Thomas Hardy’s Cottage Garden
Enchanting Woodland Gardens Steeped in History
Visitors to Hardy’s Cottage consistently fall in love with its peaceful, beautifully kept garden nestled in a quiet woodland.
The surrounding grounds are described as tranquil, atmospheric and full of rural charm, with winding paths, natural planting and birdsong creating a restorative escape.
Many guests say the garden alone is worth the visit, offering a vivid sense of the landscape that inspired Hardy’s early writing.
Click here for more useful details on Thomas Hardy’s Cottage Garden to help you plan your visit.
Opening Times & Admission Prices
Opening Days: Open from March to October, closed on Monday & Friday*
Opening Times: 10am to 4pm
Admission Prices: Adults £12, Children 5 to 17 years £6, Under 5’s Free
Check here for this years full visitor information
Top Tip: Book your cottage our ahead of time to ensure you get to do it – highly recommended!!
Local Weather Thomas Hardy’s Cottage Garden near Dorchester
21°C | °F
About Thomas Hardy’s Cottage Garden
Thomas Hardy’s Cottage Garden is actually the cottage where Thomas Hardy was born and wrote some of his works including my favourite ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’.
You can get a guided tour from the volunteers – worth doing!
As for the garden it has something to see all year round from the Kitchen Garden with vegetables and sweet smelling herbs and the Orchard with its apples and pear trees.
There are plenty of bluebells in April and May and Summer is an ideal time to see, and smell, the roses.
Listen out for the bees doing there thing as the feast on the many fruit blossoms. Buzzzz!
There is a Cafe, Pine Lodge Tearoom, and Shop close by for refreshments.
Accessibility at Thomas Hardy’s Cottage Garden
The bridle path used to access the cottage can be uneven & muddy. Trampers are available to hire. More accessibility information.
Dogs at Thomas Hardy’s Cottage Garden
Assistance dogs only allowed.
Garden Bench – Wood & Steel – Perfect for Summer!
Size: H: 82 / W: 120 / D: 62 cm
Seats 3 people!
Garden Bench – Save 17%! – Only £49.99! Ad
Images © National Trust Images/Tony Gill & Chris Lacey
Local Accommodation near to Thomas Hardy’s Cottage Garden
If you are looking for somewhere to stay near Thomas Hardy’s Cottage Garden then look here for your local Dorchester Accommodation.
Discover more great gardens to visit with the National Trust! Hardback – Save 36% £16.12! Ad
Visitor Reviews of Thomas Hardy’s Cottage Garden
Google Visitor Review Score 4.6 stars
Don’t take our word for how genuinely super these gardens are. Here is what visitors think about their visit to Thomas Hardy’s Cottage Garden:
Rachel B
She described it as a fantastic place with a beautiful atmosphere, surrounded by lovely woodland. She especially appreciated the nearby café, facilities, and bookshop, calling the whole setting peaceful and well worth booking in advance.
Jacqueline Leaver
She found the gardens and surrounding walks absolutely beautiful, saying the visit was a real treat. Despite the rain, the interesting guides and serene grounds cheered her afternoon.
Mark Westwood
He loved the charming, atmospheric feel of the cottage tucked away in peaceful woodland. The preserved garden and rural surroundings gave him a vivid sense of history and the landscape that inspired Hardy’s writing.
Francesco Libardoni
He highly recommended a visit, highlighting the lovely garden and the convenience of the nearby café, toilets, and parking. He felt the entire experience—from arrival to exploring the grounds—was smooth and enjoyable.
Sam Burbidge
He called it a wonderful find in a beautiful rural setting. The informative and humorous guided tour, combined with the tranquil gardens, made the visit feel like a real treat.
Map, Location, Directions & Contact Details for Thomas Hardy’s Cottage Garden
All information was believed to correct at the time of publication
Higher Bockhampton
near Dorchester Dorset DT2 8QJ
United Kingdom