Hardy's Birthplace and Thorncombe Wood

Hardy's Birthplace and Thorncombe Wood Dorset Council own this popular Local Nature Reserve, visitor centre and car park. Explore the landscape and childhood home of famed local author Thomas Hardy.

Thorncombe Wood is a mixed woodland and heath is listed on the Ancient Woodland Inventory, home to a great diversity of trees including mature Oaks, Sweet Chestnut and Beech. The woodland gives way to Black Heath, an area of heathland in restoration with its own herd of Dartmoor ponies. Rushy Pond, famous from Thomas Hardy works, is home to amphibians and dragonflies and a hunting ground for resid

ent grass snakes as well as being a watering hole for the ponies and other wildlife. Running through the site is a well preserved Roman Road. This Scheduled Ancient Monument, would have stretched from Dorchester to Badbury Rings. Set in the heart of Hardy Country, the visitor centre is a joint venture between Dorset Council and the National Trust. It was opened in September 2014 as a gateway for local people and visitors alike to discover more about the life and works of Thomas Hardy and the local landscape. The centre is located on the edge of Thorncombe Wood (owned by DC) and is a short walk from Hardy's Cottage (owned by NT), where Thomas was born and lived until he was 34 years old. Online payment for parking can be made at www.parkwithease.co.uk up to 48 hours after your visit

Address

Higher Bockhampton
Dorchester
DT28QH

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