Hardy Monument
A towering tribute to Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Hardy, offering breathtaking 360° views of the Dorset countryside.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
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Hardy Monument
Best Time
Best visibility for views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A towering tribute to Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Hardy, offering breathtaking 360° views of the Dorset countryside.
"Glad we did.. very exposed location, this 8 sided landmark with amazing 360 views is worth a visit.."
🎯 Climb for the Best Views
Climb the 120 steps to the top for unparalleled 360° views. Free for National Trust members!
🚗 Free Parking Available
Ample free parking is available from dawn till dusk, making it a great base for exploration.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic 360° Views
Top of the Monument
Spectacular vistas across the Dorset countryside, towards Portland and the Jurassic Coast. On clear days, catch glimpses of the Isle of Wight.
Historic Landmark
Blackdown, Portesham
A towering 72ft monument built in 1844 to honor Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Hardy, Flag Captain of HMS Victory.
Scenic Walking Trails
Surrounding countryside
Explore marked trails with options for hiking and dog walking, passing by stone circles and gorse in bloom.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Accessing the Monument and Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Climb for the Best Views
Climb the 120 steps to the top for unparalleled 360° views. Free for National Trust members!
🚗 Free Parking Available
Ample free parking is available from dawn till dusk, making it a great base for exploration.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Walks
Enjoy the surrounding countryside with your furry friends on the many dog-friendly walking trails.
☕ Coffee Van On-Site
A coffee van is often present, perfect for a warm drink while enjoying the scenery.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Climb for the Best Views
Climb the 120 steps to the top for unparalleled 360° views. Free for National Trust members!
🚗 Free Parking Available
Ample free parking is available from dawn till dusk, making it a great base for exploration.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Walks
Enjoy the surrounding countryside with your furry friends on the many dog-friendly walking trails.
☕ Coffee Van On-Site
A coffee van is often present, perfect for a warm drink while enjoying the scenery.
📸 Foggy Morning Magic
Capture unique shots like fog bows and glories during misty mornings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Hardy Monument for its breathtaking 360-degree views and its historical significance. The free parking and surrounding walking trails are also highlighted as major positives, making it a great spot for picnics and outdoor activities. Some visitors note that the tower's opening times can be limited, and the exposed location can be windy.
"Took a detour to visit vice admiral hardy's monument, glad we did.. very exposed location, this 8 sided landmark with amazing 360 views is worth a visit.. large carpark with free parking (dawn to dusk)... With Seats and plenty of grassed area to sit and have a picnic.. interest boards dotted around some with walks to follow, so this makes a great starting point.. The tower is open certain times of the year, national trust members can climb the tower for free...."
Trevor Smith
"A great place to visit with far reaching views across Dorset to Portland, Dorchester and if you're really lucky-the Isle of Wight. Free parking and plenty of walks for you and your dog. Go at the weekend and you can climb to the top of the monument which is free if you're a National Trust member."
Marysia Lane
"Great views from the Hardy monument and walks through areas nearby. (Search on alls like Kamoot or All Traile). You can see across to the Isle of Portland and surrounds. The gorse was in full bloom in mid-April."
Dean Ginsburg
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hardy Monument is located on Blackdown, near Portesham in Dorset. It's accessible by car, with a large, free car park available from dawn till dusk.
Public transport options are limited. It's best to travel by car or consider it as part of a longer cycling or hiking route. 
The monument is situated above the village of Portesham. Nearby towns include Weymouth and Dorchester.
Yes, it's a popular spot for cyclists, offering scenic routes through the Dorset countryside.
Absolutely! The monument is a great starting point for walks on the South Dorset Ridgeway, with marked trails available. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the grounds and the car park is free. However, climbing the tower may have a fee unless you are a National Trust member.
The grounds are generally accessible from dawn till dusk. The tower itself has specific opening times, often on weekends during certain parts of the year. It's best to check with the National Trust for current access.
Yes, you can climb the 120 steps to the top of the monument. National Trust members can climb for free.
No advance booking is typically required for general access to the monument grounds. Climbing the tower may be on a first-come, first-served basis during open times.
Opening hours for climbing the tower vary seasonally and are often limited to weekends. Check the National Trust website for the most up-to-date information.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful light for photography. Misty mornings can create dramatic scenes with fog bows.
You can capture stunning landscapes, the monument itself, and even night sky shots like the Milky Way.
Yes, look out for fog bows and glories on misty mornings, and consider astrophotography with the monument as a foreground subject.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations and landowner permissions. Always check current rules before flying.
Experiment with different angles from the surrounding fields and trails. The view from the top offers a unique perspective looking down.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Enjoy the panoramic views, climb the tower (when open), explore the surrounding walking trails, and have a picnic. +1
There is a large car park. A coffee van is often present, but other facilities like restrooms might be limited, so plan accordingly.
Yes, it's a great spot for families to enjoy the outdoors, have a picnic, and learn a bit of history. The climb might be challenging for very young children.
Absolutely! There are plenty of grassy areas perfect for picnics with fantastic views.
The area is rich in natural beauty, and you might spot various birds and enjoy the flora, especially when the gorse is in bloom.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing along some binoculars for spotting landmarks in the distance. The information boards can also provide educational insights into the monument's history and the local area. Remember to pack snacks and drinks, as facilities are limited, and wear comfortable shoes for walking.
🚶 Hikers and Nature Lovers
Dog owners will appreciate that the trails are dog-friendly, making it a perfect outing for the whole family. The chance to discover ancient stone circles and formations adds an element of historical discovery to your hike.
📸 Photographers
The monument itself offers strong architectural lines and can be photographed from various angles in the surrounding landscape. For those seeking unique shots, consider visiting on a misty morning to capture atmospheric scenes like fog bows.
The rural setting also makes it a good spot for astrophotography, with the monument providing a striking foreground for the night sky. Remember to check for any drone regulations if you plan to use aerial photography. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Hardy
+2Its construction in such an exposed location on the South Dorset Ridgeway was deliberate, ensuring it would be a prominent landmark visible from afar. The monument's design is an eight-sided structure, a testament to its historical significance and the enduring respect for Sir Thomas Hardy's naval career.
Today, the monument is managed by the National Trust, which acquired it in 1938. Visitors can learn about its history through information boards dotted around the site and, when open, climb to the top for breathtaking views, further connecting with the legacy of this important historical figure.
Exploring the Dorset Countryside
Visitors can expect to encounter rolling hills, open fields, and, depending on the season, vibrant displays of wildflowers. The gorse, for instance, is noted to be in full bloom in mid-April, adding a splash of color to the surroundings.
For those who enjoy hiking and nature, the trails around the Hardy Monument provide ample opportunity for exploration. Whether you're looking for a short stroll or a more challenging hike, the well-marked paths cater to various fitness levels. It's also a dog-friendly area, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts with their canine companions.
Photography Opportunities
Beyond the grand views, the monument itself is a photogenic subject. Its imposing structure against the sky, especially during sunrise or sunset, creates dramatic compositions. Photographers have also captured unique atmospheric phenomena, such as fog bows and glories on misty mornings, adding an ethereal quality to their shots.
The surrounding countryside also offers photographic potential, with wildflowers and ancient formations providing interesting foreground elements. For those interested in astrophotography, the monument can serve as a compelling foreground element for capturing the Milky Way or other celestial sights, especially given its relatively rural location away from major light pollution.
Drone enthusiasts can also find unique perspectives, though it's crucial to be aware of and adhere to all local regulations and permissions. +1
Social
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