The Thomas Hardy Tour
The Thomas Hardy Tour
Far from the Madding Crowd, Tess of the d'Urbervilles, Life's Little Ironies - If you've heard of these titles, then you know who this tour relates to. One of the most renowned poets and novelists in English literary history, if you're a Hardy fan, then this is one tour you don't want to miss!
Day tour 6-7 hrs Tour (1hr Lunch)
Some walking involved
Accommodates 2 -16 passengers (Private Tour Available)
Itinerary
- Hardy Statue
- Hardy Birth Place Cottage
- Dorchester
- Max Gate
- Hardy Resting Place
- Stinsford Church
Itinerary Highlights
Thomas Hardy was born in 1840 in the English village of Higher Bockhampton in the county of Dorset. He died in 1928 at Max Gate, a house he built for himself and his first wife, Emma Lavinia Gifford, in Dorchester, a few miles from his birthplace. We visit the his statue, birthplace the evocative cob and thatch cottage & visitor centre, the house he built Max Gate and his final resting place.
Hardy Birthplace
Thomas Hardy's Cottage, in Higher Bockhampton, Dorset, is a small cob and thatch building that is the birthplace of the English author Thomas Hardy. A guide to all the rooms you can explore in Hardy's Cottage, from the cosy parlor where the family gathered to the bedroom where Hardy wrote.
Max Gate
Max Gate is the former home of Thomas Hardy and is located on the outskirts of Dorchester, Dorset, England. Hardy designed and lived in Max Gate from 1885 until his death in 1928. It was here that he wrote Tess of the d'Urbervilles, Jude the Obscure and The Mayor of Casterbridge.
Hardy Resting Place
We then move on to Thomas Hardys resting place. St Michael's Church, There has been worship at the site since at least Norman times, but the only remaining parts of the earliest structure are the sculpture of St Michael, inside the west wall of the south aisle, and the restored Purbeck Marble Font.
Stinsford 'Mellstock'
Stinsford is the original 'Mellstock' of Hardy's novels Under the Greenwood Tree and Jude the Obscure. Hardy's heart is buried in the churchyard, alongside the grave of his first wife Emma Lavinia Gifford who died in 1912 and his second wife, Florence Dugdale.
Customer Comments
Jeff B.
UK
Thomas Hardy, one of my favorite subjects..And would you believe it, he lived here in Dorset! What I liked about this tour, was the free time we had at each house. Hardy fans really cant get better than these sights. The Hardy Cottage in it's original gardens and Max Gate House which built when a little more affluent. A great little tour! Thank you.
TRAVEL ADVICE
The Hardy Cottage opens at 11AM. Tickets can be bought for the cottage and Max Gate online. Our guides are unable to guide within the properties as they are owned by English Heritage. You have free time at these sights.
PRIVATE TOURS
Want to visit Hardy County with just family or friends? Then a DayTrippa private tour is the way to go! Private tour sizes from 2-16.
Why a Private tour?
>Customize your tour>Go at your own pace
>Get away from the crowds
>Access more intimate spots than a BIG BUS tour
>Your day is flexible
>Spend more time in the places YOU want!