Springtime in England and Scotland
What could be more spectacular than visiting England and Scotland during the glories of springtime! Wildflowers of the season are strewn about the countryside, stone cottages with thatched roofs seem to have awakened from their winter slumber, and best of all, we get to enjoy the countryside ahead of the summer season crowds! Don’t miss this Country Heritage first-ever tour that includes SCOTLAND’S LARGEST ANNUAL QUILTING EVENT —and so much more!
Day 1 - Welcome to London
You’ll personally arrange your flight schedule for May 11th arrival in London where transfer service is readily available to our downtown London hotel. Following check-in today, there will be plenty of time to unpack and relax before our exciting itinerary begins. Or perhaps a bit of exploring will be in order. Visit a few of London’s famous landmarks, or a peek inside the Liberty of London shop to discover the very latest collection of English fabrics and merchandise.
This evening we’ll meet our tour directors and travel companions at our welcome dinner. (Dinner) Overnight London
Day 2 - London Treasure
Our day begins with a private tour of the famous Victoria and Albert Museum. Our private tour will acquaint us with one of the world’s foremost collections of linens and lace, sculpture, furniture, fashion textiles, paintings, silver, glass, ceramics, jewelry, and more. We’ll also have time to explore the rotating exhibits on our own. These exhibits include the dazzling Dress Court which showcases the history of fashion from the 1500s to the present day; the intricate 15th century Devonshire Hunting Tapestries; and collections of designs by William Morris. (Please note that some of the rotating exhibits are scheduled for restoration.)
Then get ready for a “jolly good” time as we view more of London’s most notable sites. From the comfort of our motorcoach, a local guide will familiarize us with those famous places we’ve heard so much about: Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and so many others. We might even catch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.* (C. Breakfast) Overnight London
Day 3 - Cotswolds, Costumes & Quilts
This morning we’ll leave behind the cosmopolitan city of London. We’ll travel into the rolling, velvety-green countryside of the enchanting Cotswolds where soon, we’ll arrive in the beautiful city of Bath and our first stop at the American Museum. Here we’ll explore a textile collection considered to be the finest in all of Europe. Among the museum’s treasures are vintage American quilts, including 18th century quilts made by Sioux Indian women, Amish women, and slaves.
Afterward, enjoy an afternoon to investigate freely Bath’s many famous sites. Perhaps take in the Museum of Costume, whose collection spans 400 years of fashion and includes rare embroidered and brocaded Elizabethan and Jacobean clothes from the 1600s. Or enjoy a spot of tea in the famous Pump Room, or maybe tour the Roman baths, which date from 75 A.D. and are considered the finest Roman site in the country. (C. Breakfast) (Dinner) Overnight Bath
Day 4 - York Quilt Museum
Our journey today continues through the English countryside. Traversing moss-carpeted forests, our coach passes ancient villages which have slumbered through the centuries. Stone cottages, many with thatched roofs, almost pose for photographs as their gardens blaze with flowers of the season. Soon we arrive at the York Quilt Museum and Gallery, Britain’s first museum dedicated to quiltmaking and textile arts. The Museum’s vast collection includes over 700 items gathered from the British Isles, including antique and contemporary quilts and the earliest known British patchwork coverlet from the 1700s. (C. Breakfast) (Dinner) Overnight York
Day 5 - Tartans &Yarns, Vaults & Wynds
Rise and shine! Our destination today is Edinburgh, Scotland…with a few very charming stops along the way. And what a wonderful journey it will be on this lovely springtime morning as our coach wends its way through the rolling countryside where ruins of abbeys dot the landscape, and a profusion of cherry blossoms, rhododendrons, and wildflowers besprinkle the countryside.
Soon we’ve arrived in a charming country village nestled along a winding riverbank. Here cozy pastel-colored cottages beckon one to explore the treasure to be found within. Step inside The Wool Clip shop and discover a rainbow of colors in wool and textile products. They specialize in using local wool and carry a wide range of yarns from a variety of sheep breeds as well as mohair. Most of the yarns and threads are exclusive to The Wool Clip. Tucked into every nook and cranny throughout the shop are beautiful yarns, kits, hand-made buttons, hand-knitted clothing, hand-felted jewelry, toys and wall hangings, as well as supplies and books. Just up road from The Wool Clip is Hesta Scene, an exceptional artisan shop and gallery brimming with one-of-a-kind items made by members of their guild. Exquisite hand-made silver jewelry, luscious cashmere and felted scarves, porcelain holiday ornaments and unique pottery are just a few of the items featured throughout this shop. And don’t miss visiting the Watermill Café & Tearoom for a “spot of tea” and their delicious homemade cakes.
Our next stop is Lochcarron of Scotland, internationally renown for their tartan fabric. Tartan fabric dates back to the Roman period and in the 17th century became associated with particular clans. And today even Scottish football teams have a distinctive tartan plaid. Here we’ll have the opportunity to learn about this fascinating history and view the process that leads from the spun yarn to the finished tartan, a process using traditional methods handed down through generations. Afterward, shop for authentic tartan products in the largest range of colors possible.
Late afternoon finds us arriving in the picturesque city of Edinburgh. Following check-in, we’ll have the afternoon free to explore the many specialty boutiques featuring luxurious cashmere items and colorful kilts and tartans. Or perhaps stroll down the vaults and wynds (narrow lanes) that give the Old Town such character. Here every corner turned reveals unexpected views and expansive vistas. (C. Breakfast) Overnight Edinburgh
Day 6 - Scotland's Castles & Crowns
Scotland is a land with a rich, multilayered history, a place where every curve and rise in the landscape is steeped in story and legend. This morning we’ll enjoy a panoramic tour of Edinburgh, capital of Scotland. We’ll see the Roman remains, black and white half-timbered buildings, the cathedral, and the bi-level shopping arcades called the “Rows.” This is also a city of turbulent history as witnessed in the desolate stone fortresses that loom in the morning mist. Our motorcoach soon climbs to a rocky hilltop where, perched above a brooding, black crag overlooking the city, the legendary Edinburgh Castle maintains its watch. Far below us the city’s winding walkways and narrow cobbled streets seem to have become miniaturized version of themselves. With the wind whistling about us, our guide unfolds a spellbinding tale of the castle’s pivotal role in Scottish history, both as a royal residence and as a military stronghold, beginning in 1058. And speaking of royal residences, our next stop is the Palace of Holyroodhouse**, the present-day official residence of the royal family. The Palace’s most famous resident was the legendary Mary, Queen of Scots, who spent six turbulent years here as she married husbands number one and two. For many, the highlight of this visit might very well be our peek into Mary, Queen of Scots’ bedchamber and hearing the tale of its secret stairway to another bedchamber!
We’ll spend a glorious afternoon exploring the lushly landscaped gardens of the Royal Botanic Gardens. Our visit here includes a private tour of the “Fernery,” a domed glass structure originating in Victorian times and used to house exotic plants. Afterward we’ll have plenty of time to further enjoy the gardens as we meander their winding pathways.
This evening we’ve planned a very special dinner and entertainment by legendary Scottish Highland dancers and bagpipers. (C. Breakfast) (Dinner) Overnight Edinburgh
Day 7 - Scot's, Yachts & Textiles
This morning we’ll visit Edinburgh’s historic seaport and step aboard the former Royal Yacht Britannia, the British royal family’s floating home during their foreign travels from 1953 to 1997. We’ll tour five decks and see how the royal family’s crew of 240 lived and worked on board. And we’ll hear intriguing details about the Queen’s private life—for example, about the 45 members of the royal household who accompanied her, along with five tons of luggage and her favorite Rolls-Royce! You won’t soon forget this glimpse of how the veddy, veddy Royals travel. It’s a favorite of visitors from throughout the world!
We might not be royalty, but we are travelling, and Glasgow is next. A glorious afternoon awaits us as we visit one of Glasgow’s top attractions, the fabulous Burrell Collection. Step inside this ornate structure to discover spectacular interiors embellished with carved Romanesque doorways, with the collection enhanced by floor-to-ceiling windows and their views of lush outdoor landscaping. Of particular interest is the museum’s tapestry collection, displayed in four consecutive galleries. There’s also an extraordinary collection of Sir William Burrell’s embroidered textiles and lace which can be seen in the Needlework Room. And we’ve made special arrangements to view a selection of quilted items from the museum’s private collection. There’s so much to see here within the Burrell Museum…and more outside in the richly landscaped grounds!
Day’s end finds us checking into our hotel in Glasgow. (C. Breakfast) Overnight Glasgow
Day 8 - A Quilted Village
A lovely springtime morning greets us as we board our motorcoach for a short drive through the Scottish countryside to a little town near Loch Lomond, home of the annual Loch Lomond Quilt Show. How exciting it will be to be part of Scotland’s largest and most highly anticipated textile event! The entire village participates in the festivities and staging of this event, with churches, schools, and cottage buildings displaying colorful quilts from throughout the area and the world. Venues throughout the village display the quilts in imaginative and unique ways. Imagine the juxtaposition of contemporary, colorful quilts suspended high above ancient wooden pews in a vintage cathedral. There’s so much to enjoy in this charming village, including more than a dozen exhibitions spread over ten locations. With so many vendors offering their wares, shopping choices abound, and there’s even a café area where you can put your feet up and enjoy a bit of the local cuisine.
This afternoon, guests may choose to remain at the show or accompany us on a visit to Glasgow’s main shopping area, or perhaps return to the hotel for a little relaxation. Downtown Glasgow is filled with specialty shops and cafes, among them the famous Willow Tearoom. The Willow is an authentic reconstruction of tearooms designed by the great architect Mackintosh in the early 20th century. Perhaps you’ll stop in and enjoy traditional high-tea, along with delicate hand-cut tea sandwiches and freshly baked scones, all artfully arranged on a multi-tiered trays. (C. Breakfast) Overnight Glasgow
Day 9 - Bonnie Scotland-Shawls & Shopping
This morning we’ll be visiting the village of Paisley, just a stone’s throw from Glasgow. And yes. This is where paisley fabric got its name!
Local weavers, using Jacquard Looms, adapted designs from silk and wool Kashmir shawls brought home by soldiers returning from India. The instantly recognizable teardrop shape is Persian in origin, but it was the town of Paisley, known for its production of printed cotton and wool, which gave the pattern worldwide exposure. We’ll visit the Paisley Museum to view their collection of original shawls and enjoy a private demonstration of the weaving techniques used here.
And who can visit Glasgow without shopping and haggling at the colorful open-air Barras Market? Some say the Barras Market is the living, breathing heart of this city in many ways. It has almost a thousand stalls to pick and poke through, and if you’re not into shopping, then people watching here is a national pastime. This is a great place to shop for last minute souvenirs to take home. The food, the fun, the festive air—it’s all waiting for you at the Barras Market! (C. Breakfast) (Farewell Dinner) Overnight Glasgow
Day 10 - Farewell
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning. Perhaps afterward we all can gather one last time for a farewell group picture.
Tour guests will be responsible for arranging individual transfer service to Glasgow International Airport.
Please Note:
This tour includes moderate physical activity. Some of the most intriguing sightseeing can entail accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs, or on uneven surfaces, all should be expected. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
If you do have difficulty walking, you may not be able to access some areas, and we must suggest, with regret, that you consider an alternate vacation.
* The changing of the guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace is not held every day. When it is not available for viewing, a stop will still be made at the Palace
** The Palace of Holyroodhouse may occasionally be closed when the Queen is in residence or for official functions.
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