The Richard Jefferies Museum is housed in the farmhouse at Coate, where Richard Jefferies was born in 1848. Situated within the lovely surroundings of Coate Water, the Museum features some of the memento's of Richard Jefferies (1848 -1887) , one of England's most individual writers on nature and the countryside.

Richard's early years were spent wandering around the farmlands, exploring the nearby streams that fed the canals and swimming in the reservoir - now called Coate Water - about five minutes' walk from the Museum. His early life is recorded in a series of novels, including 'Bevis - The Story of a Boy'.

His passion for nature - he was a keen naturalist - and recollection of a way of country life seen through the eyes of a growing boy and now sadly gone, are recalled in his almost ecstatic, dream-like prose.

The Museum includes first editions of many of Richard Jefferies writings, the manuscript of 'Wood Magic' and family photographs and memorabilia. Parts of the building have been restored to create the atmosphere of a mid to late 19th Century farmhouse with a cheese room.

Opening Times

The Richard Jefferies Museum is open on the second Wednesday of the month from 10am to 4pm and by special appointment. From May to the end of September, it is also open on the first, third and fourth Sundays of the month from 2-5pm.

Admission to the museum is Free.

Web

www.richardjefferies.org

www.richardjefferiessociety.co.uk

Disabled/Special Needs Access

The museum is not accessible for wheelchair users.

Contact info@richardjefferiessociety.co.uk or telephone 01793 783040.

How to find us

Richard Jefferies House and Museum
Marlborough Road
Coate
Swindon
SN3 6AA

Parking and Directions

Park at Coate Water car park and then walk to the model railway and go through the fence/gap on the left, onto a path. Walk up the path and turn left onto a country road. Turn left again on the main road and the Museum is on your left, opposite the garage. From the car park it is a very gentle 10 minutes walk.

Alternatively, the Sun Inn have granted permission for visitors to park there when they visit the Museum.

There is some parking at the Museum for people with mobility challenges, but this is very limited.

Check out a route finder for more information.

Writers' Group

Find out more about the Footsteps Writers Group, which meets at the Richard Jefferies Museum.