Hardy’s House
Thomas Hardy’s Peaceful Garden Retreat
Located on the outskirts of Dorchester, Hardy’s House at Max Gate combines literary history with a peaceful garden largely unchanged since Thomas Hardy’s death in 1928. Wander winding paths through the kitchen garden, wildflower meadow and former croquet lawn, discover the pet cemetery and abundant wildlife and explore the fascinating archaeological history beneath this remarkable Victorian home.
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Our Top Tip: The tour lasts about 45 minutes so allow time for that & a walk around the garden.
Review Rating 4.6
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Open Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat & Sun
Closed Nov & Dec*
Opening Times: 10.30am to 4.30pm
Admission from: Adult £12, Children £6
Hardy’s House Opening Times & Costs – Check them!!
Hardy’s House Contact details
Opening Times & Admission Prices
Opening Days: The garden is open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
*Closed November & December & possibly more months over winter. No information at time of publication.
Opening Times: 10.30am to 4.30pm
Admission Prices: Adults £12, Children 5 to 17 years £6, Under 5’s Free entry
Check for this years full Hardy’s House Visitor Information before you travel – just in case!
Local Weather for Hardy’s House
14°C | °F
About Hardy’s House
Hardy’s House is set on the outskirts of Dorchester just a short walk from the centre of town.
Designed by Thomas Hardy himself it was where he wrote a number of his most famous books inlcuding Tess of the d’Urbervilles and Jude the Obscure.
You can take a guided tour of the house to discover more about the house and Hardy with rooms including dining room, drawing room, sytudy and Emma’s boudoir and bedroom.
The garden where Hardy would walk each day is pretty much as he left it on his death in 1928.
You can take the same walk he did along the winding paths through to the Kitchen Garden, old croquetlawn, wildflower meadow and pet cemetery.
Wildlife is abundant witbuutterflies and insect and alos some rescued hedgehogs!
When building the house they discovered it was on the site of a Neolithic enclosure and they found Iron Age and Roman artifacts including a megalith whcih is set up on the lawn by the house.
There is a bookshop close by which hels support the work at Max Gate.
Accessibility at Hardy’s House
Some ramps & slopes with narrow paths. Full Hardy’s House Accessibility Information.
Dogs at Hardy’s House
Assistance dogs only.
Stylish oxidised fire pit – Perfect for Autumn nights!
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Images © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra/ Lisa Wilcock/Sophie Bolesworrth
Local Accommodation near to Hardy’s House
If you are looking for somewhere to stay near Hardy’s House then look here for your local Dorchester Accommodation.
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What Visitors Say About Hardy’s House
Visitor Review Score 4.6 stars
Don’t take our word for how genuinely super these gardens are.
Here is what visitors have to say about their visit to Hardy’s House:
Farwriter loved taking time to absorb the atmosphere and explore the gardens at leisure.
Ms-Halloween particularly enjoyed the beautiful pet cemetery and fascinating stories shared during the visit.
OdieUK liked the interesting history of both the house and gardens.
AllanJGJ enjoyed how the excellent guide brought the house and garden to life.
Gerry U appreciated the attractive views from the house across the garden.
Local gardens and attractions near to Hardy’s House
Kingston Maurward Gardens- 3 miles from Hardy’s House : Explore beautiful gardens, lakeside walks, woodland and colourful seasonal planting surrounding the historic estate.
Athelhampton Gardens – 6 miles from Hardy’s House : Award winning formal gardens, spectacular yew pyramids, herbaceous borders, fountains and an Edwardian kitchen garden.
The Walled Garden, Moreton – 7 miles from Hardy’s House: Five acres of formal gardens with animals, a play area, café and plenty for families
Sculpture by the Lakes – 8 miles from Hardy’s House: A peaceful 26-acre landscape combining lakes, gardens, wildlife and more than 120 sculptures.
Minterne House & Gardens – 14 miles from Hardy’s House: Magnificent Himalayan-style gardens featuring streams, lakes, specimen trees and spectacular seasonal colour
Map, Location, Directions & Contact Details for Hardy’s House
All information was believed to correct at the time of publication