Thomas Hardy's Wessex

A Three-Night Tour of Discovery and Inspiration

This image may be subject to copyright

Harriet Still - Curator of Wessex Museums Thomas Hardy Exhibition

Thomas Hardy's Wessex
2022 brings a unique opportunity to see the largest collection of objects from the life of the writer Thomas Hardy ever put on display, in four simultaneous exhibitions across Dorset and Wiltshire.

Each of these objects has a different story to tell about this legend of English literature.

While many people know Hardy for his beautifully drawn landscapes and stories of rural life in Dorset, few know the man behind the novels.

Inspired by his local landscapes, the stonemason’s son turned internationally-recognised author used his fame to raise public awareness of the social issues close to his heart.

From visiting the thatched cottage where his story began to discovering how his work influenced the next generation of young war poets, you will have a personal introduction to the ‘Wessex wizard’ and his stunning West Country landscapes from the curator of these four immersive exhibitions.

The expert leading your tour - Harriet Still is curator for the four Wessex Museums’ Thomas Hardy exhibitions at Dorset Museum, Poole Museum, The Salisbury Museum and Wiltshire Museum.

She studied English and History at the University of York before managing Hardy’s Cottage on behalf of the National Trust.

Since this introduction to Hardy, over a decade ago, she has sat on the Council of Management for the Thomas Hardy Society and the Hardy Country steering group, as well as acting in various Hardy productions with the New Hardy Players and playing in Hardy folk band Tatterdemalion.

She has spoken about Hardy on ITV, BBC Radio 4 and Channel 5.

Harriet tempers her academic, historical and literary appreciation of Hardy with the experience of living on a small mixed farm, bringing a very real awareness of the struggle of Hardy’s rural characters whilst being immersed in the Wessex landscapes.

This image may be subject to copyright

Highlights of your holiday

* The Salisbury Museum, home to an exhibition looking at Hardy’s part in campaigning for women’s rights and his difficult relationship with religion
* Salisbury Cathedral, to attend the Choral Evensong
* Max Gate, the house that Hardy designed and built for himself
* Dorset Museum, to explore an exhibition on the social tensions in Hardy’s life and his involvement in the early animal rights movement.
* Weymouth’s Old Harbour, to explore Hardy's love affair with the coast
* Hardy’s Cottage (pictured below), where the author was born and raised
* Poole Museum, to discover more of Hardy's life and work
* Wiltshire Museum, to view Hardy's weird and wonderful ‘Book of Facts’
* Stonehenge, a popular haunt and inspiration for Hardy

Please note that due to COVID restrictions outside of our control, the places we visit on any tour may change. If this happens, we will replace with an appropriate alternative.

Your Tour Map

From your base in Salisbury, our expert guide takes you to a new destination every day.

This image may be subject to copyright

Tour prices

This three-night tour costs from £1,299 per person, based on two sharing if you are taking part in the tours, and from £1,099 if you are not taking part in the daily tours.

There is no single supplement for individuals staying in single rooms, and a small extra charge for individuals in twin or double rooms.

Included in your holiday
* Expert guide
* Luxury hotel accommodation
* Executive minibus travel to all sites, with space so you can always have a spare seat next to you
* Entry to all museums and attractions
* Breakfast and dinner each day

Trips take place 24 - 27 June and 23-26 September

Members of the Thomas Hardy Society can receive a 10% discount from the tour price by quoting STILL10 when booking!

For more information and to book your tour please visit: www.promenadestravel.com

Or contact: team@promenadestravel.com

Phone: +44 (0)7902 906 248

This image may be subject to copyright