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Hardy Monument
Monument to Vice-Admiral Hardy
Black Down, Portesham, Dorset, DT2 9HY
Opening times for 3 December 2023
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Open and free to park all year round. Not accessible for wider vehicles.
Dogs
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.
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.
By bicycle
National Cycle Network Route 2 passes alongside Hardy Monument.
Highlights
Monument
Monument to Vice-Admiral Hardy, built in 1844 and standing on an exposed location, above the village of Portesham.
Enjoy the views
This video, funded by the National Grid, shows the stunning panoramic views of the Dorset coast and countryside (please highlight and copy the link, then paste directly into your browser): www.youtube.com/watch?v=7P4N7i5BSOk
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. We also have a Mini Explorer Trail, 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.
Places to stay
Chesil Cottage
A quiet coastal getaway awaits at this seaside cottage set on a farm, with stunning sea views over Chesil beach.
Portland House
Get a spectacular taste of 1930’s glamour in this stunning Art-Deco, Hollywood -Spanish inspired style villa on the Dorset coast.
About Hardy Monument
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.