New Holidays

Enter the great English Bridge Union Spring Congress in the well-located 4-star hotel, Mercure Holland House, and enjoy 4 days of competitive Bridge located in the heart of Bristol.

Join the English Bridge Union for an 8-day Congress on the bay of Kotor, staying at the 5-star Carine Hotel Kumbor.

Join us for a Bridge holiday on Devon’s English Riviera in the heart of Torquay. You’ll stay in a fantastic location, just 5 minutes from Torquay’s seafront.

Spend a week with Lucy at the 4-star Adults Only Four Views Hotel Baia hotel located in the heart of Funchal, the island’s capital.

Journey with us to Amsterdam, The Hague, Haarlem and Delft as we explore the life of Johannes Vermeer. Clare Ford-Wille leads this tour, which includes an unprecedented display of the artist’s masterpieces at Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum.

Join First for Bridge on the edge of the Cotswolds for this charming Bridge break, combining a countryside escape with modern luxury and convenience.

We have chosen the perfectly located Carine Hotel Park as the base for our Bridge holiday on the Bay of Kotor.

Travel to Cyprus's southwest coast and you'll find yourself soaking up the sun playing bridge and bowls in gorgeous Paphos. It is no wonder our bridge guests keep returning with us to this popular hotel and the dining and service constantly receive very high ratings.

Stroll the cobbled medieval streets of Cervo, admire the stunning coastal scenery, and visit Dolceacqua, Monaco and more during your holiday in Diano Marina, the perfect place to combine play and exploration.

Formerly the Hotel S’Algar, the adult-only AluaSoul Menorca, has for many, many years been a firm favourite of First...

On this exclusive *Gardens Illustrated* tour of Dorset, visit exquisite private gardens and feast at Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage HQ.

This tour explores the legacy of Charles Rennie Mackintosh in Glasgow, from private buildings to institutions, considering the ways in which the city shaped his unique and enduring vision.

Accompany us to Norfolk, tour the most beautiful gardens and historic homes eastern England has to offer and take in the delightful views of the English countryside. Visit grand gardens and homes such as Hoveton Hall, East Ruston Old Vicarage, Mannington Hall, Blickling Estate, and Sandringham.

Stay in the lovely Acacia Marina resort where guests can enjoy the beautiful gardens, and a short flat walk along the sea front promenade leads into the centre of Marina di Ragusa. This small seaside resort offers a selection of cafes, bars and shops and its beautiful golden beach has been awarded a Blue Flag.

We will study the architecture of churches and abbeys as well as expressive sculpture, colourful manuscripts and glittering goldsmith work.

Surrounded by a tranquil backdrop of ancient hills, steep limestone valleys and stark moorland plateaus, journey with us as we explore the romantic gardens of the Peak District and Derbyshire Dales.

On this unique bridge and heritage rail holiday, enjoy our included excursions as we explore the historic Peak District.

Take some time out from the hustle and bustle of daily life and join Emma on this relaxing weekend retreat dedicated to beginner’s crochet.

Explore the dense history of the magical, traffic-less streets of Mediaeval Rhodes, with 5 days of unexpected variety and intense experiences on the island famed in Antiquity for having the sunniest climate of the whole Aegean area.

Take some time out from the hustle and bustle of daily life and join Anna on this relaxing weekend retreat dedicated to Tunisian crochet.

The expressive forms of the so-called German “Sondergotik” (special Gothic) clearly demonstrate the emancipation of the national Gothic from the French and at the same time illuminate the unwavering creative power of German art at the “Waning of the Middle Ages”.

Join us on this knitting holiday to Iceland, and take in stunning scenery and beautiful knitting traditions, promising an unforgettable insight into the Icelandic culture and knitting heritage.

Join Karin Hellaby on an exciting voyage along Norway’s stunning coastline followed by the chance to discover Norway’s Sami Culture as you venture inland to Karasjok and Kautokeino.

Learn from our expert Anna Nikipirowicz in her beautiful home country of Poland. As you journey from historic Kraków to picturesque Zakopane, you’ll be inspired by traditional design and crafting techniques.

This art history tour of the Upper Rhine Valley explores Freiburg Minster’s stained-glass and the work of Han Holbein the Younger, Strasbourg Cathedral’s gothic architecture, the Isenheim altarpiece in Colmar and 16th-century art in Basel.

Enjoy 2 full day hand sewing workshops with expert Pat Archibald (June) or Sallieann Harrison (Oct) and explore the UK’s northeast through tours of the Bowes Museum, Durham Cathedral, and Alnwick Castle and Alnwick Gardens.

Travel to Champagne, France, to see glorious Gothic architecture and stained glass, combined with a taste of fine Moët & Chandon champagne on this Art Pursuits tour.

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Khiva, Bhukara and Samarkand as we pass along the route of the Silk Road, learning about Uzbekistan’s textile culture and history.

Following our highly successful English Rose tours, we now venture across the channel to investigate the story of the French Rose and to enjoy some truly wonderful gardens and rose collections from Paris to the Loire.

Based in the heart of the Northamptonshire countryside, this autumn retreat is the ideal opportunity to learn a new skill or indulge in your favourite hobby.

Join us for this bridge break at the idyllic Kernos Beach Hotel, looking out on the shining Sea of Crete. We include visits to the legendary Knossos Palace, the islet of Spinalonga and more.

Take some time out from the hustle and bustle of daily life and learn from Emma how to make an assortment of 3D flowers to create a beautiful wreath.

Join us for our third bridge holiday in beautiful Kaprun in the Austrian Alps. Our guests love the fantastic value of the included summer card, giving free access to amazing local attractions.

Visit the gardens of Sussex that are home to, or were created by, artists and examine how these gardens influenced their artwork and vice versa.

The „Gesamtkunstwerk“, the total work of art, fuses all art forms – architecture, painting, and sculpture – into one overwhelming masterpiece.

By the mid-18th-century, when Rococo art had reached its absolute zenith, a phase of radical artistic transformation begins.

The study day will explore Vermeer’s career, the influences of other artists upon his work and the impact of the light and character of the town of Delft in which he lived, as well as introducing the exciting exhibition celebrating his life and work which is to be held in the Spring of this year at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

Join Anna Nikipirozwicz for an exciting voyage along Norway’s stunning coastline with a chance to experience the magic of one of nature’s most amazing phenomenon.

Take time with Anna Nikipirowicz and have a perfect introduction to crocheting socks, on this weekend break that will let you create the perfect Christmas gift for your loved ones.

With the journeys of discovery since the late 15th-century, the outbreak of the Reformation and the Renaissance of Antique knowledge and learning the medieval perception of the world falters – and demands new artistic means of expression.

For Oscar Wilde, Palermo was ‘the most beautifully situated town in the world – it dreams away its life in the Conca d’Oro, the exquisite valley that lies between two seas’.

The Hotel Bella Playa & Spa is proving to be a firm favourite with our First for Bridge guests. We will be returning to this delightful hotel, as our guests love its excellent dining, friendly service, warm atmosphere, and relaxing facilities.

Discover the colourful history of the Welsh textile industry on this tour, which takes a closer look at Welsh wool and quilting in the picturesque villages of the valleys.

Treat yourself to a combination of crafting and mind & body sessions benefiting both physical and mental health.

Join us for a celebration of the rose, doyenne of the English Garden, as we tour the beautiful county of Shropshire, home of our expert rosarian Michael Marriott.

Join us for nine nights in the captivating country of Jordan and enjoy a variety of stitching workshops and explore the famous archaeological site of Petra and the Jordan River.

Come with us on this Northern Lights cruise and experience the magic mix of colours that forms in the Arctic sky, cruise among the Norwegian fjords and enjoy time ashore on its beautiful landscapes.

Join Jessica Aldred for a weekend packed with learning, colours, and crochet! This weekend workshop will test your current skills and teach you new ones to help you improve as a crochetier.

Join First for Bridge at the ever-popular Chateau des Comtes de Challes in the Rhone Alps where a full programme of...

Treat yourself to a combination of crafting and mind & body sessions benefiting both physical and mental health.

Discover the rugged beauty and rich knitting history of the remote Faroe Islands. Under the guidance of local expert, Katrina I Geil, you’ll learn to knit traditional Faroese patterns and beautiful Faroese lace.

Stroll labyrinthine alleyways laced with the aroma of spice and perfume, take in architectural wonders of heart-stopping beauty and surrender to the timeless romance of this captivating city, where Africa, Europe and the Middle East converge.

This Art Pursuits tour examines the synthesis of gender, politics and art in a transformative historical moment. Explore the works of Kollwitz, Modersohn-Becker, and other women who contributed to the German Modern.

Visit Provence with us on this European Boxwood tour, and discover fields of lavender amongst medieval hill towns, whilst seeking out the finest gardens in the region.

Explore the traditional Amazigh (Berber) crafts of Morocco as we travel along ancient trade routes and through colourful cities, embracing the weavers, embroiders and craftspeople practicing traditional techniques and lifestyles throughout this wonderful country.

This tour of England’s west country explores the Countries early mediaeval history, diving into the core of Alfred the Great’s kingdom, a crucial importance in the establishment of England’s Kingdom.

Get to know other stitchers and discover the stunning sights of historic Prague on this stitching holiday centred around the Brno International Quilt Festival.

Visit the 4-star Telford Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort in Ludlow for a fantastic 5 days of bridge and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ironbridge Gorge which the resort looks over.

Join Art Pursuits over a bottle of the region’s finest and drink in the uplifting elegance of marvellous Bordeaux, famed for its elegant architecture, balmy climate, fine wines and fabulous gastronomy.

Stay in the lovely Acacia Palace resort where guests can enjoy the beautiful gardens, and a short flat walk along the sea front promenade leads into the centre of Marina di Ragusa. This small seaside resort offers a selection of cafes, bars and shops and its beautiful golden beach has been awarded a Blue Flag.

Come with us on a Bridge holiday to Harrogate and Newby Hall & Gardens, within walking distance from the train station and town centre.

Attend the famous Sitges International Patchwork Festival and join us for two fantastic city tours of Barcelona and Girona, taking in the beautiful architecture and Spanish heritage.

Discover the highlights of the Scottish Highlands as you join Carol Meldrum for a week of knitting workshops and a variety of excursions.

Join Carol Meldrum on this real Christmas treat to Estonia and Latvia, learning about the region’s rich textile and knitting traditions and exploring some of Europe’s most magical Christmas markets.

Join experts Hazel Tindall and Kathleen Anderson as we discover the breathtaking Shetland Islands, whose past is interwoven with a rich history of wool, textiles and inimitable Fair Isle technique.

Join COUNTRY LIFE contributors Charles Quest-Ritson and Kirsty Fergusson on this unforgettable tour of Sicily’s sumptuous gardens and splendid villas.

Experience the true beauty of Finland and its cities and landscapes, all the while having workshops with local craft experts and our Stitchtopia experts to really hone in your skills as a crochetier.

Let our expert host, Adam Wilkinson and Hortus contributor, Kirsty Fergusson, whisk you on a weekend away to the leafy village of Varengeville-sur-Mer to visit the region’s classical and contemporary gardens.

This Art Pursuits Abroad study tour spans a period of 1000 years and reveals a broad selection of treasures, from a secluded Romanesque abbey to splendid Art Nouveau artefacts and architecture and explores the genesis of art and culture in Austria’s heartland.

This fascinating Armenia tour takes us to Yerevan, the thirteenth Armenian capital and a city founded before Rome, as well as the turquoise Lake Sevan and the foothills of Turkish occupied Ararat.