Skip to content
Skip to content

The New Hardy Players - poetry readings

Join The New Hardy Players in Thomas Hardy’s garden where they will be reciting horticulture and nature themed poetry, celebrating Max Gate and other gardens, by Hardy and his contemporaries.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

Members of the cast from The New Hardy Players will be performing poetry readings in the garden at Thomas Hardy’s House, Max Gate. The selected poems are all garden or nature themed, written either by Hardy or other poets from his time. Sit and enjoy listening to poetry surrounded by flowers, plants and trees which have been the inspiration for Hardy and so many other writers. Readings will take place between 11:30am – 3:30pm with short breaks between performances. There is no need to book and visitors are welcome to dip in and out throughout the readings. Normal admission for the venue applies, even if only attending the poetry readings. There will be some limited seating available.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Check admission prices

The basics

Meeting point

The Vegetable Garden, under the apple tree.

Other

Normal admission charges apply, even if only attending the garden event. Please scan your membership card or pay admission at the visitor reception at the Stables upon arrival. This event may be cancelled at short notice if bad weather is forecast.

Upcoming events

Event

Victorian cooking demonstrations 

Sample delicious Victorian recipes made by our costumed volunteers.

Event summary

on
29 Jun to 26 Oct 2025
at
10:30 to 16:30
+ 14 other dates or times
Event

Storytelling sessions - 'The Hand of Ethelberta' 

Hear Hardy's works brought to life during our storytelling sessions, delivered by our passionate team of volunteers.

Event summary

on
29 Jun to 26 Oct 2025
at
11:00 to 16:00
+ 4 other dates or times
Event

Festival of Archaeology 

The New Hardy Players will be performing in the garden to celebrate archaeology at Max Gate.

Event summary

on
26 Jul to 27 Jul 2025
at
11:30 to 15:30
+ 1 other date or time
Event

Heritage Open Days - Free access 

Join us at Hardy's House, Max Gate for free access to the home of Thomas Hardy as part of the Heritage Open Week. Other National Trust properties which will be opening for free in West Dorset are Hardy Monument and Portland House.

Event summary

on
20 Sep to 21 Sep 2025
at
10:30 to 16:30
+ 1 other date or time