Hardy's House, Max Gate
Max Gate, Alington Avenue, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 2FN
Max Gate, an austere but sophisticated town house a short walk from the town centre of Dorchester, was the home of Dorset's most famous author and poet Thomas Hardy. Hardy, who designed the house in 1885, wanted to show that he was part of the wealthy middle classes of the area, to reflect his position as a successful writer, and to enable him to enter polite society. The house was named after a nearby tollgate keeper called Henry Mack. The tollgate was known locally as ‘Mack’s Gate’, which Hardy then used with a different spelling when he named his house, ‘Max Gate’.
Many of Hardy's possessions were dispersed before we acquired the house, but we've furnished the rooms for you to enjoy the spaces he created to write and live in. He wrote some of his most famous novels here, including Tess of the d'Urbervilles and Jude the Obscure, as well as much of his poetry.
You will find the garden much as it was originally planned, with high walls and large trees encircling the property to preserve Hardy's privacy. The sundial, designed by Hardy, was erected by his late wife, Florence, in his memory.
If you are feeling energetic we are also offering a free guided walk from Hardy's Cottage to Max Gate which takes you past the church where Hardy's heart is laid to rest. You can find details of this walk and how to book via the National Trust, Hardy Cottage webpage.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 20 September:
- 1030-1630, last admission at 1530.
- Saturday 20 September:
- 1030-1630, last admission at 1530.
- Sunday 21 September:
- 1030-1630, last admission at 1530.
- Sunday 21 September:
- 1030-1630, last admission at 1530.
Location & directions
Max Gate, Alington Avenue, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 2FN
- Directions:
- What3Words ///vanished.hoping.eliminate We only have onstreet parking. Please park in a considerate fashion, respecting our neighbours drives and access.
- Contact on day:
- Tony Eggleston
- Telephone number:
- +441305262538
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Max Gate has toilet facilities (not disabled). There is no car park at Max Gate - limited parking is available on the street. There is a 50-yard walk to the house from the street. Visitors with limited mobility can be dropped off by vehicle at the front door. Large print guidebook is available. Ramped access is available to downstairs rooms. Virtual tour laptop is available to show pictures of the upper level rooms. There are narrow corridors and uneven terrain on the drive and in the garden. Visitor seating is available in most rooms.
