7 Night Scotland and England - Great British Quilt Quest

Join your group in the lobby of the Apex Grassmarket Hotel in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle! Meet with your wonderful tour guide, and your new companions. After a brief introduction enjoy a Welcome Brunch together.

This afternoon join Catriona Brown of My Bear Paw! Make a clamshell coaster using applique and Catriona’s clever technique for getting that perfect curved edge. Ideal for using up scraps of fabric and a technique that lends itself to fabulous cushions. Spend a relaxing afternoon hand sewing with Catriona and learn this addicting hand stitching technique!

Relax in your hotel or explore Edinburgh - enjoy your first evening however you like!

Overnight Apex Grassmarket Hotel, Edinburgh – Welcome Brunch included.

Start your day with a visit to Rosslyn Chapel! A mesmerising journey through history, mystery, and intricate stone craftsmanship. Nestled in the Scottish countryside, the 15th-century chapel is renowned for its ornate carvings, including the enigmatic "Apprentice Pillar" and symbols linked to the Knights Templar and Freemasonry. The atmosphere is steeped in legend, making it a perfect setting for Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code!

Return to Edinburgh for a whisky and gin tour and tasting that encompass the best of the old and the new at Holyrood Distillery! Set against the backdrop of Edinburgh’s historic charm, discover the modern techniques of creating spirits and taste the results for yourself!

Return to your hotel and meet with Textile Artist and teacher, Gillian Cooper! A graduate of the renowned Goldsmiths University of London (fellow graduates include Vivienne Westwood and Mary Quant), Gillian has written for several quilting publications and has exhibited both at home and overseas. Discover Gillian’s journey, ethos, inspiration and an introduction to the class you will enjoy on the last day of your tour!

Enjoy a relaxing dinner in your hotel this evening.

Overnight Apex Grassmarket Hotel, Edinburgh – Breakfast and Dinner included

This morning cross the border into England and visit the mystical Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island - a journey into history and natural beauty. The birthplace of the Lindisfarne Gospels, the island is rich in heritage. Explore the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory and enjoy stunning coastal views across the North Sea. Accessible only by a tidal causeway, the island offers a unique sense of seclusion so enjoy soaking in its tranquillity!

Continue to Alnwick Castle and the History & Hollywood tour! Alnwick Castle offers a captivating blend of medieval grandeur and cinematic magic. As one of England’s largest inhabited castles, it has been home to the Percy family for over 700 years and played a key role in British history. Admire stunning architecture, and explore lavish staterooms. Film fans will love discovering its famous on-screen appearances, including Harry Potter, where the castle served as Hogwarts. Downton Abbey aficionados will recognise it as Brancaster Castle!

Wrap up your day with a bit of Dowton Abbey style of your own! Your home for tonight s 600 year old Lumley Castle, surrounded by acres of parkland and overlooking the River Wear. Enjoy a delicious dinner in the castle - the perfect way to unwind and enjoy a cosy evening!

Overnight Lumley Castle Hotel, Chester-Le-Street, County Durham. – Breakfast and Dinner included.

Arrive in the ancient English city of York. From medieval, to Georgian and Victorian, York is an architectural wonderland! Winding cobbled streets, magnificent York Minster Cathedral and ancient stone walls are the backdrop for your fun activities today!

The British Quilters’ Guild welcome you to St Anthony’s Hall for an exclusive chance to see their fabulous Quilters’ Guild Collection. Curator Heather will introduce you to British Patchwork and Quilting heritage in the incredible Grade 1 Listed Building.

This afternoon we visit York’s Chocolate Story - a deliciously fun experience, perfect for chocoholics and history lovers alike! This interactive tour takes you through York’s rich chocolate-making heritage, from its famous confectionery families to the creation of iconic treats. Watch skilled chocolatiers in action, get hands-on with chocolate-making, and of course, enjoy plenty of tasty samples along the way!.

Your home for the next two nights is the magnificent 5* The Grand York Hotel, set in the iconic former Edwardian North East Railway Headquarters. Enjoy complimentary access to the luxury spa (treatments not included) or dine at leisure and enjoy a cocktail (not included) in one of the hotels dining rooms or bars. With York on your doorstep, you may decide to explore a bit more of the heritage city instead!

Overnight The Grand Hotel, York - Breakfast included

The Viking Loom in York is a necessary stop for any quilter, offering a delightful mix of creativity, shopping, and indulgence. Begin by browsing the charming shop, packed with beautiful fabrics, quilting supplies, and unique patterns. Then, settle in for a fun and festive workshop, learning to create a stunning pinwheel block using their latest Christmas-themed fabric—perfect for holiday quilting projects! With expert guidance and a relaxed atmosphere, the session is both enjoyable and inspiring. Throughout the morning, enjoy plenty of delicious refreshments, from homemade cakes to warming cups of tea, making for a truly cosy and memorable quilting experience.

This afternoon enjoy an awe-inspiring tour of York Minster! Marvel at the breathtaking stained glass windows, intricate stone carvings, and towering Gothic arches as you explore one of the most magnificent cathedrals in the world. For those feeling energetic, climb the 275 steps to the top of the Central Tower for unbeatable views over York’s rooftops.
This evening is yours to do as you please, either exploring more of York or enjoying your fabulous hotel!

Overnight The Grand Hotel, York - Breakfast included

Today we begin our journey to the stunning Lake District!

En route, we stop at the World Heritage Site of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens. The ruins at Fountains Abbey are the largest monastic ruins in the country. Step back into a rich and dramatic past and imagine what life would have been like for the monks who first came here years ago. In the Georgian Studley Royal Water Gardens.

Eye-catching vistas and follies decorate the vast landscape. Elegant ponds and cascades entwined with rustic bridges. Classical temples and statues delight as much today as they would the pleasure-seeking Georgians. If you are lucky and take the right path, you will be rewarded with views to Ripon cathedral, ancient trees and herds of deer! Make sure you pick up a leaf or feather that catches your eye (bag provided) to use in your Gillian Cooper class tomorrow!

Stop in Penrith for a chance to stretch your legs and get in a bit of fabric shopping! Enjoy the historic market town in the Eden Valley before entering the Lake District National Park. Tonight you will be staying on the edge of the magnificent Ullswater Lake, the second largest in England. The Inn on the Lake is set in 15 acres of manicured estate, with lawns sweeping majestically down to the lakeshore. Enjoy dinner with heavenly views, relax and soak in the tranquillity.

Overnight The Inn on the Lake Hotel, Ullswater, Lake District – Breakfast and Dinner included

Say goodbye to the stunning views of the Lake District as we begin our journey back to Edinburgh. We stop on the Scottish Border for a visit to world famous Gretna Green! Explore the renowned Blacksmith’s Shop where countless runaway couples have married over the centuries. Enjoy a local light lunch (included), before browsing the stores for that quintessential Scottish souvenir – including high-quality tartan fabrics and wools. Perfect for quilting or adding a touch of Scotland to your wardrobe.

This afternoon you will get the chance to use the bit of nature you collected during your earlier exploration for your Gillian Cooper workshop! Print, Paint, Play with Gillian -experiment with three different surface design techniques: monoprinting using Gelli Plates; painting using Inktense inks and stencilling with Markal paintstiks. By the end of the afternoon, you will have created a beautiful piece of fabric ready to be stitched into your own a gorgeous and unique work of art.

Your last night is spent in 18th century Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club, a beautiful country estate surrounded by rolling parkland, glorious golf courses, nature trails and towering woodland. Enjoy a farewell meal with your new friends in your tranquil surroundings on the edge of Edinburgh.

Overnight Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club, Edinburgh – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Depart your hotel following breakfast and travel to Edinburgh airport in time for check-in and some last minute duty free shopping prior to departure.