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Kelmscott Manor (William Morris)

Posted by (California (Central Coast)) on

My husband is a fan of William Morris.

About 5 years ago we visited a small museum in Walthamstow, on the northern edge of London. Now he'd like to visit William Morris's beloved estate called Kelmscott Manor. This seems to be near the southern edge of the Cotswolds.

Has anyone gone to Kelmscott Manor?
What would be the simplest way to get there from London (Clapham)?
We are American seniors and don't enjoy driving on the left much longer than necessary. So I'm thinking a train to somewhere, then renting a car with automatic?
Would this be best as a one day round trip from London, or an overnight, staying somewhere nearby?

Just wondered what someone who knows the place or the area would recommend?
Thanks, Nancy

Posted by
859 posts

It’s a beautiful place but tricky by public transport.

https://www.sal.org.uk/kelmscott-manor/plan-your-visit/directions-to-kelmscott-manor/

You could get a train from London to Oxford and pick up a rental car, although it might well be worth negotiating with a local (Oxford) taxi firm for a good rate for the journey from Oxford to Kelmscott.

I think automatic cars are in short supply outside of major cities and also rental cars are pretty pricey at the moment so a taxi might be cost-effective and reassuring.

I suggest Oxford rather than other nearby towns like Swindon as Oxford itself has a lot to see as well and you could make a nice long day or overnight.

From London, trains run to Oxford from either Paddington or Marylebone, both in central London - or as you will be starting from Clapham, you could get a train from Clapham Junction to Reading and change there.

That’s how I would do it in your circumstances but I guess it would depend on cost.

I don’t know any Oxford taxi firms but googling would find a few for you, and I think most would be happy to sort a price for you with an arranged pick-up afterwards.

Kelmscott is not big, but there are gardens and a cafe. Remember that opening days and hours are very limited - 11am to 4pm, Thursdays to Saturdays, April to October.

Posted by
197 posts

I am also a fan of William Morris.

"Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."

Posted by
52 posts

Thank you very much for the information and advice.

It sure isn't easy to visit! And the Thurs-Sat schedule is not what we hoped for.
I appreciate the advice about Swindon vs Oxford. That roundabout is crazy complicated!

If we have a Th-Fri available, I'll look for an automatic rental car in Oxford and spend the night in a nearby part of the Cotswold's. If not available we'll skip it on the current trip.
I'm packing and leaving in a few hours.
Thanks again.
Nancy

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