Start your day with a visit to Thomas Hardy's birthplace at Higher Bockhampton, set amongst peaceful heath and woodland and owned by The National Trust. Then visit nearby Stinsford church (home to the Mellstock Quire in Under The Greenwood Tree) where his heart lies buried alongside his two wives and near his parents and family. On then to the home he designed and built for himself at Max Gate (also National Trust) where he wrote some of his most famous novels, including Tess of the d'Urbervilles and Jude the Obscure, as well as much of his poetry. The house is furnished in the style of the day and garden is much as it was originally planned. Finally, on to the county town of Dorchester to visit The Dorset Museum where you can see a recreation of his study including his desk and personal belongings as well as childhood toys and family portraits. End your day with afternoon tea in the museum café or a drink at The Kings Arms where he wrote much of The Mayor of Casterbridge.