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In the footsteps of Thomas Hardy and Lawrence of Arabia
Immerse yourself in the beautiful countryside of Dorset which inspired Thomas Hardy, one of our notable novelists and poets. Visit his birthplace and home town which he would still recognise today. Also visit Clouds Hill, the remote, isolated cottage where TE Lawrence spent his last few years before his tragic motorcycle accident. Finish your day with a traditional Dorset Cream Tea.
Meeting Point
In the Dorchester area
Meeting
Dorchester, Dorset
1 mile[1.6km] tour of Dorchester, the county town of Dorset and Hardy's Wessex. In a very small area, you will see evidence of 5000 years of British history from Neolithic to the present day and sites which will be recognisable to those familiar with Hardy's novels.
Hardy's grave at Stinsford, just outside Dorchester
photo opp.
Hardy's birthplace Visitor Centre
Here there is an opportunity for a cup of coffee followed by an attractive walk of around 15 mins through the woods to the very picturesque 200 year old cottage where Hardy was born and where he wrote the first of his novels: Under the Greenwood Tree and Far from the Madding Crowd.
Back to the Visitor Centre
Lunch can be purchased here or on return to Dorchester if you prefer.
Lawrence of Arabia's cottage: Clouds Hill
This is exactly as he left it on that fatal day in 1935. There is a small museum outlining his life and the cottage guides are very knowledgeable and keen to talk about him.
Moreton
Visit TE Lawrence's grave [ which always has flowers on it] and the church which has the most beautiful etched glass windows by Laurence Whistler commissioned after it was bombed in WWII.
Finish your day with a Dorset Cream Tea in The Walled Garden.
End of the tour
Ending Point
In the Dorchester area
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Inclusions & Exclusions
guide fee
transportation fee (you and the guide), refreshments and entrance fees
Tour Important Information
Both Cottages are owned by the National Trust and are free to members. Non-members charge is £8 pp for each visit.
If the weather is wet there is a shorter route to Hardy's Cottage but it is still on foot as there is no public vehicle access.
Cream Teas may not be available in the winter.
Transport is needed between the sites. This will be negotiated between the guide and guests at the time of booking.
Important message from the guide
I have limited availability especially as the season progresses as I often work for the cruise companies from Southampton, Portsmouth and Portland[Dorset]. I will accept bookings while those tours [usually single days] are still provisional.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Dorset Tour Reviews
“A wonderful tour”
Joy is an excellent guide! She is very knowledgeable and kind. We had a big group and every one of us liked her. She tried her best to show us the best of Jurassic Coast. There was a very heavy traffic in one of the places we visit. Joy took us on an alternate route to get there. She is the best!
“Joy is an absolute Joy!”
Totally loved our day touring Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral with Joy. All communication was both timely and clear. She arrived well prepared and presented her tour information thoroughly and passionately. She’s smart, personable and both responsive and responsible— all you need in a top notch tour guide!