Discovering Dorset: Hardy’s Cottage & Gold Hill

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RURAL DORSET
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DEPARTURE

OPTIONS

DURATION

8+ HOURS

SMALL GROUP

UP TO 14 PAX
DISCOVERING DORSET
Unveiling the Charm of Rural England

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Hardy’s Cottage & Resting PlaceVisit Hardy’s Cottage, the birthplace of Thomas Hardy, nestled in the Dorset countryside.
  • Dorchester (Lunch) & Roman Town HouseHead to Dorchester for a lunch break in one of its charming cafes or pubs and visit the only example of a fully exposed Roman Town House in the country.
  • Gold Hill ShaftesburyVisit Gold Hill, famous for its steep cobbled street lined with charming, traditional cottages - a quintessential image of rural England
  • Shaftesbury Abbey ruins Take a glimpse into the town's ancient history
  • Cerne Abbas and the Cerne GiantTravel to Cerne Abbas, a picturesque village renowned for the Cerne Giant, a mysterious figure carved into the hillside

REVIEWS

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FULL ITINERARY
Click below to reveal the full itinerary
MORNING
AFTERNOON

Morning: Exploring the Legacy of Thomas Hardy

  • Start your day by immersing yourself in the world of Thomas Hardy at Hardy’s Cottage, his picturesque birthplace in the Dorset countryside.
  • Pay homage at Hardy’s final resting place (his heart!) and visit Max Gate, the residence of his later years, to complete your journey through his life.
  • Take a leisurely stroll through Thorncombe Woods, surrounding the cottage, to appreciate the serene natural beauty.
  • En route, we stop at the remarkable Roman Town House in Dorchester, the only fully exposed example of its kind in Britain.

Lunch: Delights of Dorchester

  • Enjoy a leisurely lunch in the charming town of Dorchester, selecting from a variety of quaint cafes and traditional pubs.
  • Take this opportunity to explore Dorchester’s delightful streets and local shops, soaking in the town’s vibrant atmosphere.

Afternoon: Milton Abbas and Shaftesbury’s Gold Hill

  • Post-lunch, our journey takes us through the picturesque village of Milton Abbas, known for its thatched cottages and tranquil ambience.
  • Continue to the historic town of Shaftesbury.
  • Marvel at the iconic Gold Hill, with its famous steep cobbled street and charming, traditional cottages.
  • Conclude the afternoon with breathtaking views over the Blackmore Vale and a visit to the ruins and museum of Shaftesbury Abbey.

If Time Allows: Cerne Abbas and its Enigmatic Giant

  • If time permits, journey to Cerne Abbas, a village celebrated for its enigmatic hillside carving, the Cerne Giant.
  • Meander through this quintessential village, adorned with thatched cottages and steeped in history.
  • Explore the Cerne Abbas Church or enjoy a brief walk to gain a closer perspective of the Giant, shrouded in mystery and legend.

Scenic Return Journey Through Dorset’s Countryside

  • Wrap up your day with a tranquil drive back, traversing the picturesque Dorset countryside.
  • As you travel, relish the peaceful landscapes and idyllic rural vistas, a perfect time for reflection on the day’s discoveries.
MINIMUM NUMBER POLICY
If you are not choosing a private tour, this tour is subject to a minimum number of passengers to operate. If this number is not met 72 hours before your tour date the tour will be canceled and you will be refunded in full.

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