August 2 – 12, 2024
Join us for an exclusive tour this August, where we will explore the enchanting houses and gardens nestled in the Borders of England and Scotland, as well as the serene Lake District. Our journey begins in Glasgow, where we will visit the House for an Art Lover and enjoy tea at Mackintosh at the Willow. Our guide, Dai Vaughan, with his wife Jenny, has contributed significantly to the artwork in both locations, will lead us through these iconic sites. From Glasgow, we travel to Kirkcudbright, the Village of Artists, to spend two nights at the Selkirk Arms Hotel before venturing to our next destination.
The tour continues with a two-night stay at Naworth Castle, a historic residence owned by the Howard family since the 14th century. As our base, Naworth Castle provides access to a variety of special homes and gardens, some of which are private and have extended invitations exclusively to our group. In addition to the private residences, we will visit architectural gems such as Philip Webb’s only church in Brampton, Pugin’s church in Warwick Bridge, and Sarah Losh’s church in Wreay. For those interested in history, there will be time to walk along Hadrian’s Wall, a monument of Roman legacy offering spectacular views.
Our travels in the Lake District include a two-night stay at Broadleys, a home designed by Voysey that boasts a stunning position above Lake Windermere. This part of the tour is rich in literary and artistic history, as we explore the influence of the Lake Poets and the Arts and Crafts movement. We will visit Blackwell, the most important Arts and Crafts museum designed by Baillie Scott, and other notable sites such as homes by Lutyens, gardens by Thomas Mawson, and John Ruskin’s home at Brantwood.
Further south in the Lake District, we will visit historical sites like Levens Hall and Sizergh Castle, as well as the quaint town of Sedbergh, known as one of Britain’s ‘Book Towns.’ Our journey also includes a stop at Giggleswick Chapel, a unique site built in 1901 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Silver Jubilee, featuring a distinctive copper-brown dome and remarkable interior decoration. A private lunch at a local home will follow this visit.
The final leg of our tour takes us to Birmingham, where we will delve into the city’s rich arts and crafts heritage. We will explore the Birmingham Museum’s recently opened Gas Hall with its spectacular collection of Pre-Raphaelite works, the conserved stained glass windows at Birmingham Cathedral, and the planned community of Bournville, established by the Cadburys for their workers.
This tour is an exploration of the soul of English heritage. Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to secure your spot early by filling out the registration form. Additionally, you have the option to download the tour conditions and tour brochure for further details.
We look forward to sharing this unforgettable experience with you.