THREE much-loved buildings that once housed two towering figures are set to open their doors every day of the week.

The homes of Thomas Hardy and TE Lawrence are to expand their opening hours from now until the end of October.

Hardy’s Cottage, Max Gate and Clouds Hill will all be opening their doors seven days a week, meaning more people will have the chance to enjoy them.

The National Trust said that visitor numbers have increased over the past two years making them a little more crowded than usual on some days.

It said that due to an enhanced events programme and additional interpretation, visitors have been drawn in, particularly on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Now, in order to even out these peaks and troughs, and improve the experience and reduce car parking pressures for visitors and neighbours alike, the historic buildings will open each day of the week. This includes Mondays at Hardy’s Cottage now open to visitors on timed ticket entry in advance online, with just eight visitors being taken for each timed entry slot.

Hardy’s Cottage and Max Gate will also be open Thursdays to Sundays from November to the end of February.

Martin Stephen, visitor experience manager, said: “We are currently closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and throughout the November to February winter months, which is a great disappointment to many visitors, some of whom have travelled great distances, and are on short breaks, and expect us to be open. We’re delighted to be able to give more opportunities for visitors to experience these special places, and winter opening will enable them to see the houses through all the changing seasons.”

As well as reducing the numbers in and around the houses at any one time, making for a more relaxed visit, the extra days will provide income to help conserve and maintain the building.

The National Trust said that the cost of maintaining the buildings is ‘considerable’ with work including replacing the original wall tiles at Max Gate, which is costing around £140,000.