Day 1

Arrive London Heathrow airport depart westward entering the county of Gloucestershire and arrive at Kelmscott Manor - home of William Morris who moved here in 1871. Built in 1600, the Manor houses a collection of works associated with Morris and his associates. After viewing the house there is the option of taking lunch either at Kelmscott or at nearby Burford. This pretty little town is full of old houses, interesting shops, a coaching inn and the parish church overlooking the river Windrush.  

Continue through the rolling countryside of the Cotswolds en route to the charming town of Chipping Campden where the distinctive Cotswold stone brings a warm glow to the buildings.  

Overnight: Chipping Campden  (-/-/D)

Day 6

Depart York this morning and head south into the county of Nottinghamshire. This is the land of the legendary outlaw Robin Hood, who lived, with his followers, in Sherwood Forest avoiding capture by their arch enemy, the Sheriff of Nottingham. 

A meeting will be arranged with local quilters this evening.

Overnight: Nottingham (B/-/D)

Day 2

Depart north today passing through Stratford on Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare. Continue to Redditch to visit the Forge Mill Needle Museum where you will hear about the history of the production of needles - in fact the Museum was once a needle factory. North again and into the county of Derbyshire. The next stop is the heritage site of Arkwrights Mill at Cromford. The first water powered cotton mill was built here in 1771, the first on many cotton mills in this area. The Mill is now a complex of shops and one of these will be of particular interest . This is QuiltEssentials - a 'must stop' place for all quilters.

Still driving north we reach the Peak District National Park, an area of high peaks, wind blown moorland and villages of sturdy houses sheltering in the valleys. 

Overnight: Bakewell (B/-/D)

Day 7

In earlier times, Nottingham was the manufacturing centre for the lace industry and this morning we make a visit to the Lace Market area where you will hear about the history of the industry. 

Depart Nottingham and travel south to the village of Hemmingford Greys for a visit to The Manor House. Built in the 1130's this is believed to be the oldest, continuously inhabited house in England. The house made famous as the house of Green Knowe by Lucy Boston in her series of children's books, now regarded as classics.   In the winter, as well as writing, Lucy Boston made many exquisite patchworks, most of which are on display.  

After this visit we travel onward to the historic university city of Cambridge where we stay for one night. 

Overnight: Cambridge (B/-/D)

Day 3

Just four miles from Bakewell is Chatsworth House, one of England's most famous stately homes. This is a very imposing building set in expansive parkland fronted by the river Derwent with a backdrop of rising hills. The Cavendish family has lived here since 1549. The house has featured in several films including 'Pride and Prejudice filmed in 2005. 

Continue this afternoon into the county of Yorkshire and to the city of York. York is one the top tourist locations in the UK with a walled city centre dominated by the magnificent towers of York Minster.  

Overnight: York (B/-/D)

Day 8

Depart Cambridge and drive south to Hampton Court, an historic palace built in the reign of Henry VIII and wonderfully located on the banks of the river Thames. Within these buildings are housed the headquarters two separate organisations - the Embroiderers Guild and the Royal School of Needlework. There will be a tour of the Guild collection in the morning and then time to explore the Palace and maybe have lunch. In the afternoon there is a private tour of the Royal School of Needlework.

Overnight: London (B/-/-)

Day 4

This morning visit the Quilters Museum, headquarters of the Quilters Guild of Great Britain. The Museum is housed in an historic building and we have arranged for you to go on a special 'behind the scenes' tour with the Museum Curator. You will have the opportunity to see many of the most valuable quilts in the collection, many of which are not on general exhibition. 

Rest of the day is at leisure in York.  

Overnight: York (B/-/-)

DAY 9

Today travel across London to the Alexandra Palace for the Knitting and Stitching Show (held in October) - one of the major textile events in the UK. You will have a whole day at the show before returning to the hotel.

Overnight: London (B/-/-)

Day 5

This morning take a guided walking tour around the centre of York. The old part of the town is full of narrow lanes, timbered houses and cobbled streets.  

There are also many museums to visit, the Jorvik Viking Centre that recreates the sights (and smells!) of the Viking occupation, the Railway Museum that replicates the importance of York during the emergence of the railways. Another interesting location is the Castle Museum where you can walk around in a faithful reproduction of Victorian York- complete with shops, houses and living costumed characters 

Overnight: York (B/-/-)

DAY 10

Transfer to Heathrow Airport for return flight home.