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Booking your visit to Hardy's House, Max Gate

Smiling child standing on a rock held by his mother in the garden at Max Gate, Dorset
Visitors in the garden at Max Gate, Dorset | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Hardy's House, Max Gate is now closed for the winter while we carry out essential building maintenance and collections care. The house will re-open on 24 March 2026.

Guided visits

On your pre-booked, guided visit to Hardy's House, Max Gate, there will be an introductory walk and talk in the garden and drawing room to give you an introduction.  This will be followed by an opportunity for you to explore the atmospheric Victorian rooms at your leisure.

Visits will last approximately one hour. 

How to book

  • Entry is free for members, but please bring your membership card with you. Non-members will need to pay in advance.
  • Please book one ticket per person, except for children aged 5 or under as they don't need a ticket.
  • There will be an introductory tour every half hour. ​The timeslot is for your arrival time for your tour.
  • Bookings are for your use only and are not available for resale.
  • We'll send your booking confirmation by email. Please make sure you fill in your correct email address when you book to ensure you receive your confirmation email.

Book your visit

Hardy's House, Max Gate is now closed for the winter while we carry out essential building maintenance and collections care. The house will re-open on 24 March 2026.

 

Changing your booking 

If you set up an account when you made your booking, you will be able to amend the date/time of your booking online up to 24 hours before the date of your visit, or by calling 0344 249 1895

If you are a member and can no longer attend, please let us know by giving us a call on 0344 249 1895

 

When you arrive

Your timed ticket allows an arrival window of 10 minutes for checking in. Please aim to arrive promptly to allow for a warm welcome to Hardy's House, Max Gate. If you are more than 10 minutes late for your arrival slot then entry will be at the discretion of the property team.

Visitors and a guide in the garden at Max Gate, Dorset

Book your visit

It is recommended you book a ticket in advance. You can do this via our website or by calling 0344 249 1895.

Check availability and book

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Things to do in the house at Max Gate 

Designed by Thomas Hardy himself, Max Gate is where he wrote some of his greatest novels and poetry, and where he lived until his death in 1928.

Three adults and a baby in a red room in the house at Max Gate

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