Dorset

Hardy's Cottage

Evocative cob and thatch cottage - birthplace of Thomas Hardy

Higher Bockhampton, near Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8QJ

Opening times
Prices
See on map

View of a thatched cottage and the garden running out in front of it, covered in a light dusting of snow

Opening times for 21 December 2024
Asset Opening time
Cottage Closed
Last entry to the cottage is 3pm. Cottage closes at 4pm. Advance booking is essential as visits to the cottage are limited.
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Open

Partially open

Closed
The most accessible walking route to reach Hardy’s Cottage is via the bridlepath running behind the visitor centre. The bridlepath is unsurfaced and can be muddy and uneven. Accessible parking is available behind the cottage for visitors, please phone on the day of your visit to book an accessible parking space (01305 262366). Trampers (all-terrain mobility scooters) are available to hire from the visitor centre. There is no charge, but users must be members of Countryside Mobility. Please ring 01305 251228 to book a Tramper. Virtual Tour laptops and a Braille guide are available at Hardy's Cottage upon request.
Hardy's Cottage - Cottage and Garden - National Trust | AccessAble
Designated parking
Steps/uneven terrain
Narrow corridors
Virtual tour
Seating available
Map
Directions via Google Maps
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.
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 hardyscottage@nationaltrust.org.uk to arrange.
By road - more information
By train
Dorchester South 4 miles; Dorchester West 4 miles
By bicycle
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.
From the Car Park
The cottage is a 15-20 minute walk from the car park, either along a bridle path or through the woodland. Bridlepath: From the car park, walk back up the lane and turn right along the gravel bridlepath. The cottage is at the end of the path, on the right hand side. Woodland: A more tranquil approach, but steep and uneven in places. Follow the path up the slope to the left and turn left at the first branch of the path, signposted 'Hardy's Cottage' on a wooden waymarker. It is not necessary to visit the visitor centre before visiting the cottage but you may wish to use facilities and pick up a leaflet with a map.