Hardy's Cottage

About

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).