Name: Hardy's Cottage
Rating: 5.0

Hardy's Cottage

Higher Bockhampton, Fordington, Dorchester, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

Hardy's Cottage few authors have such strong associations with the natural and cultural heritage of their local area as Thomas Hardy. This cottage, where Hardy was born in 1840, was built of cob and thatch by his great-grandfather.

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.

Price starts from £12.10 for Adults(18 years and over), £6.10 for Children(5-17 & under 5s free) and £18.20 for Family(1 adult & 3 children). If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

The cottage: Evocative cob and thatch cottage, which was the birthplace of author Thomas Hardy in 1840 and was built by his great-grandfather. The house is where Hardy wrote his early works, including 'Under the Greenwood Tree' and 'Far from the Madding Crowd'.
The garden: Take a stroll through the traditional cottage garden and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and scents of the season. Amble through the orchard where we have several old local varieties of apples growing including dessert apples and cider making apples.
Tours: Our team of expert volunteers deliver guided tours at Hardy's Cottage, sharing stories so you can discover more about this special place.
Things to see and do at Hardy’s Cottage: Explore the simple thatched cottage where Thomas Hardy was born, grew up and became a world-renowned writer. Then get back to the nature he loved with a walk through Thorncombe Woods, the woodland and heath landscape that greatly influenced his work.
The garden at Hardy's Cottage: Wander through the traditional cottage garden that inspired a young Thomas Hardy. You’ll find a space that is beautiful all year long. Come in the spring for swathes of bluebells, summer for roses for and in the autumn to amble through the orchard.

Facilities

Parking: Car park owned by Dorset Council; Charges apply. Please note: There is limited accessible parking by prior arrangement only. Call 01305 262366 or email [email protected] to arrange.
Food & Drinks: The Visitor Centre's café is an independent family business run by Dorchester-born Sarah Key and her daughter Lydia. Using local produce where possible, they offer everything from freshly prepared soups to homemade cakes and scones.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult (18+): £12.10 with Gift Aid & £11.00 without Gift Aid.
Child (5–17) under 5s free: £6.10 with Gift Aid & £5.50 without Gift Aid.
Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): £30.30 with Gift Aid & £27.50 without Gift Aid.
1 adult, 3 children: £18.20 with Gift Aid & £16.50 without Gift Aid.

Pricing URL: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/hardys-cottage#place-prices

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

We will be closed for the winter season starting 31 October. We’ll reopen on 24 March 2026. Our regular hours will be: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. We look forward to welcoming you in the spring!

Address: Higher Bockhampton, Fordington, Dorchester, UK

Post Code: DT2 8QJ

Council: Dorset

County: Dorset

By road: Type in 'Thorncombe Wood Car Park' into Sat Nav. A35, from Dorchester and the west: From the A35, at the Kingston Maurward roundabout take the exit signposted Kingston Maurward and Higher Bockhampton. Follow the road to the next crossroads and turn left (there is a small sign for Hardy's Cottage). Look out for a pair of cottages and a red letter box on your right, and turn right into the lane. Follow the lane round to the right and into the Thorncombe Wood Dorset Council car park. A35, from the east: From the A35, take the exit signposted Higher Bockhampton onto Cuckoo Lane. After half a mile, turn left towards Hardy's Cottage. Follow the lane round to the right and into the Thorncombe Wood Dorset Council car park. Please allow 15 to 20 minutes to walk from the car park to the cottage.
By train: Dorchester South 4 miles; Dorchester West 4 miles.
Cycling: Follow NCN Route 2 out of Dorchester, heading East. Take left turn, off NCN Route 2, towards Lower Bockhampton (follow white finger posts). Continue through Lower Bockhampton, and straight over crossroads, following white fingerposts to Higher Bockhampton and Hardy's Cottage. Turn right, following fingerposts to Hardy's Cottage and Higher Bockhampton. As you come down the hill, you will see the Visitor Centre straight ahead of you. There are cycle racks available at the Visitor Centre.
Parking: Car park owned by Dorset Council; Charges apply. Please note: There is limited accessible parking by prior arrangement only. Call 01305 262366 or email [email protected] to arrange.