Textiles of Scotland
Scotland has a rich and diverse textile heritage, from weaving and sewing in the home, to full scale mechanized factory textile production, and needlework associations - these all have their part to play in documenting the industrial and social history of Scotland. Accompanied by Pat Archibald, quilter and Edinburgh resident, this tour focuses on the textile history of Edinburgh and its surroundings. You’ll enjoy sewing workshops with Pat and have the opportunity to explore Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh.
Your Tour Includes
- 7 nights hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis in Edinburgh city centre
- 2 dinners
- 2 half day and 1 full day workshop with Pat, kit included
- Tips for drivers
- Services of an Arena Travel Tour Manager throughout
- Excursions and entrance fees as described in the itinerary
Itinerary
Please choose your preferred 8 day itinerary
Make your own way to Edinburgh and join Pat Archibald and your Arena Travel Tour Manager at the Leonardo Royal Edinburgh Haymarket Hotel. This evening you’ll join everyone for dinner, the perfect opportunity to get to know your fellow stitchers.
Includes Dinner
This morning you’ll enjoy your first workshop with Pat and have an afternoon at leisure to explore Edinburgh.
Includes Breakfast
Included Highlights
The Wemyss School of Needlework was founded in 1877 to revive a beautiful art. It also provided employment to educated women who might otherwise struggle financially. Now it houses an important and unique collection of textiles and artefacts. We will enjoy a tour of both the school and castle gardens on our visit today.
Includes Breakfast
In the heart of Edinburgh is the world-renowned tapestry studio, Dovecot. On our visit we will enjoy a tour led by one of the Dovecot Tapestry Studio’s Weavers. They will give us an unparalleled insight into Dovecot’s history and the weaver’s own experience. Held on the Tapestry Studio viewing balcony this tour provides the opportunity to see a working tapestry studio and asks questions. This afternoon includes a visit to the National Museum of Scotland where you can discover the amazing objects across multiple galleries.
Includes Breakfast
Included Highlights
Today enjoy a full day workshop at the hotel with Pat.
Includes Breakfast
Included Highlights
This morning we will travel by coach to the Borders Textile Towerhouse, where you’ll discover the story of Border knitwear and tweed in a restored 16th-century towerhouse. Explore this unique museum and enjoy a talk with one of the curators about the various garments in the collection. Also learn about the development of the knitwear industry in Hawick and the Scottish Borders. The day continues at the Great Tapestry of Scotland where you can discover 420 million years of Scotland’s history, heritage, innovations, and culture. Listen to an introductory talk in their Discovery Centre and visit the Tapestry Gallery.
Includes Breakfast
Included Highlights
This morning you’ll participate in your last half day workshop with Pat before enjoying an afternoon at leisure. Either relax at the hotel and continue with your stitching or wander into Edinburgh for an afternoon of sightseeing or shopping. Dinner is included this evening.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll say goodbye to Pat and your fellow stitchers as your textiles holiday comes to an end.
Includes Breakfast
Stitchtopia Craft Holidays
Specially designed for knitters, this Stitchtopia knitting holiday is the ideal opportunity to meet like-minded knitters and indulge in your favourite hobby. Our talented knitting expert will be on hand throughout the holiday and host inspirational workshops with a beautifully designed project to get those needles clicking!
Accommodation
You will be staying at the 4-star Leonardo Royal Hotel in Edinburgh for 7 nights.