Thomas Hardy Victorian Fair 2021

Wednesday, April 21st, 2021

The Thomas Hardy Victorian Fair 2021 is taking place once again on Sunday 6th June 2021!

This year’s celebration of Dorchester’s most famous literary son will be mainly an online experience. Fascinating video presentations will reveal Thomas Hardy’s Casterbridge and Dorchester Through Time.

Dorchester’s heritage organisations will showcase what life was like in Victorian/Edwardian Dorchester. See Dorchester through Thomas Hardy‘s eyes and discover what inspired his writing. Don’t miss this great Dorset celebration!

Watch live

The free online celebration will go LIVE at 11am on 6th June 2021 and can be viewed at: www.thomashardyvictorianfair.co.uk

Live Events

It’s not all virtual though as there will be some live events to enjoy on the day. A Victorian food market will feature a live performance by Tatterdemalion in Borough Gardens. Join free guided tours around Dorchester as well as Victorian craft demonstrations at Shire Hall Historic Courthouse museum.

Guided Walking Tours

Celebrate the Thomas Hardy Victorian Fair with FREE guided walking tours of Dorchester.

The tours are divided into four different parts of Dorchester. Explore the old Roman town walls and the town walks, routes that were very familiar to Thomas Hardy and written about in his novels.

THVF2021 – Morning Walks – Starting at 11:00am

West AM Tour – includes the West Gate, West Walks, the Borough Gardens, Bowling Alley Walks and the South Gate.
South AM Tour – includes the South Gate, South Walks, Gallows Hill, Salisbury Fields and the East Gate.
East AM Tour – includes the water meadows of the River Frome, the Riverside Reserve and the East Gate.
North AM Tour – includes The water meadows of the River Frome, John’s Pond, Colliton Walks and the West Gate.

THVF2021 – Afternoon Walks – Starting at 2:00pm

West PM Tour – includes the West Gate, West Walks, the Borough Gardens, Bowling Alley Walks and the South Gate.
South PM Tour – includes the South Gate, South Walks, Gallows Hill, Salisbury Fields and the East Gate.
East PM Tour – includes the water meadows of the River Frome, the Riverside Reserve and the East Gate.
North PM Tour – includes The water meadows of the River Frome, John’s Pond, Colliton Walks and the West Gate.

All walks start from the Town Pump – with each tour lasting around 60 minutes.

Walks must be booked in advance. Each walk is limited to 15 people. Social-distancing and the wearing of face masks is recommended. Please wear appropriate footwear.

Book your place on the walking tours here.