The monument is not for Thomas Hardy, but was built in 1844 in memory of Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy, Flag Captain of HMS Victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. This is the Hardy of Admiral Nelson, with the immortal words 'Kiss me Hardy'. It is situated on National Trust land.

If you are lucky you'll find a van selling snacks and drinks You might need some refreshment if you have cycled or walked.

They say you can see five counties from here on a clear day. The top of the monument is about 853 feet (260 m) above sea level and you can climb to the top of it when open (120 or so steps on a spiral staircase).

The monument can be seen for miles around. The view from the top, south to Weymouth and Portland, northeast to Dorchester and Puddletown Forest, east towards Purbeck and west towards Devon and Cornwall is quite breathtaking. The view is not too shabby from the bottom either.

The monument is not always open and is liable to be closed in bad weather for safety reasons. Car park was 50p an hour and a £2 charge to go up the tower, and free for National Trust members. There are picnic tables and other spots for you to have your own chairs to enjoy the stunning views. Unfortunately no toilet facilities.

For opening hours and more info see
nationaltrust.org.uk/hardy-monument

Jack

August 30, 2021

The climb up to the Hardy Monument from the south is one of those climbs that you initially don't notice, you just slowly start feeling progressively more tired. It doesn't take long before it becomes steeper and more obvious - the climb is well worth the panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding countryside.

Stephen Taylor

September 25, 2024

Spectacular views! And a pat on the back for climbing.

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Details

Informations

Elevation 280 m

Weather

Today

Sunday 23 November

12°C

8°C

70 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 29.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See rides here

Take Me There

Location: Winterbourne Steepleton, West Dorset, Dorset, South West England, England, United Kingdom

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Hardy Monument

Valley of Stones

View of the Jurassic Coast from the B3157

Old Fleet Church

Stone Circle Monument

View of Chesil Beach, The Fleet, and St Catherine’s Chapel

Abbotsbury Abbey Remains

Maiden Castle Neolithic Monument

St. Michael and All Angels Church, Littlebredy

Earthworks in Dorset National Landscape

Hardy Monument

1. Around Portland loop from Dorchester

2. Beaminster, Bridport & Burton Bradstock loop from Dorchester

3. Hardy Monument – View from Crow Hill loop from Upwey

Other Popular Places to Check Out

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️