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Heritage Open Days - Free access

Join us at Hardy's House, Max Gate for free access to the home of Thomas Hardy as part of the Heritage Open Week. Other National Trust properties which will be opening for free in West Dorset are Hardy Monument and Portland House.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event

The National Trust in West Dorset is opening up three properties for free to celebrate Heritage Open Week. Details are as follows:

Hardy's House, Max Gate - 20th & 21st September, 10.30 - 4.30 (last entry 3:30).

Hardy Monument - 13th & 14th September, 10.30 - 3.00.

Portland House - 19th, 20th & 21st September, 10.30 - 3.00.

Hardy Monument details can be found here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/hardy-monument

Portland House details can be found here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/holidays/dorset/portland-house

All properties are free to enter and no pre-booking required.

Portland House will be offering a beverage unit at site for the duration of the Open Days.

Hardy Monument and Portland House are CASH ONLY sites and will be offering for sale the collectable National Trust pin badges as well as the passport stamps.

Times

The basics

Booking details

No booking required

Upcoming events

Event

The New Hardy Players - poetry readings 

Join The New Hardy Players in Thomas Hardy’s garden where they will be reciting horticulture and nature themed poetry, celebrating Max Gate and other gardens, by Hardy and his contemporaries.

Event summary

on
5 Jul to 15 Jul 2025
at
11:30 to 15:30
+ 1 other date or time
Event

Victorian cooking demonstrations 

Sample delicious Victorian recipes made by our costumed volunteers.

Event summary

on
6 Jul to 26 Oct 2025
at
10:30 to 16:30
+ 13 other dates or times
Event

Festival of Archaeology 

The New Hardy Players will be performing in the garden to celebrate archaeology at Max Gate.

Event summary

on
26 Jul to 27 Jul 2025
at
11:30 to 15:30
+ 1 other date or time
Event

Storytelling sessions - 'The Hand of Ethelberta' 

Hear Hardy's works brought to life during our storytelling sessions, delivered by our passionate team of volunteers.

Event summary

on
27 Jul to 26 Oct 2025
at
11:00 to 16:00
+ 3 other dates or times