This is ‘Heaven on Earth’ wrote the philosopher and designer William Morris when he visited Kelmscott Manor, the beautiful historic manor house overlooking the Thames near Lechlade.
Morris rented the Manor in 1871 as the perfect retreat for his family from their busy lives in London where he had his successful design and printing business.
He loved the River Thames and its tributaries, and created several designs for wallpapers and textiles inspired by his experiences of boating, fishing and walking.
Today creativity and imagination thrive at Kelmscott Manor. It is a lovely place to visit when you’re walking the Thames Path, which passes through the pretty water meadows where William Morris and his family walked.
The Thames Path stays close to the river’s edge along the bank, following every bend and turn in the river between Kelmscott and the picturesque Cotswold town of Lechlade. The River Thames becomes navigable here, so you can hire a narrow boat or spend the day paddling with Cotswold Canoe Hire.
Kelmscott Manor is open to the public from April to October, and hosts many craft workshops and events. Take a stroll around the gardens and enjoy homemade food from the licensed tearoom.
Stop off at The Plough Inn at Kelmscott, which has eight bedrooms decorated with William Morris designs, a pretty garden and log fires.
Useful links:
Cotswold Canoe Hire https://www.cotswoldcanoehire.co.uk/
Kelmscott Manor https://kelmscottmanor.org.uk/
The Plough Inn https://theploughinnkelmscott.com/
Lechlade Community Library and Tourist Information Centre https://www.facebook.com/p/Lechlade-Community-Library-and-Tourist-Information-Centre-61553254925655/
