

Thornecombe Woods

Website

Email

Telephone: +44 (0)1305 251228

About

The Hardy's Birthplace Visitor Centre is a gateway for local people and visitors alike to discover more about Thomas Hardy's early life and enjoy the local landscape which inspired his works.

The Visitor Centre is located on the edge of Thorncombe Wood Local Nature Reserve and a short walk from Hardy's Cottage.

Thorncombe Woods is home to a great diversity of trees including mature Oaks, Sweet Chestnut and Beech. It is a mixed woodland and heathland nature reserve, covering 26 hectares. Explore the paths and connecting rights to way to Puddletown Forest and Dorchester.

Running through the site is a well preserved Roman road. This Scheduled Ancient Monument, would have stretched from Dorchester to Badbury Rings near Wimborne.

Opening Times

2021 Opening (1 January 2021 - 31 December 2021)

* Hardy's Birthplace Visitor Centre is open daily from 10am until 4pm

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Free AdmissionFree

Free entry to the Woods and Visitor Centre.
Parking charges apply - £1 for 2 hours and £3 for all day. This is a Dorset Council pay and display car park, not National Trust.

Website

Email

Telephone: +44 (0)1305 251228

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HardysBirthplace/

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars
28 reviews
    • Excellent
      23
    • Very Good
      4
    • Average
      0
    • Poor
      0
    • Terrible
      1

    Recent Reviews:

    • SandraG1278
      Chester, United Kingdom
      Thorncombe woods
      5 of 5 stars
      Thursday, 5th December 2019
      Beautiful walks in the woods , excellent for children and adults alike. Lots of interesting things around every corner ! Read full review
    • David M
      Hurstpierpoint, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Friends getaway
      Easy interesting walks with Brunch.
      5 of 5 stars
      Sunday, 26th January 2020
      Lovely walks through woods to Puddletown Forest. Fantastic views across the Frome Valley. Great Brunch. The cakes were particularly good. Read full review
    • Dozzle63
      Lovely place for a walk
      5 of 5 stars
      Tuesday, 15th September 2020
      Lovely place for a walk, it will be chestnut picking time soon,but it can be hard to park at weekends. Read full review
    Write a review
    © TripAdvisor 2021

    Awards

    • Regional and MiscellaneousGreen Flag - 2020 Green Flag - 2020 2021

    Facilities

    Other

    • Gift Shop

    Accessibility

    • Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors
    • Guide Dogs Permitted
    • Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
    • Toilets for Disabled Visitors

    Catering

    • On-Site café/restaurant

    COVID-19 Response

    • Clear signage
    • COVID-19 measures in place
    • Food available during COVID-19 restrictions
    • One way system
    • Open now
    • Outside seating

    Establishment Features

    • Event venue
    • Toilets - including baby changing facilities.

    Event Facilities

    • Free Entry

    Key Features

    • In countryside
    • Indoor Attraction
    • Outdoor Attraction

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking

    Tours and Demonstrations

    • Educational Visits Accepted

    Venue Facilities

    • Groups Accepted

    Map & Directions

    View Map

    Website

    Email

    Telephone: +44 (0)1305 251228

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