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Rodmarton Manor: The Quintessential Arts and Crafts Estate in Gloucestershire

Explore Rodmarton Manor, a stunning Arts and Crafts country house with exquisite gardens and handcrafted interiors in the heart of the Cotswolds.

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Rodmarton Manor, near Cirencester in Gloucestershire, is a Grade I listed Arts and Crafts country house built between 1909 and 1929. Surrounded by an 8-acre garden designed as a series of outdoor rooms, the manor features locally crafted stonework, bespoke furniture, and serene courtyards. Open to the public on select days, it offers a unique glimpse into early 20th-century craftsmanship and garden design, blending historical significance with tranquil natural beauty.

A brief summary to Rodmarton Manor

  • Rodmarton Manor, Oathill Ln, Cirencester, Rodmarton, GL7 6PF, GB
  • +447776405887
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 2 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Wednesday 2 pm-5 pm
  • Saturday 2 pm-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on Wednesdays or Saturdays from May to September between 2pm and 5pm to experience guided tours and enjoy the tearoom.
  • Book private group tours in advance for a more in-depth visit outside public opening times.
  • Don’t miss the snowdrop displays in February, a special seasonal highlight of the gardens.
  • Wear comfortable shoes to explore the extensive 8-acre gardens, featuring a mix of formal and wildflower areas.
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Getting There

  • Train and Taxi

    Take a train to Kemble Station, approximately 3 miles from Rodmarton Manor, with regular services from London Paddington. From Kemble, a taxi ride of about 10 minutes will bring you to the manor. Taxi fares typically range from £15 to £20.

  • Car

    Driving to Rodmarton Manor is straightforward via the A433 between Cirencester and Tetbury. The manor offers free parking on-site. Allow 20 to 40 minutes from Cirencester town center. Note that some rural roads may be narrow.

  • Bus and Walk

    Local bus services connect Cirencester to nearby villages. From the closest bus stop to Rodmarton village, expect a 30-minute walk over gently rolling countryside to the manor. Walking routes are mostly on country lanes and may not be suitable for wheelchairs.

Rodmarton Manor location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather

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Discover more about Rodmarton Manor

An Architectural Masterpiece of the Arts and Crafts Movement

Rodmarton Manor stands as one of the most exquisite examples of the Arts and Crafts movement in England. Constructed between 1909 and 1929 for the Biddulph family, the manor was designed by Ernest Barnsley and completed by his brother Sidney Barnsley and son-in-law Norman Jewson. The building is crafted entirely from local materials, including coursed cut stone and stone slate roofs, with all elements hand-worked by local craftsmen. Its distinctive crescent-shaped layout encloses a large circular lawned courtyard, reminiscent of a traditional village green. Inside, the manor boasts 74 rooms, including 19 bedrooms named after local fields, and features bespoke furniture, ceramics, ironwork, and textiles created by renowned Cotswold Arts and Crafts artisans such as the Barnsleys and Alfred and Louise Powell.

Gardens Designed as Outdoor Rooms

The manor is surrounded by an 8-acre garden that exemplifies early 20th-century garden design, originally conceived as a series of outdoor 'rooms.' These include wildflower meadows, double herbaceous borders, topiary, a walled garden, and charming courtyards filled with colorful pots and dappled shade. Visitors can explore a summer house offering views back towards the manor and enjoy the carefully curated vistas and plantings that change with the seasons. The garden is particularly celebrated for its snowdrop collection in February and its vibrant summer displays.

A Living Family Home and Cultural Venue

Despite its grandeur, Rodmarton Manor remains a lived-in family home, currently occupied by the fourth and fifth generations of the Biddulph family. The manor’s central wing was originally intended for community use and crafts teaching, reflecting the family’s commitment to preserving traditional skills. This ethos continues today, with the house and gardens open to the public on Wednesdays and Saturdays from May to September, and by private group booking at other times. The manor also features a tearoom serving afternoon tea and homemade cakes during open days.

Experiencing Rodmarton Manor Today

Visitors to Rodmarton Manor can immerse themselves in a unique blend of history, craftsmanship, and natural beauty. The interior showcases museum-quality Arts and Crafts furniture and decorative arts in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Outside, the gardens offer tranquil spots for reflection amid carefully maintained borders and topiary. The estate also supports educational visits and group tours, providing insight into the Arts and Crafts movement and early 20th-century rural life in the Cotswolds.

Accessibility and Amenities

Rodmarton Manor is mostly wheelchair accessible, with accessible parking and restrooms available. The estate welcomes guide dogs and offers a café serving light refreshments during open hours. Visitors should note that the manor is open to the public only on select days, with private tours available by arrangement. The surrounding Cotswold countryside adds to the peaceful ambience, making Rodmarton Manor a serene retreat for those interested in architecture, gardening, and heritage.

Preserving a Cultural Treasure

Rodmarton Manor remains a vital cultural landmark, preserving the legacy of the Arts and Crafts movement through its architecture, furnishings, and gardens. The dedication to local craftsmanship and traditional building techniques makes it a rare surviving example of early 20th-century ideals. Its continued use as a family home and educational resource ensures that this heritage is actively maintained and shared with visitors, offering a deeply authentic experience of English country life and design history.

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