Dorchester Walking Festival - In the Footsteps of Hardy's Childhood
Lace up your boots and get ready to explore stunning landscapes and rich history.
- Booking essential
- Admission applies
From Hardy's Birthplace Visitor Centre we will follow in the footsteps of Thomas Hardy’s childhood through Thorncombe Woods, to Rushy Pond, the Roman Road and Rainbarrows returning via Hardy's Cottage. This will be a walk with frequent stops to talk about the poet and novelist's life, to read some of his poetry and prose and to make connections between the landscape and his writing.
This walk is organised by Dorchester Walking Festival. Tickets for the walk are £5 and must be booked via Eventbrite or by phoning 07983897051. To visit Hardy's Cottage a separate ticket must be booked.
Times
The basics
- Booking details
Call 07983897051 Separate bookings must be made to join the walk and to visit Hardy's Cottage.
- Meeting point
Meet outside Hardy's Birthplace Visitor Centre.
- What to bring and wear
Sturdy footwear recommended.
- Accessibility
The walk covers 2 miles in total with some uneven terrain and gentle incline in parts.
- Other
If you would like to visit inside the cottage after the walk you will need to book a separate ticket. We advise booking a ticket from 1pm. Tickets for Hardy's Cottage can be booked via our website or by phoning the booking line on 0344 249 1895.
Upcoming events
Spring flowers in Hardy's Homes
Visit Hardy's Homes to celebrate the arrival of spring with both houses filled with floral displays.
Hardy literary landscape walk
Follow in the footsteps of Hardy's childhood in this guided walk through Thorncombe Wood and Rainbarrows.
Thomas Hardy Walk - Hardy's Cottage to Max Gate (return)
Join us on a free guided walk from Thomas Hardy's birthplace to Max Gate, the house Hardy designed, built and then died.