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Hardy Monument
Monument to Vice-Admiral Hardy
Black Down, Portesham, Dorset, DT2 9HY
Opening times for 1 May 2025
Asset Opening time Hardy Monument Closed Car park Dawn - Dusk MTWTFSS282930123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930311OpenPartially openClosed- Car park
Open and free to park all year round. Not accessible for wider vehicles.
- Dogs allowed
Dog walkers are welcome but please keep an eye out for signs throughout your visit. Using a short lead helps to keep your dog from disturbing ground-nesting birds and farm animals. It's essential to use a short lead around sheep. Please always clear up after your dog. and take the poo bags home with you.
The car park surface is a mainly loose stone, with exposed earth and grass in some areas. It is approximately 10 metres from the monument across loose gravel. There are no toilet facilities at the monument or in the car park. The monument closes 4pm with last entry at 3.30pm. Due to the remote nature of this site and unpredictable weather patterns opening and closing times could vary.
- Steps/uneven terrain
- By road
Hardy Monument lies next to the lane between Martinstown and Abbotsbury. It is also easily accessible from the B3157 at Portesham and the A35 at Winterbourne Abbas.
Sat Nav: Grid ref: SY612876.
- On foot
From Portesham follow the lane north-east uphill. Descend to Black Down Farm. Fork left and follow the South Dorset Ridgeway uphill through the wood.
- By train
Dorchester train station is 6.5 miles. Weymouth train station is 9 miles.
- By bus
First X53 stops at Portesham. Alight at the Kings Arms and it's a 40 minute walk to the monument.
- Cycling
National Cycle Network Route 2 passes alongside Hardy Monument.
Plans for the future
Article
Walk with us: guided walks in Dorset
This year we've got a packed programme of walks exploring Dorchester, Bridport, the Golden Cap Estate, Lyme Legis and beyond. If you want to get out and explore, this is for you.
Article
Our work: grazing at the Hardy Monument
Learn how Belted Galloway cows have been helping us restore and conserve the heathland covering the top of the hill at the Hardy Monument over the last few years.
Highlights
The 72ft Monument
Monument to Vice-Admiral Hardy, built in 1844 and standing on an exposed location, above the village of Portesham. Climb to the 120 steps to the top of the monument on certain days through the year and enjoy breathtaking views across Dorset and beyond.
Enjoy the views
On a clear day you can see Start Point, Devon and St. Catherine’s Point on the Isle of Wight, both of which are around 65 kilometres (40 miles) away, and to the north Pen Hill in the Mendip Hills, which is also around 65 kilometres (40 miles) away.
Go for a walk
The Hardy Monument is well positioned to walk well trodden footpaths out to the Jurassic Coast, or take in shorter routes which allow you to explore the local geology or archaeology that makes this site so special.
Family trail and brass rubbing
Pretend you're a young Vice-Admiral Thomas Hardy and head out on a Mini Explorer Adventure. This waymarked route is around 1 - 1.5 hours long and has 9 checkpoints to find with a brass rubbing and a fun task at each point. Ideal for families.
Things to see and do
Trail
Mini Explorer Trail and Brass Rubbing
The Mini Explorer Trail takes you on an adventure around the land surrounding Hardy Monument, there are fun tasks to complete on your way round and children are encouraged to enjoy the views and the nature which surrounds them.
PDF
PDF
Click here to download your free copy of the Mini Explorer Trail
Pretend you are a young Vice-Admiral Thomas Hardy and head out on a Mini Explorer adventure. This waymarked route is around 1 - 1.5 hours long and has 9 checkpoints to find with a brass rubbing and a fun task at each point. Ideal for families. This document is the downloadable trail booklet which contains everything you need. It is packed with fun facts, different activities to do at each brass rubbing post and a map. It is recommended you download the booklet before setting out on your adventure.
Article
Climb, play, watch, learn
Hardy Monument has something for everyone, from breathtaking walks, to fun trails, interesting historical facts and picnic spots with wheelchair accessible benches. We hope everyone will takeaway something memorable from a visit to Hardy Monument.
Upcoming events
Event
Hardy Monument - circular guided walk
An opportunity to explore the Dorset Landscape as you head from Hardy Monument to the Valley of Stones, Littlebredy and back to the National Trust, Hardy Monument car park.
Event
Wildlife Wander for families at Hardy Monument
A wildlife wander designed for families, children and young people, but everyone is welcome. This will be a fun and easy walk led by National Trust ecology volunteers.
Event
Guided Walk - South Dorset Ridgeway
Join our expert archaeologist along a section of the South Dorset Ridgeway. This guided walk provides the opportunity to learn about one of the UK’s most significant ancient, ceremonial landscapes.
About Hardy Monument
The Hardy Monument was built in 1844 in memory of Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy, Flag Captain of HMS Victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. Amongst other things, Hardy became famous because it was in his arms that Nelson died, saying the immortal words ‘Kiss me, Hardy’. The National Trust became owners of the site in 1938 and have maintained it ever since. To find out more about the Monument and the views you could expect to enjoy whilst at this site take a moment to watch these two videos, both funded by the National Grid: Hardy Monument Discovery Video - This film is filled with interesting facts as well as stunning imagery. Hardy Monument- View from Hardy Locations - YouTube - This is a pin drop video which gives a 360°Panorama from the top of Hardy Monument and shows the location of key landmarks.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with the Hardy Monument.