Kelmscott Manor

Situated in the charming village of Kelmscott on the River Thames near Lechlade, Kelmscott Manor is a Grade I listed Tudor farmhouse built around 1600 from mellow Cotswold stone. It became the iconic country home of William Morris, poet, designer, craftsman, socialist, and founding father of the Arts and Crafts movement. Morris fell in love with the manor in 1871 for its unpretentious architecture, rich history, and harmonious setting within the surrounding landscape, which inspired many of his most important designs and writings, including the world-famous Willow pattern.

A Historic Home of Creativity and Craftsmanship

Kelmscott Manor was treasured by Morris as a survival of traditional craftsmanship in harmony with the village and countryside. Today, visitors can explore an outstanding collection spanning early 17th-century furniture, furnishings selected by Pre-Raphaelite painter-poet Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and pieces from each of Morris’s London homes, including several designed for the iconic Red House. The presence of Morris’s wife, Jane, and daughter, May, is felt throughout, with beautiful examples of May’s accomplished needlework and designs reflecting her own artistic talent.

Riverside Gardens and the Surrounding Landscape

The manor is surrounded by enchanting riverside gardens, with the River Thames just a few hundred yards away, offering a tranquil and inspirational setting. Beyond the formal gardens, impressive farm barns house the tearoom and gift shop, allowing visitors to enjoy refreshments and browse a selection of curated items amidst the scenic estate.

Restoration and Modern Visitor Experience

After a major £6 million National Lottery Heritage Funded conservation and refurbishment project, Kelmscott Manor has reopened to the public with enhanced educational and recreational spaces. Visitors can now experience the house and gardens in their full historical and aesthetic context, exploring the rooms, collections, and the pastoral surroundings that captivated Morris over 150 years ago.

Planning Your Visit

Open to the public from April to October, Kelmscott Manor offers guided tours, exhibitions, and seasonal events that bring the legacy of Morris and the Arts and Crafts movement to life. The manor provides a rare opportunity to experience a house largely unchanged since Morris’s time, with its rich layers of history, art, and craftsmanship.

Whether you are drawn by its literary and artistic heritage, its evocative Tudor architecture, or the peaceful gardens and riverside setting, Kelmscott Manor offers a unique, immersive experience that captures the essence of William Morris’s vision and creativity.