Find romance in the depths of Thomas Hardy Country

Visit the landscape that Thomas Hardy used as a backdrop for his tales of love and tragedy.

This is ancient Wessex; home of The Mayor of Casterbridge, Tess, and Jude the Obscure.  

Whilst exploring the beautiful landscape, stop for an ale or a romantic supper in Tess of the D'Urbervilles' ‘Sow and Acorn’ (the Acorn Inn at Evershot) where you can imagine florid farmers and caddish aristocrats flirting with doomed maidens in their low-ceilinged, flag stoned-floored barrooms.  

In Dorchester, Hardy’s Casterbridge, visit his statue and the Dorset County Museum where you can view his recreated study and personal possessions. Max Gate, Hardy’s home of his own design, is located on the edge of town and his cottage birthplace is hidden in woodland nearby at Higher Bockhampton.  

Much of the film adaptation of Far From the Madding Crowd was filmed here also; explore the locations and immerse yourself in the story of Bathsheba Everdene and her many suitors. 

Finally, visit the medieval church in the hamlet of Stinsford. Here Hardy’s heart is buried, alongside his wives, in the place his heart was devoted to....

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