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In the Footsteps of William Morris Crochet Retreat with West Yorkshire Spinners
6 days from £1,435pp
Your Tour Includes
- 2 full-day crochet workshops with Jane Crowfoot, kit and refreshments included
- 5 nights bed and breakfast accommodation
- 1 dinner
- Excursions, entrance fees and transportation as described in the itinerary
- Services of an experienced Tour Manager
Experts
Holiday Overview
Join our expert Jane Crowfoot and step into the world of one of Britain’s most influential artists, designers and social visionaries on this inspirational tour! Enjoy included excursions to key locations that shaped William Morris’s artistic legacy, including the National Trust Red House, his first home and a blueprint for the Arts and Crafts movement; the vibrant William Morris Gallery, set in the heart of his childhood neighbourhood; the intimate William Morris Society Museum, housed in his former riverside residence; the Emery Walker House, showcasing the craftsmanship of Morris’s inner circle; and the opulent Leighton House, a visual feast of Victorian aestheticism. Combine this with two full-day crochet workshops with Jane, and this retreat offers the perfect blend of creative practice and historical exploration.
Image Gallery
Itinerary
Please choose your preferred 6 day itinerary
Workshop Information: Coming soon!
Make your own way to Watford.
On arrival, meet Jane Crowfoot and your Tour Manager at the Leonardo Hotel London Watford and check in to your room from 3pm.
This evening, get to know your fellow guests during our included dinner.
Included Meals
- Dinner
Join Jane for your first full-day crochet workshop in the hotel.
Refreshments will be served in the morning and afternoon.
Included Meals
- Breakfast
Highlights
- Workshop
The small William Morris Society Museum is in the coach house and basement of Kelmscott House, where William Morris spent the last 18 years of his life until his death in 1896.
In the coach house, we’ll see the latest exhibition of his work and the work of those inspired by him. It was here that Morris started to weave his first carpets and, when he became active in politics, the coach house became the meeting place for the Hammersmith branch of the Socialist League.
Emery Walker was a printer and engraver, an important figure in the English Arts and Crafts movement and a close friend of William Morris. Walker furnished the home in Art and Crafts style. After his death, his daughter sought to preserve the interior of the house, while adding further items from the Morris family. The house offers a unique example of an Arts and Crafts interior, preserved almost as it was during Emery Walker’s life. Our guided tour will bring to life the history of this Arts and Crafts home.
Leighton House, the former home and studio of Frederic Leighton, is known for its opulent interiors and the significant influence of William Morris and his Arts and Crafts movement, particularly in the Arab Hall. Leighton commissioned William De Morgan, a close associate of Morris, to create many of the tiles and ceramics that adorn the house, including those in the Arab Hall and the Narcissus Halls. Alongside our expert guide, we'll step into the world of Frederic Leighton to learn more about the fascinating history of the house and the life of this Victorian artist.
Included Meals
- Breakfast
Highlights
- Leighton House with Guided Tour
- William Morris Society Museum
- Emery Walker House with Guided Tour
Enjoy another full-day crochet workshop with Jane in the hotel and continue working on your project.
Refreshments will be served in the morning and afternoon.
Included Meals
- Breakfast
Highlights
- Workshop
The only house commissioned, created and lived in by William Morris, founder of the Arts & Crafts movement, Red House is a building of extraordinary architectural and social significance. Designed by Philip Webb and completed in 1860, it was described by Edward Burne-Jones as "the beautifullest place on earth".
The rooms at Red House give a unique view of William and Janey's life and the establishment of what later became Morris & Co. Red House boasts original features and furniture by Morris and Philip Webb, stained glass and paintings by Burne-Jones and embroidery by Jane and Elizabeth Burden. Coupled with bold architecture and a garden designed to 'clothe the house', they add up to a fascinating and rewarding place to visit. We’ll enjoy a guided tour here.
William Morris Gallery is the only public gallery devoted to the designer, craftsman and radical socialist William Morris. Housed in the Grade II-listed building that was Morris’s family home from 1848 to 1856, the gallery displays the world’s largest collection of his work. Here we’ll enjoy a guided tour introducing William Morris’ life and work through the key works on display. We’ll also learn about Morris’ varied interest in craft, politics and literature and be introduced to his close collaborators.
Included Meals
- Breakfast
Highlights
- National Trust Red House with Guided Tour
- William Morris Gallery with Guided Tour
After a leisurely breakfast, check out and depart the hotel independently with fond memories of a relaxing break and plenty of inspiration for future projects!
Included Meals
- Breakfast
Please Note: In the hotel, you will need to be able to make your own way between our workshop room, your bedroom and the restaurant, which could involve walks of up to 5 minutes. On excursion days you will need to walk a short distance from the hotel to the coach, and you should be able to board the coach unaided. On arrival at the excursion destination, you should be able to alight the coach unaided and there may be a walk between the coach drop off point and the excursion venue. By their nature, walking tours, museum visits etc involve being on your feet for a significant amount of time. Due to the historic nature of the venues being visited, some stairs and rough ground should be expected. Whilst our excursions are taken at a leisurely pace, for the enjoyment of everyone in the group you should be able to keep up with your fellow travellers.
Accommodation
You will stay for five nights at the 4-star Leonardo Hotel London Watford.
Please Note: Discounted parking is available at Sutton Car Park, just a 1-2 minute walk from the hotel. Located on Gartlet Road (Postcode: WD17 2PS), the car park is open 24/7 and manned by CitiPark. After parking, enter your vehicle registration on the CitiPark tablet at Reception to receive a discounted rate of £4 per 24 hours. Payments can be made via the CitiPark app or at the Pay Station on the ground floor (card payments only).
Leonardo Hotel London Watford
Located on the northwest outskirts of London in the centre of Watford, just a two-minute walk from Watford Junction Station, the Leonardo Hotel London Watford offers the perfect blend of convenience and comfort. The hotel benefits from 216 en-suite contemporary and spacious rooms with modern facilities along with a restaurant for on-site dining and bar area.
Hotel Facilities
- 3 Star
- English Speaking Staff
- Safe Box in Reception
- Bureau de Change
- Guest Lounge
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Vegetarian Meals
- Wheelchair Access
- Room Service Available
- 24 Hour Front Desk
- Bus Stop Nearby
- Gluten Free Menu
- Central Location
- Train / Tram Nearby
- Laundry Service
- Gym
- Lactose or Dairy Free Menu
- Vegan Menu
Room Facilities
- TV
- Tea and Coffee Making Facilities
- Hairdryer
- Extra Pillows and Blankets
- Air Conditioning
- Non-Smoking Rooms Available
- Telephone
- Free Wifi
- Iron or Trouser Press
Single Room Supplement from £445.00
