Travel recommendations for visitors to the Oxford workshop.
Where is the workshop?
Lady Margaret Hall (LMH), a college of Oxford University; telephone (conference office) +44 1865 611079. The postal address is Lady Margaret Hall, Norham Gardens, Oxford OX2 6QA. Maps are included in the link.
New Requirements for US Travelers: Electronic Travel Authorization
Starting on January 8, 2025, US travellers—as well as visitors from Australia and Canada and others—are required to apply for permission to enter the UK through a new scheme known as Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). US travellers with trips planned to the UK can now apply via this link. The ETA costs £16. While most applications are approved the same day, it can take up to 72 hours—so don’t risk leaving it to the last minute.
Flying to Britain and airport links
The most convenient international airport to get to Oxford is Heathrow, LHR. There is a frequent coach (=nice bus!) service from LHR, which also runs from London Gatwick, LGW. The coaches run every 20 minutes during the day, and details can be found at the Airline website run by the Oxford Bus Company. Go to the terminus at Gloucester Green bus station and take a taxi from there. Also check their FAQ page regarding late flights/flexibility of tickets.
Some people may find flights to Birmingham (BHX) to be better for them. BHX is served directly by British Rail (Birmingham International), and there are hourly trains from Birmingham International direct to Oxford. The schedule can be found on the National Rail website. This site will also help if you are spending time elsewhere in the UK before or after the workshop. If you know your schedule you can often find cheaper fares for advance purchase on The Trainline website. Again, take a taxi from the station to the college.
Good air fares can usually be found on Expedia, though it is worth keeping an eagle eye out for airline sales, and the discounts sometimes available on individual airline websites. Most major airlines fly to Heathrow, with direct flights from most major cities worldwide. Early booking is advisable as flights are often full at this time of year, and even if not full, the cheaper seats may be taken. Transport from the other London airports (Stansted STN and City LCY) is possible but more involved and not recommended. If you are staying in London before the workshop, you can take the train to Oxford Station from London Paddington, or the Oxford Tube coach from various stops, ending at the Gloucester Green bus station in Oxford, and take a taxi from there to LMH.
Travelling by car or train in the UK
The National Express coach company network covers most of the country, and is economical but slower than trains. Oxford is well served by trains from all directions.
The Oxford Bus Company website also shows the route and timetables for the Stagecoach 2, 2A and N2 services which run along Banbury Road to/from Magdalen Street in central Oxford; the Bevington Road stop is about 10 minutes’ walk from the college.
Unfortunately there is no bus to or from Oxford station or Gloucester Green up Banbury Road, so buses are not practical with luggage.
There is street parking (needing payment) in some roads near LMH; see here. The best options are the Park and Ride places just outside the city but note that they usually only allow a maximum of three days’ stay. It is possible to stop briefly at LMH to drop luggage and check in and then go to park. Parkway (Water Eaton) on the north side is recommended, as the no. 500 bus goes down Banbury Road. The timetable (schedule) is here – but the service does not run on Sundays.
Although all Park and Ride car parks in Oxford have a 72-hour limit, there is one at Oxford Parkway station that does not have this limit. In fact, it has a weekly rate of £15.30, which is very reasonable. People must be careful to park in the right place, as there is a Water Eaton Park and Ride car park next door to it! It is also served by the Water Eaton no. 500 Park and Ride bus service to the city centre down Banbury Road, as specified in the travel document. This link has more details!
If you have a disability or a double bass, the workshop director may be able to arrange a parking place in college. Secure storage for instruments will also be available from registration to departure, whether or not you stay in college.
Travelling with musical instruments
It is essential to check your airline’s policy for musical instrument carry-ons before flying, and it may affect your choice of airline. This is normally on their website, and you may wish to print it out to take it to the airport if you have an instrument that does not fit in your single normal carry-on. You may need special packing, or early arrival at the airport, or a polite request to the check-in agent to call to check with their supervisor.
If you are travelling from the USA, do not attempt to bring an instrument with any ivory parts, such as reinforcing rings on antique bassoons, or ivory tips on bows. You will probably get it into England but may have it confiscated and destroyed by US Customs on your return. If your instrument is made of a protected species on the CITES 2 Appendix, it is not necessarily a prohibited import but it would be wise to carry a manufacturer’s receipt showing the date of purchase. For example, cocobolo was added to the list in 2013 for raw lumber, but not for manufactured objects. If in doubt, check.
Remember to put your sharp or pointy things in your check-in luggage: screwdrivers, reed knives, cello or bass clarinet pegs, etc.
Insurance
Check your musical instrument insurance policy to see if they do cover loss and damage to instruments in checked baggage – just in case. Some do, some don’t, and some may impose conditions such as acceptable instrument cases. Many airlines will not cover instruments, or will limit liability to, say, $2,500. Check this in good time. Lark and Allianz have good reputations as musical instrument insurers, and Lark at least will insure checked instruments. Kammermusik Workshops UK does not cover insurance on private instruments. If you find it impractical to bring your instrument, Kammermusik Workshops UK can arrange rental (including insurance) at your expense: contact the workshop director by June 1 2027 if this is needed.
What if I have questions?
After you are accepted into the workshop, you will receive additional details via email. You may also contact the Workshop Director by email (kammermusikuk@gmail.com) if you have any other questions.
Updated July 28, 2025
