THE GRAND BRITISH TEXTILE TOUR
London • Lake District • Edinburgh
August 25 – September 4, 2024
Double Occupancy, $6100
Single Occupancy, $7600
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Experience a handmade journey that begins in the vibrant city of London, celebrates the unparalleled beauty of the Lake District, and explores the historic city of Edinburgh – all with an intimate group of like-minded textile lovers.
We will experience the best in fashion (both contemporary and historical), learn about regional textile history, and visit modern artists who are bringing back heritage crafts.
The tour begins in London. This ever-changing metropolis is a vibrant hub of design with inspiration around every corner. Here, fashion is our focus. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the legendary Savile Row, immerse yourself in the stunning fabrics at Liberty of London, and travel back in time to see era-defining looks from the Swingin’ 60s.
From London, we will venture to the charming town of Grasmere in the Lake District. The Lake District is a treasure trove of quaint villages, which we will explore as we meet talented artists who carry on the region’s rich culture of textiles connected to the local Herdwick Sheep.
After our time in the Lake District, we will venture north through the Scottish borders to Edinburgh. During our stay, we will experience the best in textile artistry and enjoy the history and mystery of this beautiful city.
Our 2024 Itinerary
Day One – London
Welcome to London! Meet your fellow travelers at a group dinner.
Day Two – London
The first day of the tour kicks off in style with a visit to Liberty of London. This legendary store is known for its incredible Tana Lawn cotton fabric, which is highly coveted among quilters and garment sewers.
After our time at Liberty, we’ll take a walk down the iconic Carnaby Street, before visiting the wonderful local fabric stores—including a few that are off the beaten path.
Day Three – London
Today we will enjoy a special behind-the-scenes walking tour of Savile Row. Our guide is a fashion historian who has cultivated relationships with the legendary tailors on the street, offering us unprecedented access to this exclusive area.
Day Four – London
Step back in time to the Swing ‘60s with our visit to the Fashion and Textile Museum. There, we will enjoy The Biba Story exhibition which explores how designer Barbara Hulanicki’s small boutique Biba sparked a fashion revolution in the 1960s and became the world’s first lifestyle label.
Day Five – Travel Day
Today we have a travel day! We will check out of our hotel first thing and make our way to the beautiful Lake District. Once we arrive, we will explore our “home” village of Grasmere. William Wordsworth, who lived in Grasmere, once called it “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found”.
Day Six – Lake District
We begin the day with a visit to Hill Top Farm, where Beatrix Potter lived and penned many of her beloved stories. Following our time at Hill Top, we will travel to the town of Ambleside. There, we will meet with a local textile artist who works with the regional fiber, Herdwick wool.
Day Seven – Lake District
Today we will meet with a husband-and-wife team who are creating their own locally produced wool that’s grown, milled, and woven entirely in the Lake District. We will also visit a historic wool mill that has been transformed into an artist’s enclave.
Day Eight – Travel Day
Today we travel north to Scotland! Our home in Scotland will be the beautiful and historic city of Edinburgh. After checking into our hotel, we will visit the Palace of Holyrood House.
Day Nine – Edinburgh
Today we will visit the Dovecot Studios, a landmark center for contemporary art, craft, and design. Their Tapestry Studio is world-renowned. Then, inspired by our visit to Dovecot, we will go to a local boutique whose mission is to feature Scottish textiles.
Day Ten – Edinburgh
Today we learn about the textile most associated with Scotland: the kilt! We will meet with an expert kilt maker who will teach us a brief history of kilts and tartans, how they are worn in contemporary times, and give us an introduction to kilt-making.
Day Eleven – Edinburgh
Alas, all good things must come to an end. After enjoying breakfast at our hotel, it is time to head home or continue your adventures on your own.
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Signing on to join the Great British Textile Tour exceeded my expectations.
Our hosts, Betsy and Emily, were always available if we needed anything and filled our days with wonderful tours and workshops, where we met many crafters with various textile experiences.
The small group size (there were 9 of us) created an intimate feel and an opportunity to meet people from different parts of the world with various interests. This helped develop some lifelong friendships after the tour was over.
The London experience was amazing, with first-rate accommodations and daily tours, from visiting shops on Savile Row, exhibits at Kensington and Buckingham Palace, and a tour of the Liberty store, including English tea and a chance to buy fabric.
As the tour expanded to Bath and the Cotswolds, we had the opportunity to meet various crafters working in their home environment. Each time we were welcomed with open arms as we were shown their particular craft.
Overall, the 10 days flew by and was an amazing experience that I will remember for the rest of my life!
Joy L. 2023 Traveler