21 Apr 2015
Thomas Hardy fever is set to hit Dorset with a new film adaptation of his 1874 novel Far From The Madding Crowd starring the award-winning actress Carey Mulligan.
The film, based on Hardy's fourth novel and his first major literary success, tells the story of the beautiful and fiercely independent Bathsheba Everdene (played by Mulligan) and her relationships with three very different suitors. This timeless story of Bathsheba's choices and passions explores the nature of relationships and love – as well as the human ability to overcome hardships through resilience and perseverance. It will be released in cinemas across the UK on 1 May 2015.
But for those who cannot wait to savor Hardy Country on the big screen, the unspoilt countryside of West Dorset is the ideal destination for both fans of literature and those looking to discover some beautiful scenery. This is the landscape that Thomas Hardy used time and time again as a backdrop for his tales of love and tragedy. Much of the grassy vales and furze-flattened heaths he dubbed 'South Wessex' have remained unchanged to this day.
Moonfleet Manor, a splendid Georgian manor house and hotel, is perfectly situated in West Dorset for those who want to visit Hardy Country and some of the areas featured in the film. Overlooking the World Heritage listed Chesil Beach and Fleet Lagoon near Weymouth in Dorset, the area is rich in natural beauty, with its rolling hills and valleys contrasting with open coastline, huge beaches and magical light.
To celebrate the release of the new film, Moonfleet Manor is offering a midweek package of a two or three night break from £379 which includes breakfast and a two course candlelight dinner each evening.[1] Guests can enjoy all the facilities the hotel has to offer including a swimming pool, crèche, skittle alley and tennis courts. In addition, there are donkey rides on the beach in Weymouth, lovely walks on the coastal path and Corfe Castle is also nearby.
Moonfleet Manor is perfectly placed to visit popular Thomas Hardy destinations too including:
- Dorchester (Casterbridge) – 12 miles from Moonfleet Manor
At the edge of Dorchester is Max Gate, designed by Hardy in 1885, and his home for the rest of his life. Max Gate is now in the care of the National Trust. The Dorset County Museum has a fine collection of Hardy memorabilia, and numerous buildings in the town feature in Hardy novels.
- Higher Bockhampton (Upper Mellstock) – 17 miles from Moonfleet Manor
The lovely thatched Hardy's Cottage is the author's birthplace - now run by the National Trust.
- Puddletown (Weatherbury) – 18 miles from Moonfleet Manor
Hardy's grandfather and great-grandfather were Puddletown natives, and the church gallery was celebrated by Hardy in Under the Greenwood Tree. In Far From the Madding Crowd, Troy spent the night in the church porch.
- Cerne Abbas (Abbot's Cernel) – 20 miles from Moonfleet Manor
The village, more famous for the ancient figure of a giant carved into the hillside, featured in The Woodlanders and Tess of the d'Urbervilles. The tithe barn in Cerne Abbas may also be the model for the great barn in Far From the Madding Crowd.
Other key locations for the film and convenient to visit from Moonfleet Manor include Sherbourne (28 miles), West Bay (17 miles), Forde Abby (36 miles) and Mapperton House (28 miles).
More information is available at www.luxuryfamilyhotels.co.uk or by telephoning the Central Reservations team on 0844 482 2152. Children stay for free in parents' room and children's meals will be charged as taken.
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Ends
For more information:
Maria Boyle Suzanne Trisk
MB Communications Ltd MB Communications Ltd
0208 876 8444 0208 876 8444
0788 764 7855 07710 207164
maria@mbcomms.co.uk suzanne@mbcomms.co.uk
Twitter: @mbcommsltd
- Images available on request at Luxury Family Hotels media photo library. Please contact the PR team for media access.
- http://www.farfromthemaddingcrowdmovie.co.uk/trailer
[1] Rates from £529 for a three night stay. Please note this offer is valid until 30th June. Children stay for free but are charged for meals as taken, supplements apply to larger room categories. This offer is subject to availability and for new reservations only, excludes school holidays. This offer must be pre-paid in full at the time of booking and is non-refundable and non-transferable.
