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You are here: Things To Do > Hardy's Cottage
*LATEST UPDATE* Hardy's Cottage is currently closed.
Thomas Hardy was born in 1840 in this small cob and thatch cottage, which was built by his great-grandfather and is little altered since the family left. Despite training as an architect, writing was Hardy's first love, and it was from here that he wrote several of his early short stories, poetry and novels including 'Under the Greenwood Tree' and 'Far from the Madding Crowd'.
The garden reflects most people's idea of a typical cottage garden, with roses around the door, and the sound of birdsong, even in winter. Once inside you will discover that 19th-century rural life, with its open hearths, small windows and stone floors, was not always idyllic.
The cottage sits next to Thorncombe Woods, owned and managed by Dorset Council. This is an ancient woodland and nature reserve that opens out onto heathland and the beginning of Hardy's Egdon Heath. Next to the Thorncombe Wood car park you will find the new Hardy's Birthplace Visitor Centre, run in partnership by Dorset Council and the National Trust.
All admissions to Hardy's Cottage, including for National Trust members, are now from the Hardy's Birthplace Visitor Centre, and are by timed ticket only (no advance booking required or available).
Off Peak (1 November 2020 - 28 February 2021) | ||
---|---|---|
Day | Times | |
Monday - Wednesday | Closed* | |
Thursday - Sunday | 10:00 | - 16:00* |
Peak (1 March 2021 - 31 October 2021) | ||
---|---|---|
Day | Times | |
Monday - Sunday | 11:00 | - 17:00* |
* Closed 24 & 25 December. Last admission 45 minutes before closing (or at dusk if earlier). Timed tickets may apply on certain days. Please note: Wednesdays and Sundays can be busy. On Mondays, admission is by timed ticket only, available only online in advance from the National Trust website. Booking for these tickets, which applies to National Trust Members as well, is open for the 7 days leading up to the visit and closes on the Sunday.
Dates and times marked with a '*' are provisional and may be subject to changeTicket Type | Ticket Tariff |
---|---|
Gift Aid Adult | £7.70 per ticket |
Gift Aid Child | £3.90 per ticket |
Gift Aid Family | £19.30 per ticket |
Group Adult (min group size 15) | £5.90 per ticket |
Group Child (min group size 15) | £3.00 per ticket |
National Trust members | Free |
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
Nearest major road is A35. From Dorchester take first turn left off A35 after Kingston Maurward college roundabout. Follow lane to Higher Bockampton village. Turn left to Hardy's Cottage where signed. 10 minute walk from car park to cottage through the woods.
Bus services: Wilts & Dorset X84, 184/6 Weymouth–Salisbury, 187–9 Poole–Dorchester (all pass Dorchester South & close Dorchester West), alight Bockhampton Lane, ½ml. Nearest stations are Dorchester South and Dorchester West.
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