Tuesday 28th July 2026
Starts 15:00 until 16:30
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery High West St, Dorchester DT1 1XA

The Mayor of Casterbridge Walk

A walking tour of Hardy's novel set in Victorian Dorchester

Led by Alastair Braidwood

Date: Tuesday, 28th July 2026

Time: 3.30pm

Cost: £10.00 - THS Conference ticket holders

£12.00 - THS members

£15.00 - Non-members

Meet: Outside Dorset Museum & Art Gallery

Included in the 2026 THS Conference & Festival Programme

Priority booking for Full Conference Ticket Holders

Booking Open to others from 2nd June 2026 (Subject to availability)

Join Alastair Braidwood for an entertaining walking tour of landmarks featured in Thomas Hardy’s "The Mayor of Casterbridge" with associated readings of Hardy's poetry and prose.

See Casterbridge through Thomas Hardy's eyes and discover the places and buildings that inspired him to write the novel.

The tour will visit the The King's Arms where Susan and Elizabeth-Jane first observed Michael Henchard in his role as Mayor and The Ring, where Susan and Henchard had their tryst. Visit the site of Henchard's house in South Street and High Place Hall, the home of Lucetta Templeman Follow Henchards footsteps round the town and visit the spot where the critical meeting with Donald Farfrae took place and where Farfrae hosted his successful tented festival despite the weather. Retrace Henchard's walk along the river path and Ten Hatches weir which had such an impact on him.

Meet outside Dorchester Museum & Art Gallery at 3.00pm, returning around 4.30pm.

Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable footwear.

Approximately 2 hours of mostly paved walking, except Maumbury Rings.