Skip to content

Booking your visit to Hardy's Cottage

A view of a laden kitchen table inside Granny's Kitchen at Hardy's Cottage, Dorset
Granny's Kitchen at Hardy's Cottage | © National Trust Images / James Dobson

Hardy's Cottage is open for pre-booked, guided visits. Find out how to book, how to change your booking if needed, and what you can expect when you arrive.

Guided visits

On your pre-booked, guided visit, there will be a 15 minute introductory talk in the garden to share the stories and background to Hardy's Cottage followed by an opportunity for you to explore the atmospheric cob and thatch cottage at your leisure and enjoy wandering through the garden.

Visits to Hardy's Cottage will last approximately 1 hour.

How to book

  • Entry is free for members, but please bring your membership card with you. Non-members will need to pay in advance.
  • Please book one ticket per person, except for children aged 5 or under as they don't need a ticket.
  • You'll need to choose an arrival time for your visit.
  • There will be an introductory tour every half hour. The timeslot is for your arrival time for your tour.
  • Bookings are for your use only and are not available for resale.
  • We'll send your booking confirmation by email. Please make sure you fill in your correct email address when you book to ensure you receive your confirmation email.

Book your visit

Check availability and book your visit to Hardy's Cottage

Changing your booking

If you set up an account when you made your booking, you will be able to amend the date/time of your booking online up to 24 hours before the date of your visit, or by calling 0344 249 1895

If you are a member and can no longer attend, please let us know by giving us a call on 0344 249 1895

When you arrive

Members will need to present their membership card to staff at the ticket kiosk by the garden gate for scanning.

Your timed ticket allows an arrival window of 10 minutes for checking in. Please aim to arrive promptly to allow for a warm welcome to Hardy's Cottage. If you are more than 10 minutes late for your arrival slot then entry will be at the discretion of the property team.

You might also be interested in

Hardy's Cottage in autumn in late afternoon sunshine in Dorset.
Article
Article

Things to see and do at Hardy’s Cottage 

Explore the simple thatched cottage where Thomas Hardy was born and raised, and the surrounding woodland landscape that greatly influenced his work.

A family sat enjoying drinks and snacks outside the café and visitor centre at Hardy's Cottage, Dorset
Article
Article

Eating and drinking at Hardy's Cottage 

Visit the dog-friendly café at Hardy's Birthplace Visitor Centre, an independent family-run business that prides itself on using local produce for its varied menu.