William Morris and the Pre-Raphaelites Tour
William Morris and the Pre-Raphaelites Tour
3 Days Starting and ending in Swindon, United Kingdom
Visiting: Swindon, Oxford, Kelmscott
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 36
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Special Guest Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Immerse yourself in the world of William Morris and the Pre-Raphaelites on this captivating tour. Explore Morris' newly restored country home, Kelmscott Manor, and marvel at the exquisite "Legend of the Briar Rose" by Burne-Jones at the 18th-century Neoclassical Buscot Park. Discover the rich history of Oxford, including a visit to the Ashmolean Museum and the stunning Morris & Co stained glass windows at Christ Church. Enjoy insightful talks from Morris expert Prof. Anne Anderson, and relax in the comfortable Blunsdon House Hotel, Swindon. This tour includes guided tours, admissions, meals, and coach transfers, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1:
Location: Swindon
Accommodation Name: Blunsdon House Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive independently at the Blunsdon House Hotel, Swindon from 15.00. This evening there will be a welcome reception, dinner with wine and a talk by your expert host – ‘William Morris at Kelmscott Manor’.
Day 2: Morris’ Oxford.
Location: Oxford
Accommodation Name: Blunsdon House Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A full day exploring Morris’ time in Oxford starting with a visit to the superb Ashmolean Museum, Britain’s oldest public museum, founded in 1683, with a world-famous collection ranging from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art. After time for lunch (not included) our afternoon in the city of dreaming spires continues with a visit to the fabled Oxford Union, including the Old Library – one of the largest lending libraries in Oxford. Finally we head to magnificent Christ Church with its outstanding Morris & Co. stained glass windows. Return to the hotel where, this evening, there will be a second lecture by your expert host – ‘The Pre-Raphaelites in Oxford’ and dinner.
Day 3: Kelmscott Manor And Buscot Park.
Location: Kelmscott
Accommodation Name: Blunsdon House Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We start our day with a visit to Kelmscott Manor, which has reopened in 2022 after a two-year conservation project. Kelmscott was William Morris’ inspirational country home from 1871 until his death in 1896 and contains an outstanding collection of works by Morris and his associates. Here we will enjoy a private visit and guided tour and finish with a ploughman’s lunch before heading on our way. This afternoon we will enjoy a visit to the 18th century neoclassical Buscot Park. The estate and its contents were left to the National Trust in 1956, including works of art by Rembrandt and, in the music room, friend and collaborator of Morris, Sir Edward Coley Burne Jones’ ‘The Legend of the Briar Rose’, inspired by the fairy-tale Sleeping Beauty. Return to the hotel for approximately 17.30.
What's Included
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Two nights’ bed and breakfast at the four-star Blunsdon House Hotel, Swindon
Includes shared occupancy of a twin/double room.
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Welcome reception
A reception to welcome guests upon arrival.
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First night three-course buffet dinner with wine
A three-course buffet dinner with wine on the first night.
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Second night dinner in the restaurant
Dinner in the hotel restaurant on the second night.
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One light lunch
A light lunch provided during the tour.
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All talks, guided tours and admissions
Includes all scheduled talks, guided tours, and admission fees.
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Coach transfers and tour manager throughout
Coach transfers and a tour manager are provided for the duration of the tour.
What's Not Included
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Transport to the hotel is not included
Guests must arrange their own transport to the hotel.
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Holiday insurance
Holiday insurance is not provided and must be arranged separately.
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Double for sole use supplement
An additional charge applies for single occupancy of a double room.
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Extra nights on bed and breakfast basis
Additional nights at the hotel are not included and must be booked separately.
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Meals other than those stated
Any meals not specifically mentioned in the inclusions are not provided.
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Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and telephone calls are not included.
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Porterage and gratuities
Porterage and gratuities are not included in the tour package.
Mode of Transport
Coach transfers and a tour manager are provided throughout the tour. Transport to the hotel is not included.
Accommodation
Located on the edge of the Cotswolds in the village of Broad Blunsdon near Swindon, the four-star family owned Blunsdon House Hotel offers comfortable, individually decorated and tastefully furnished bedrooms with ensuite bathroom, TV, mini bar, safe and tea & coffee making facilities in the room. Other facilities at the hotel include two restaurants, bar, and a health and leisure club including gym and swimming pool. Complimentary car parking is available at the hotel.
MORE INFO
Your LecturersProf. Anne Anderson
Prof. Anne Anderson author, broadcaster, Lecturer and Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, was a senior lecturer at Southampton Solent University for 14 years, specialising in the Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau and Modernism.Anne's career as an international speaker has taken her all over the world and her TV credits include the BBC'sFlog It!. Anne has received a rapturous response from or customers at the many Travel Editions UK lectures and tours as well as a host of tours overseas and her knowledge, wit and enthusiasm bring her beloved subjects to life in whatever location she finds them.
Dr Scott Anderson MA, PhD, FNAVA, ASFAV (Associate of the Society of Fine Art Auctioneers)
Scott is a University Senior Lecturer in the History of Art and Design and is an Honorary Fellow of the National Association of Valuers and Auctioneers. He is a specialist in Victorian and Edwardian art, architecture and antiques and is a consultant expert for the BBC2 'Flog It!'programme. Scott is an Accredited Lecturer of The Arts Society and has lectured extensively to various societies, special interest groups and educational groups throughout Britain. He has extensive tour guiding experience in Britain, European locations such as Paris, Berlin, Vienna and New York.
Please note that all our UK tours start and finish at the relevant hotel. You can normally check in from 3pm onwards but hotels will always be happy to store your luggage if you arrive earlier in the day.
For full details of how to get to the hotel, directions and the nearest train station, please click on the hotel website or call our office for details. These will also be sent automatically with your confirmation.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The accommodation is at the four-star Blunsdon House Hotel in Swindon. The hotel offers comfortable, individually decorated and tastefully furnished bedrooms with ensuite bathroom, TV, mini bar, safe, and tea & coffee making facilities. Other facilities include two restaurants, a bar, and a health and leisure club with a gym and swimming pool. Complimentary car parking is also available.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes two nights’ bed and breakfast, a welcome reception, a first night three-course buffet dinner with wine, a second night dinner in the restaurant, and one light lunch.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes all talks, guided tours, and admissions. Specific activities include a visit to the Ashmolean Museum, the Oxford Union, Christ Church, Kelmscott Manor, and Buscot Park. There will also be two lectures by Prof. Anne Anderson.
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Who will be giving the lectures during the tour?
The lectures will be given by Prof. Anne Anderson, an expert in the Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau, and Modernism. She is a senior lecturer at Southampton Solent University and has extensive experience as an international speaker and TV broadcaster.
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Is transportation to the hotel included in the tour package?
No, transport to the hotel is not included in the tour package. You will need to arrange your own transportation to the Blunsdon House Hotel in Swindon.
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What is the check-in time at the hotel?
You can check in at the Blunsdon House Hotel from 3pm onwards. If you arrive earlier, the hotel will be happy to store your luggage.
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What are some of the highlights of the tour?
Highlights of the tour include visiting Morris’ country home, Kelmscott Manor, the 18th century Neoclassical Buscot Park, and Christ Church in Oxford with its magnificent Morris & Co stained glass windows. Additionally, there will be two talks from Morris expert, Prof. Anne Anderson.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final joining instructions and documentation will be despatched approximately 10 days before travel.
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Do I need any Visas or Vaccinations for my holidays?
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change. Please check with your local doctor/GP about the current Vaccination requirements of the country you are visiting. For Visa enquiries, please contact the Embassy of the country you are visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Generally, single and double rooms carry the same price, which means that single supplements for certain itineraries can seem high. We would be pleased to arrange for clients travelling alone to share with another client, however this is subject to somebody in the same situation booking on the tour. If you would be interested in this option, please let us know at the time of enquiry/booking.
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Where does the tour manager meet us?
In most cases the tour manager will travel out with the tour group from the UK. However, this is not always the case and the tour manager may meet you at the destination station / airport. The exact details specific to your tour will be given to you in your final documentation, 10 days prior to departure.
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Monday - Wednesday
Jul 21, 2025 - Jul 23, 2025Book with Confidence
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CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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