Follow the life of this literary giant, from his humble birthplace to the church where his heart lies buried, on this full-day private tour.
Start your day with a visit to Thomas Hardy's birthplace at Higher Bockhampton, set amongst peaceful heath and woodland and owned by The National Trust. Then visit nearby Stinsford church (home to the Mellstock Quire in Under The Greenwood Tree) where his heart lies buried alongside his two wives and close-by his parents and family.
On then to the home he designed and built for himself at Max Gate (also National Trust) where he wrote some of his most famous novels, including Tess of the d'Urbervilles and Jude the Obscure, as well as much of his poetry. The house is furnished in the style of the day and garden is much as it was originally planned.
Finally, to Dorchester, Dorset's County Town where you can visit the museum which has a recreation of Hardy's study which he bequeathed to the museum on his death and perhaps call in at The King's Arms where he wrote much of The Mayor of Casterbridge for a drink or afternoon tea.
£400
April to September