Tours

England Quilt Tour

 May 19 -June 1, 2025

May 19, 2025

You will depart Canada or your home country.

May 20, 2025

On arrival in London, disembark and clear customs and Immigration, collect your luggage and proceed to the arrivals hall. Here you will be greeted by a representative, who will take you to the Holiday Inn London.

The hotel rooms might not be available when we first arrive at the hotel, so this will be a great time to relax and have lunch.

There will be time for you to relax and freshen up before we leave for our welcome dinner cruise on the Thames. This is a fabulous cruise, where you will enjoy the lights of London.

A great way of enjoying dinner as you sail past the iconic sights of the city. From the centre of the river you get a unique view of the Houses of Parliament, London Bridge, Tower Bridge, the Docklands and the Millennium Dome whilst at the same time enjoying first class service, a delicious meal and to complete the evening a live entertainer who signs songs from the West End Musical. (D)

May 21, 2025

Today we will enjoy a textile tour with Antony Robbins. Antony is a Blue Badge Guide, who I have had the pleasure of having on previous tours. Antony loves to show off London beyond the main tourist attractions.

This afternoon we will enjoy high tea at the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason.

Our Tea Salon has been a great many things for over 314 years. It began as an apartment for the Fortnum family, then became an interior decorating department in the 1920s and 1930s, and later an antiques department and a restaurant known as St. James's. Since 2012 it has paid homage to the timeless tradition of Afternoon Tea.

Epitomizing the sophistication of Afternoon and High Tea in all its splendour, our Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon was named in honour of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth's visit in 2012, when she formally opened the room, in the company of their Royal Highnesses the then Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge. And today and every day, it is the perfect place for your Afternoon Tea party. (B, Afternoon Tea)

May 22, 2025

Today we will enjoy a tour of the Royal School of Needlework. The school's renowned embroidery studio creates stunning bespoke embroidery commissions for fashion, art and royalty, as well as expertly restoring and conserving valuable and historical embroidered pieces, restoring historical textiles and bringing heirlooms back to life. (B)

May 23, 2025

After a delicious breakfast we will check out of the hotel, board the coach and make our way to Liverpool.

We will be making a stop at World of Wedgewood, where we will enjoy a tour by a member of the curatorial team. The tour of the galleries will delve deeper into the history of Wedgwood told through highlights in the collection. 

We will enjoy lunch at World of Wedgewood as well.

After lunch we will arrive at the Mercure Liverpool Atlantic Tower Hotel, which will be our home for the next 2 nights.

Atlantic Tower is located on Liverpool's famous waterfront and is adjacent to the Liver Buildings and close to the Albert Docks and city centre. With a huge array of pubs, clubs and restaurants, a trip to Liverpool will keep you occupied from noon till night. Atlantic Tower has two restaurants, a lounge and a bar offering a wide selection of drinks, light refreshment and dining. (B,L)

May 24, 2025

After a delicious breakfast we will step aboard the colourful Magical Mystery Tour bus for a fun and fascinating 2 hour tour of Beatles Liverpool. You’ll see all the places associated with John, Paul, George and Ringo as they grew up, met and formed the band that would take the pop world by storm. 

And you can see St Peter's Church and Church Hall, Eleanor Rigby, Tombstone and all the lonely people, Strawberry Field, Penny Lane.

You will have free time today to discover Liverpool on your own.

Tonight we will enjoy the sights of the historic Liverpool docks as we dine and cruise on the Floating Grace. (B, D)

May25, 2025

Today we will check out of our lovely hotel and make our way to Gawthorpe Hall.

Gawthorpe Textiles Collection is an internationally renowned collection of global textiles located in the heart of Pennine Lancashire. Founded by the Honourable Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth (1886-1967) the collection was amassed to teach, to support creativity and wellbeing, to support employability, to preserve traditional craft skills and to share knowledge, skills and expertise across cultures. 

The Collection is an accredited museum and independent registered charity with an ambition to develop a centre of excellence for textile learning based on its collection of over 30,000 items, one of the largest textile collections in the UK and the only collection of its kind in Lancashire.

This afternoon we will be visiting the Quaker Tapestry Museum. The Quaker Tapestry is a stunning and informative museum located in Kendal. The tapestry tells the story of Quakers in 77 embroidered panels covering over 350 years of social history.

Later this afternoon we will arrive at Lord Crewe Arms Blanchland. This is my favorite hotel on this tour. It is in the most picturesque little village and is so quaint, with so much character. (B, D)

May 26, 2025

After breakfast we will be off on a day trip.

The first stop will be Beamish, the Living Museum of the North. Beamish quilts are famous throughout the world.

The collection of quilts has grown and is now recognized both nationally and internationally as a collection of world importance. We have some 350 quilts, many of which have been exhibited in Japan, USA and all over the UK. Many of the quilts have been published in numerous books on the subject.

This afternoon we will be visiting the Durham Cathedral. We will enjoy a Textile tour of the Cathedral, seeing needlepoint pieces that are over 500 years old.

Part of the Harry Potter movie was filmed in part of the Cathedral as well.

In his lifetime, Cuthbert (635-687) was an influential churchman who was Prior of Melrose and then of Lindisfarne. He was a venerated religious figure, and a successful preacher who was responsible for the spread of Christianity in the North of England. After his death, his grave in Lindisfarne, and the places to which his incorrupt body was subsequently moved – Chester Le-Street and Ripon – became the greatest focus of pilgrimage in early medieval England until the death of Thomas Becket in 1170. Cuthbert's body has been in Durham since 995, and the grave is still a shrine to which pilgrims travel.

Tonight we will enjoy a group dinner when we arrive back at Lord Crewe. (B, D)

May 27, 2025

After a delicious breakfast we will say goodbye to this lovely hotel.

This morning we will be stopping at the Quilters Cupboard. Quilters Cupboard is a family owned quilt shop with a wide variety of fabric and classes.

This afternoon we will be taking a ride on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

The North Yorkshire Moor Railway is one of the world's greatest heritage railway experiences with thrills and family fun at its heart. Climb on-board a steam or heritage diesel train and experience 24 miles of Yorkshire's amazing scenery at this must-see visitor attraction.

 Whitby Station Steeped in history Whitby is known for its quirky narrow streets and bustling harbour overlooked by the striking ruins of Whitby Abbey. Explore the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, where you can learn about the famous explorer's life or visit the Dracula Experience on the seafront.

Later this afternoon we will be checking into the Hilton York. (B)

May 28, 2025

Today after breakfast we will be joined by local guide who will give us a walking tour of this medieval city.

This medieval city has so much to see, from the York Minster, to the Shambles or walk on top of the wall that circles the old city. 

Today we will enjoy a group lunch at The Black Swan.

This afternoon will be free time for you to explore the many sites and visit the unique shops. You can always take a break and visit the potion shop, enjoy the love potion or one of the many other potions they offer. Below are some of the sites to see, you might want to explore on your free time. The following are suggestions to see and not included in the itinerary.

Discover one of the world's most magnificent cathedrals, a masterpiece in stained glass and stone and a sacred space which has been at the centre of Christianity in the north of England since the 7th century. 

The Minster was built for the glory of God and this is reflected in every aspect of this ancient building, from the exquisite handcrafted stone through to the unrivalled collection of medieval stained glass. 

Marvel at the Great East Window, the largest single expanse of medieval stained glass in the country, take a guided tour filled with stories from the building's 800-year history or visit the Undercroft Museum to explore the remains of a Roman barracks and the cathedral's links to Viking York.

 Climb the 275 steps of the Central Tower for panoramic views of the city or take a Hidden Minster Tour to discover spaces normally closed to public access. Additional charges apply.

 2. Walking the Medieval City Walls. A walk round the walls takes about 2 hours and offers an opportunity to see the main features of the walls. There are four main bars, or fortified gateways, two smaller gateways with more modern stonework and one postern (a very small gateway defended by a tower), frequent intermediate towers, and details like windows, arrow-slits and gun ports, sculptures, and masons' marks. There are also good views of many important buildings from the walls.

 One section of the medieval walls is in the Museum Gardens, where you can see the best surviving stretch of the Roman fortress wall and the Roman Multangular Tower with medieval stonework above it. Also in the Museum Gardens are the ruins of St Mary's Abbey and the precinct walls around two sides of the Abbey. These walls were built at the same time as the City Walls and are the finest surviving example of Abbey walls in the country.

 Walking the trail around the Walls is roughly like walking the edges of a kilometer square. Each side in this square has a grand medieval fortified gateway called a “bar". The trail is divided by these bars into 4 unequal corners. 

3. Clifford's Tower. Immerse yourself in centuries of history at one of York's most iconic sites and experience stunning views over the ancient city.

 Built to subdue the rebellious north by William the Conqueror, Clifford's Tower has been a royal mint, a medieval stronghold and a Civil War garrison. In 1190, one of the worst antisemitic massacres of the Middle Ages took place on the site of the tower when York's Jewish community were trapped there by a violent mob and many Jews chose to commit suicide rather than be murdered.

 Today, a new roof deck gives unrivalled views over York's historic skyline, with its medieval buildings and famous Minster. Inside, new walkways and staircases have opened up parts of the tower that have been off-limits for centuries, and immersive soundscapes and stories are bringing the tower's turbulent history to life like never before. 

4. York Castle Museum - come and immerse yourself in over 400 years of York's past. 

Come and see hundreds of years of York's history in one place – from recreated Jacobean dining rooms to the world famous recreated Victorian Street, Kirkgate.

 Our interactive and immersive galleries hold thousands of historic objects that really bring the past to life, and our exhibitions promise fascinating displays and innovative new ways of learning about York's past.

 Highlights include: 

Kirkgate The Victorian street that brings history to life. Step onto the cobbles and visit the authentic shops to discover the weird and wonderful collections from this bygone era - from luxurious costumes to tasty traditional sweets and the pharmacist's unlikely 'cures'. From the luxury of the rich to a darker world of poverty and disease, see how York's 19th Century residents lived, learned and entertained themselves. 

York Castle Prison The museum buildings were once a Georgian Prison, and down in the felons' cells lies a disturbing history - a time of rouges, thieves and murders. Visit our infamous residents and hear their stories of rough conditions, crooked justice and harsh punishments... watch out for the most notorious inmate of all - the legendary highwayman, Dick Turpin 1914: 

When the World Changed Forever From the recruiting office to the horrors of the front line, experience the objects and stories of the First World War. 

Shaping The Body An iron corset, crotchless pantaloons from the time of Jane Austen, bum rolls and a killer dress are a few of the items featured in our latest permanent exhibition which charts the way fashion, food and fitness have shaped the body over the last 400 years.

Toy Stories Take a trip back to childhood and rediscover some of your favourite toys in our popular exhibition. 

The Sixties The Sixties exhibition aims to recreate the spirit of this exciting decade which saw momentous change in so many areas of public and private life.

 5. Ramble through the Shambles. 

Shambles is one of York's most famous landmarks and one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe. With its cobbled streets and overhanging buildings, it is believed to have been the inspiration behind Diagon Alley from the movie adaptation of the Harry Potter series. Although none of the original shop-fronts have survived from medieval times, some properties still have exterior wooden shelves, reminders of when cuts of meat were served from the open windows. The street was made narrow by design to keep the meat out of direct sunlight, but you can readily imagine the Shambles packed with people and awash with offal and discarded bones. 

Today, the beautiful old buildings have been restored and now house cheerful cafés, quirky boutiques and even a coin & stamp dealer and the smells are rather more pleasant with aromas from the chocolate, fudge and sweet shops, clothes and accessories and gift shops.

6. Jorvik Viking Centre.

 Discover the Original Viking Encounter at JORVIK Viking Centre! Experience the Viking Age by prebooking your visit now! 

With its world-famous ride taking visitors around the sights, sounds and smells of Viking-age York, and state-of-the art galleries showcasing our unique collection of 1,000 year old artefacts, visit JORVIK Viking Centre to discover York's fascinating Viking legacy. 

7. National Railway Museum.

 Escape the day-to-day and join National Railway Museum for a journey through time. Get up close to icons of the rails including Mallard, the world's fastest steam locomotive. Discover how high-speed rail travel began and journey back in time to experience the working life of a station. Explore over 200 years of history and find out how railways shaped our world. 

Admire the splendour of royal travel with the world's finest collection of royal carriages, before digging deeper into the museum's historic site in the new audio trail Sound Tracks. (B, L)

May 29, 2025

Today after breakfast we will check out of the hotel and board the coach to start our journey to Stratford - Upon - Avon.

We will be stopping this morning and joining some of the ladies from the Quilter's Guild of the British Isles. We will have a private viewing of the collection of quilts they have.

Later this afternoon we will be checking into The Arden Hotel, in Stratford -Upon - Avon. This a wonderful hotel within easy walking distance to the center of town, with many shops and restaurants. (B)

May 30, 2025

This morning we will be joined by a local guide for a walking tour of this beautiful city. 

This afternoon you will have free time to explore the shops and any sites that you would like to see in further detail. (B)

May 31, 2025

The House:

Built about 1130 by Payn Osmundsen, tenant of Aubrey de Vere. 1256 – 1490 owned by the de Grey family then, amongst others, Edmund Dudley, Henry VIIʼs favourite and Richard Cromwell, Oliver's grandfather. 

The beautiful Miss Gunnings, Maria and Elizabeth, were born here in the 1730s. The house had been doubled in size by their uncle. The extension burnt down in 1798. 

In the mediaeval Music Room, twice a week all through the war, she gave record recitals to personnel from the surrounding airfields but mostly from RAF Wyton, sometimes to over 30 of them. 

Come and feel the atmosphere of 900 years of the past held inside the metre thick stone walls, and hear the 1929 gramophone playing a record listened to by the RAF airmen during WWII. 

Lucy Boston bought the house on 31 May 1939 and restored it, as much as possible, back to its Norman original. 

Lucy Boston's patchwork collection can be views at The Manor. A visit to the house vies the unusual opportunity to see this world class patchwork collection in the house in which the patchworks were made. 

Lucy Hoston's Patchwork of thew Crosses is one of the known best known patchworks in the world.

 www.greenknowe.co.uk/patchworks

Later this afternoon we will check into the Hilton London Gatwick Airport.

We will enjoy a group farewell dinner tonight. (B, D)

June 1, 2025

Today we will check out of our hotel and say goodbye to our fellow travelers.

Flight home to Canada.

B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner

Amazing Small Group Tour Price

Priced per person in CDN Dollars.

Double Occupancy - 7199.00

Single Supplement - 8929.00

Price Includes;

Accommodations, Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 1 Afternoon Tea, 5 Dinners mentioned in itinerary, Transportation - transfers and comfortable coaches throughout the tour, Step on Local Guides, Taxes, Entrances to all attractions mentioned in itinerary.

Not Included in Price

Airfare, Travel Insurance, Gratuities to guides and driver, personal items, Meals not mentioned in itinerary.

Tour is dependent on 15 people. If 15 people are not booked and the tour has to be cancelled you will get a full refund.

Travel Requirements

Everyone must have a valid passport.

Book Now!

To reserve your place please click on Book Now or contact:

Edna’s Travel/TravelOnly
Phone: 519-550-9129
Email: [email protected]

TravelOnly Corporate Office
325A West St.
Brantford, On., N3R 3V6
Phone: 519-752-4363

www.travelonly.com
TICO #04316071

Tour Escorted by Edna Carroll

Itinerary September 20-27, 2025

Day 1, September 20, 2025

Today we will leave London early in the morning, picking up in Woodstock, Mississauga and in the St. Catherines area, before we cross the bridge in Fort Erie. 

We will make our way to the Finger Lakes NY area where we will spend the night.

Day 2, September 21, 2025

This morning after breakfast we will travel through the beautiful country side to Hershey PA, the home of Hershey Chocolate.

After lunch we will be taking a trolley tour through the streets of Hershey, to learn about the history of Milton Hershey, and the main sites of the area. 

Later in the afternoon we will arrive at the Wyndham Resort and Convention Center.

After we check into Wyndham Resort Lancaster, unwind after your day of travel and exploration. Take some time to relax and enjoy the amenities offered by the resort.

Dinner: For dinner, you can either dine at one of the on-site restaurants at the resort or explore nearby dining options in Lancaster.

Day 3, September 22, 2025

 Start your day with a satisfying breakfast, then we will be off for a shop hop of the Lancaster area.

This morning we will arrive at Burholder's Fabric Store and you can explore their selection of fabrics, quilting supplies, and more. Take your time browsing and finding the perfect fabrics for your projects. 

After this stopping at the next quilt shop, Scenic View.  Explore their offerings and perhaps find some unique fabrics to add to your stash. 

Kettle Village: After your morning of fabric shopping, we will visit Kettle Village for lunch. This charming village often has quaint cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious meal. Take your time to relax and refuel before your next stop.

The Old Country Store: After lunch, visit The Old Country Store, known for its extensive selection of fabrics, quilting supplies, and crafts. Spend some time exploring the store and perhaps find some treasures to take home.

Shady Maple: We will head to Shady Maple for your group dinner. Indulge in a hearty meal at this popular buffet-style restaurant known for its delicious Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine. Enjoy a variety of dishes and desserts as you unwind after a day of shopping and exploration.

Return to Accommodation: After dinner, return to your accommodation in Lancaster for a restful night's sleep. Reflect on your day filled with fabric shopping and delightful meals. (B,D)

Day 4, September 23, 2025

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the resort to fuel up for your day ahead. 

We will meet our step-on-guide, to explore the Amish countryside and learn about their way of life, culture, and traditions. Enjoy scenic views and fascinating insights into the Amish community. 

We will be stopping throughout the day at 4 Amish Artisans to see how they make their products and visit their stores.

Lunch in an Amish Home: After the tour, indulge in an authentic Amish dining experience with lunch served in an Amish home of Hanna King. Enjoy traditional dishes prepared with care and hospitality.

Dinner at Dutch Apple Dinner Theater: Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at Dutch Apple Dinner Theater. Indulge in a scrumptious meal while enjoying a live theatrical performance. It's a perfect way to unwind and savor the evening. (B,L,D)

Day 5, September 24, 2025

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the resort to energize for your adventures ahead.

 Spend your day exploring the stunning botanical gardens, taking in the vibrant colors, lush landscapes, and captivating architecture. Don't miss highlights like the Main Fountain Garden, the Conservatory, and the outdoor gardens. 

 Longwood Gardens, honesty this is one of the most beautiful botanical garden that I have ever visited. The gardens consist of 1,077 acres, with 4.5 acres under heated connected greenhouses. 

In the greenhouses there are over 4,600 different plants and trees, as well as fountains. There are rooms with just one type of flower, like orchids. There are ponds with many lily pads, some over 8 feet across! I think this will be great inspiration for quilts, between the colours and scenery.

Lunch at Longwood Gardens Cafe: Refuel with a leisurely lunch at the Longwood Gardens Cafe. Enjoy a delicious meal surrounded by the beauty of the gardens, and perhaps take some time to relax and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.

Dinner at Plain & Fancy: In the evening, head to Plain & Fancy for a taste of authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine. Indulge in hearty dishes such as chicken pot pie, shoofly pie, and other traditional favorites in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. 

Return to Wyndham Resort: After dinner, return to Wyndham Resort to unwind and relax after a full day of exploration and dining. (B,L,D)

Day 6, September 25, 2025

Start your day with a satisfying breakfast at the resort to fuel up for your shopping excursion.

After breakfast, we will set out for our fabric shop hop adventure.

Log Cabin Quilt Shop: Begin your fabric shopping at Log Cabin Quilt Shop. Explore their selection of fabrics, quilting supplies, and more. Take your time to browse and find the perfect materials for your projects.

Mook Fabrics: Next, head to Mook Fabrics, another destination for fabric enthusiasts. Browse through their wide range of fabrics and notions, and perhaps discover some unique finds.

Lunch at Bird in Hand Restaurant: After your morning of shopping, enjoy a delicious lunch at Bird in Hand Restaurant. Indulge in hearty Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine and savor the flavors of the region.

Lancaster Home & Fabrics: Continue your fabric exploration at Lancaster Home & Fabrics. Explore their collection of fabrics and home decor items, and see if anything catches your eye.

Dinner on Your Own: For dinner, you have the option to explore nearby dining options near the hotel. There are likely several restaurants within a short drive where you can enjoy a variety of cuisines and dining experiences. (B, L)

Day 7, September 26, 2025

Today we will depart the lovely resort ad start our journey home, stopping in Finger Lakes area for the night. (B)

Day 8, September 27, 2025

Today we arrive home mid afternoon until late afternoon, depending on where you are dropped off.

Prices

Prices are per person in Canadian Dollars, includes all taxes

Double - $2929.00

Triple - $2599.00

Quad - $2479.00

Single - $3899.00

Deposit is $450.00 at time of booking.

Balance is due June 15, 2025

The deposit and final payment are non-refundable unless Edna Carroll cancels the tour. The tour is dependent on 24 people by May 1, 2025.

What is Included 

Accommodations, Transportation

7 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners

Trolley tour in Hershey, Amish Artisans Tour, Longwood Gardens, Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

Not Included in the Price

Travel Insurance which I  highly recommend.                                                                Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.                                                                                  Tips for driver and tour guides.                                                                                                 Personal Items

Valid passports are required for this tour.

August 2025

The full itinerary and prices will be announced soon.