latedaytraveler

Just wondering if anyone has visited the THOMAS HARDY COTTAGE in Dorset as a day trip by rail from London? I believe that the distance between the birthplace and Dorchester station is about four miles. Obviously I would need to engage a taxi from the train station to the site. I am NOT interested in renting a car.

I expect to be in London in June. Any experiences/ suggestions about this jaunt would be appreciated. I understand that this is a National Trust property which is closed for the winter so I could not inquire directly at this time. Thank you …

janisj

I've never done it as a day trip since I'd always have a car when in the SW, but the train takes about 2:45 from either Waterloo or Paddington, so with the taxis and getting to/ from Waterloo or Paddington you are looking at 6.5 or 7 hours just in transit.

I know I personally wouldn't spend that much time traveling for an hour at hardy's cottage.

MmePerdu

I've been to the cottage, walked from Dorchester as I was there on a longer walk along the SW Coast Path. Of course it could be done but I'm wondering if it would be worth it. It's a lovely spot but, except for it's association with Hardy, I'd say a minor site when the National Trust holding are viewed as a whole. The garden is a big part of the experience so June would be a good time. But still, it's a small house, interesting but unless you have a particular interest in Hardy sites you'd get more bang for your effort at many other places closer to London. But if Hardy is the point then no particular reason not to go.

latedaytraveler

Janisj and MmePerdu, thank you for your interest. I am a huge fan of Hardy and am currently reading his bio which emphasizes how important the topography, roads, towpaths, meadows and general surrounds of his homeplace are in his fiction.

Agreed, the jaunt there and back would be most time consuming.

Megdorset

It would be a long day trip but is do-able.

Maxgate - Hardy's home - is also open to the public and there is more to see there. This is a 15 minute walk from the train station.

However it is worth noting that neither of these are open every day - check the National Trust website for details.

latedaytraveler

Megdorset, obviously these sites are in your lovely neck of the woods.

How far apart are Maxgate and the Hardy Cottage? Is taxi service generally available from the train station? I would certainly check the National Trust website before venturing that far from London on myown.

Thank you for your comments.

Megdorset

Hi

Maxgate and Hardy's cottage are 3 miles apart. The quickest route takes you past a lot of the meadows you mentioned.

There is a taxi rank right outside the station. The station you would need from London is Dorchester South.

latedaytraveler

Thank you, Meg... good to know.

livetoroam

The Dorset County Museum has a Hardy section that is good. They have his study there, it is not at Max Gate. We did the museum, Max Gate and his birthplace in one day and had time to stop by Clouds Hill, Lawrence of Arabia's home.

latedaytraveler

Hi livetoroam,

Thanks for your input - sounds like a great day. I am not sure that I will attempt this jaunt on public transportation from London, but I enjoy hearing from others who have been these Hardy sites.

janisj

If you can spring a coupe of days -- there is a LOT to see in Dorset/Somerset.

latedaytraveler

Hi Janisj,

I am enjoying your present trip report and appreciate that you know England well. I will be traveling solo, staying in central London for 6-7 days polishing off those museums/sites/curiosities which I missed on recent trips. I am considering adding a Rabbies tour of Devon and Cornwall –

http://www.rabbies.com/tours_england...our.asp?lng=en

On a previous tour of West Country, we stayed in Plymouth and Bristol whereas this Rabbies tour features two nights each in Essex and Falmouth. That’s good. I am a bit leery of this type of tour because I am not sure of the accommodations – I would choose the hotel option.

I know that this excursion does not go near Dorset and Hardy country. I particularly interested in seeing Dartmoor which is on the itinerary. As I mentioned above, I am not interested in driving at all. Decisions, decisions…