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Immerse yourself in Dorset’s rich history and literary heritage on an unforgettable private day tour to Sherborne and Hardy Country with your expert driver-guide.
As you travel in the comfort of our private air-conditioned vehicle, your guide will share fascinating stories of medieval architecture, royal connections, and the landscapes that inspired Thomas Hardy’s most significant works, bringing the region’s history and culture to life.
Here’s a sample itinerary of a private tour on a day trip from Dorset to Sherborne & Hardy Country. However, every tour with Private Tours England is 100% customizable, so if necessary, we can design a unique itinerary tailored to your preferences.
Highlights For This Dorset Tour:
What's Included:
- Private Driver-Guide
- Luxury Tour Vehicle
- Expert Insight
- 15+ Years Experience
Sherborne Abbey & Hardy Country Day Tour Itinerary
Your day trip to Sherborne & Hardy Country begins with your private drive guide collecting you from your Dorset accommodation on the morning of your tour.
Enjoy the scenic drive through countryside roads as your driver guide tells you what to expect from the day ahead. You can sit back and relax in our luxury executive vehicles as your driver guide takes you to the first attraction in Sherborne.
Sherborne Abbey & Town Walk
Your first stop is at one of Dorset’s most magnificent historic landmarks, Sherborne Abbey, renowned for its stunning architecture, deep-rooted history, and spiritual significance. Learn about the Abbey’s past through 1,300 years of history, from Saxon times to today, including its links to King Alfred the Great. Admire the stunning architecture, stained glass, and historical artifacts.
Explore Sherborne Old Castle, a 12th-century ruin once owned by Sir Walter Raleigh. Alongside your driver guide, wander through the impressive remains of the great hall, gatehouse, and defensive walls. Stroll the tranquil grounds with beautiful countryside views as you gain a fascinating glimpse into England’s medieval and Tudor past.
Visit Sherborne Castle & Gardens, the “modern” castle in Sherborne built in 1594 by Sir Walter Raleigh. Raleigh found the Old Castle too outdated and built this castle, which became Raleigh’s historic home. Walk through beautifully preserved rooms filled with fine furniture, paintings, and artifacts from centuries of Digby family history. You can stroll through the landscaped gardens, designed by the legendary Capability Brown, featuring rolling lawns, serene lake views, and vibrant flower displays. Following a tour of the castle and gardens, enjoy a peaceful walk along the 50-acre lake, with spectacular reflections of the castle and surrounding countryside.
Finish your time in Sherborne by exploring the town center, where you will find quaint streets with independent shops and Georgian architecture.
Thomas Hardy Country
After you depart Sherborne, the next stop on your day tour is Hardy Country, a region deeply connected to the Victorian novelist and poet Thomas Hardy.
Your driver guide will take you to Hardy’s Cottage, the charming thatched house where Thomas Hardy was born in 1840. See where his literary journey began and walk through the rooms where he wrote the renowned novel “Far from the Madding Crowd.” Enjoy a short woodland walk in Thorncombe Woods and appreciate some of the landscapes that inspired his work. This is also a rare opportunity to find local wildlife, such as deer, birds, and seasonal wildflowers.
The next stop on your Thomas Hardy journey takes you to Dorchester, the inspiration for the fictional town of “Casterbridge” in Hardy’s novels. Explore the historic town center and visit famous attractions such as the Roman Amphitheatre at Maumbury Rings, where you can walk around the 5,000 year old historic site. Finish at the Dorset County Museum, where you can find Hardy’s study and manuscripts.
Your first stop in Hardy Country was to the birthplace of Thomas Hardy, so it is only fitting to finish at Hardy’s final resting place: St Michael’s Church in Stinsford. Although Hardy’s ashes are buried at Westminster Abbey, his heart is buried here in the churchyard alongside his first wife Emma and family. Hardy was also baptized here and regularly attended services with his family, making it an important pilgrimage site for Hardy fans.
Return to Dorset Accommodation
After a full day exploring Sherborne & Hardy Country, your driver-guide will take you back to your accommodation in Dorset, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s adventures. If you’re looking to make the most of your evening, our knowledgeable guides will be happy to recommend top local restaurants, bars, or attractions to explore in Dorset.
Step 1:
Fill out the form with the destinations & wish-list for your perfect trip. Our specialists will be happy to provide additional ideas & inspiration for your vacation
Step 2:
You will then receive a tailor-made tour itinerary which can be revised an unlimited number of times to ensure total satisfaction and the perfect vacation in England
Step 3:
Your guide will meet you at the pre-arranged starting point. You can count on us for 24/7 in-country support and everything else necessary for a wonderful & seamless tour
Create Your Perfect Sherborne & Hardy Country Day Tour
Love this itinerary but want to make a few changes? At Private Tours England, we specialize in fully customizable experiences, allowing you to design the perfect day trip from Dorset.
Whether you’d like to add extra stops, include specific activities, or adjust the itinerary to suit your schedule, our expert tour planners are here to create a bespoke tour tailored just for you.
Simply fill out the inquiry form below, and we’ll design a personalized tour that matches your interests and travel plans!
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