Bath to Thomas Hardy's Wessex: Private day trip

Max Gate is the name of the modest Victorian home that Thomas Hardy designed and built in Dorchester. He lived here until his death in 1928, and it's where he wrote many of his most famous works. Visitors can appreciate the intimate Victorian atmosphere and view many of Hardy’s personal items, including manuscripts and other memorabilia. The on-site exhibit offers more information about the writer’s life and work. The site is operated by the National Trust and is only accessible from March through October, so visitors should verify opening times before visiting: nationaltrust.org.uk

Visitors to Cerne Abbas are greeted with a timeless English village in the stunning countryside mentioned in Thomas Hardy’s work. The most distinctive feature of the village is the “Cerne Abbas Giant,” a massive chalk figure carved into the hillside. Visitors can stroll through the village and see the ruins of a 10th-century Benedictine abbey, an array of traditional stone colleges, and take a short walk to the Giant viewpoint. This site immerses travelers in Hardy’s Wessex.

Lulworth Cove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a horseshoe-shaped cove featured in Hardy’s “The Well-Beloved.” The sheer natural beauty of this place is due to its almost perfectly circular bay, created through coastal erosion. Visitors can follow the Southwest Coast Path to enjoy stunning views of the beaches below and Durdle Door, a natural limestone arch, or head to the visitor center to learn more about the place’s geology and local history.