2027 Scotland Knitting Tour
I am beyond excited to be hosting my first ever knitting tour in April 2027, where we will be travelling across Scotland for 9 days of pure crafty bliss! 🏴🧶✨
This tour offers a unique opportunity to not only visit iconic Scottish landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and Loch Ness, but also to immerse yourself in Scotland's rich craft and textile heritage, visit beautiful local yarn stores and farms, learn from some of Scotland's leading fibre artists, and connect with other like-minded knitters from around the world.
The tour will run from the 12th-21st of April, 2027 🌿
Itinerary
Important Note: Attractions, Workshops and Demonstrations May Change According to Availability and Ferry Scheduling
DAY 1, 12 APRIL 2027 - WELCOME TO SCOTLAND!
You’ll arrive in Edinburgh and transfer from Edinburgh International Airport to the Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club. After settling in, we'll meet our friendly tour guide and fellow knitters for a Welcome Lunch and an introduction to the activities ahead.
In the afternoon, we'll visit the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched above the Royal Mile and offering magnificent views across both the Old and New Towns.
Later, enjoy an exclusive shopping experience at Ginger Twist Studio, complete with a dyeing demonstration and a celebratory glass of bubbly.
The evening is ours to unwind, relax, and enjoy some quiet knitting time.
Overnight 4 Star Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club, Edinburgh – Welcome Lunch included
DAY 2, 13 APRIL 2027 – SANQUHAR PATTERN AND NEW LANARK MILL
After breakfast, we will check out of the Dalmahoy and travel to the small market town of Sanquhar surrounded by breath-taking scenery and discover the Sanquhar Pattern.
After lunch, we will visit New Lanark, a unique 18th century spinning mill village and UNESCO heritage site.
We will then travel to Glasgow and arrive at the Radisson Blu Hotel in time for dinner.
Overnight 4 Star Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow – Breakfast and Dinner included
DAY 3, 14 APRIL 2027 – BRIOCHE KNITTING CLASS AND BURRELL COLLECTION
After breakfast, we will head to the gorgeous For the Love of Yarn studio for a Brioche knitting class with Samira Hill of Eildon Designs. We will also have time to explore their dreamy collection of naturally dyed yarn.
After lunch, we'll enjoy some Glasgow sightseeing which will include a visit to the award-winning Burrell Collection which houses over 9,000 objects, including one of the most significant collections of Chinese art in UK, medieval treasures including stained glass, arms and armour and over 200 tapestries which rank amongst the finest in the world, and paintings by renowned French artists including Manet, Cezanne and Degas.
We'll then return to our hotel in Glasgow where the evening is at our leisure to relax and knit.
Overnight 4 Star Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow – Breakfast and Lunch included
DAY 4, 15 APRIL 2027 – LUSS, AUCHINDRAIN & WAULKING EXPERIENCE
After breakfast, we will check out of the Radisson Blu and travel north-west via the scenic Loch Lomond. We'll enjoy a short stop in the picturesque conservation village of Luss before continuing onwards.
We will then pay a visit to Auchindrain, a remarkable preserved historic township in Argyll, Scotland, offering a vivid glimpse into traditional rural life with its thatched cottages, stone buildings, and centuries-old farming practices.
Here, we'll meet the group locally known as ’Sgioba Luaidh Inbhirchluaidh’ which translates to the ‘Inverclyde Waulking Group.’ Waulking is a method of finishing newly woven tweed by soaking and thumping it steadily to shrink and soften it. The group sings Waulking Songs as they work!
We'll then make our way up to the resort town of Oban where we'll have some free time to explore before we check into the Knipoch House Hotel and enjoy some dinner.
Overnight 4 Star Knipoch House Hotel, Oban – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
DAY 5, 16 APRIL 2027 – SECRETS, ILLUSIONS AND CODE KNITTING WORKSHOP AND
HIGHLAND EXPLORING
After breakfast, we'll check out of the Knipoch House and head to our second workshop, Secrets, Illusions and Code with Deborah Gray, a Shetland Wool Week instructor and designer!
We will then journey onwards to the Scottish Highlands skirting the eastern shores of Loch Linnhe into a mystical landscape of sweeping slopes and rocky peaks.
After lunch and some free time in the Highlands town of Fort William, we'll continue onwards and stop in Fort Augustus, a picturesque village nestled at the southern tip of Loch Ness, where the Caledonian Canal’s locks tumble gracefully through the heart of town, surrounded by forested hills, stone bridges, and a tranquil blend of history, legend, and loch-side beauty.
We will then make our way up to Inverness and check in at the Kingsmills Hotel, where we will enjoy some dinner.
Overnight 4 Star Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness – Breakfast and Dinner included
DAY 6, 17 APRIL 2027 – CULLODEN BATTLEFIELD, INVERNESS AND LOCH NESS CRUISE
After breakfast, we will visit the iconic, emotive and atmospheric Culloden Battlefield, which is also the filming location for Outlander!
We will then embark on a cruise of breath-taking mysterious Loch Ness. Find out the mysteries of Nessie and maybe, just maybe, you will spot her yourself!
The remainder of the day is at our leisure to explore Inverness, the largest city and the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands. Its Old Town features 19th-century Inverness Cathedral, the mostly 18th-century Old High Church and an indoor Victorian Market selling food, clothing and crafts. You may wish to visit Rebel Row – Prickly Thistle Flagship Store or Highlands House of Fraser for the kilt making demonstration.
The evening is at our leisure to enjoy dinner at one of local restaurants (not included) or relax at the hotel.
Overnight 4 Star Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness – Breakfast included
DAY 7, 18 APRIL 2027 – BLAIR CASTLE AND V&A DESIGN GALLERY
After breakfast, we will check out of the Kingsmills and journey to the city of Dundee located on the banks of the River Tay.
On the way, we'll visit Blair Castle & Gardens, the home of the Atholl family for more than 700 years. Our visit will trace history from Mary, Queen of Scots through the Civil War, the Act of Union, and the Jacobite rising to the Battle of Culloden, and onward from the Isle of Man to Queen Victoria’s fondness for the Scottish Highlands and her gifting of colours to the Atholl Highlanders.
We'll then make our way to the V&A Design Gallery – Scotland’s first dedicated design museum. This design gallery, situated at Dundee waterfront, features exhibits from various collections across Scotland as well as pieces brought north from the V&A in London.
We'll then check in to the Apex City Quay Hotel and the remainder of the evening will be at our leisure to relax and knit or enjoy dinner at a local bar/restaurant (not included).
Overnight 4 Star Apex City Quay Hotel, Dundee – Breakfast and Lunch included
DAY 8, 19 APRIL 2027 – GANSEY KNITTING WORKSHOP AND BALMERINO FARM
After breakfast, we'll check out of the Apex and begin our journey back to Edinburgh.
On the way, we'll enjoy a Gansey Knitting Workshop with Di Gilpin (judge on Channel 4's hit show Game of Wool). Di starts her workshop with a brief presentation on the history of Gansey knitting in Scotland, supported by samples of traditional pieces as well as some contemporary designs from the studio. Her workshop explores different gansey patterns in either blanket squares or a long sampler.
Following the workshop, we'll enjoy some free time in St. Andrews, a seaside town known for its many golf courses, for sightseeing, shopping and lunch (not included).
We'll then head to the traditional, family-run Balmerino Farm, tucked away in a picturesque setting with stunning views over the River Tay. The farm offers a unique Farm-to-Yarn experience, where wool from their own flock, balmerino™ sheep, is transformed from fleece to finished yarn. The sheep are a combination of a Merino crossed with other Scottish breeds, a cross that has the hardiness to thrive in the Scottish climate and additionally produces fine, luxurious wool, so soft it can be worn next to the skin! During our visit, we will also enjoy a live sheepdog demonstration!
We'll then complete the journey back to Edinburgh and check back into the Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club in time for dinner.
Overnight 4 Star Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club, County Edinburgh – Breakfast and Dinner included
DAY 9, 20 APRIL 2027 – KATHY’S KNITS & LUCY HAGUE, DOVECOT STUDIO AND FAREWELL DINNER
After breakfast, we'll visit Kathy’s Knits, a small independent yarn and knitting store, where we'll meet with Lucy Hague, a well-known pattern designer and author of Celtic Cable Shawls and Illuminated Knits. We'll also have some time to browse through an array of yarns, patterns and accessories in stock at Kathy’s Knits.
We'll then visit the world-renowned Dovecot Studio to view the weavers at work. Established in 1912, Dovecot continues a century-long heritage of collaboration with international artists to make exceptional handwoven tapestries and gun-tufted rugs.
The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore Edinburgh before returning to the hotel for a Farewell Dinner with our fellow travellers.
Overnight 4 Star Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club, Edinburgh – Breakfast and Farewell Dinner & Drink included
DAY 10, 21 APRIL 2027 – FAREWELL SCOTLAND!
After breakfast, we'll check out of the Dalmahoy and transfer to Edinburgh airport in plenty of time to check in and some last minute duty-free shopping.
General Tour Information
This tour is operated by Knitting Tours and is hosted by Jaime Creates.
For all inquiries, please email contact@jaimecreates.me.
TOUR DATES:
12th-21st April, 2027
If you are traveling from a great distance, please note you will need to leave on a flight departing no later than April 11th to arrive on April 12th for the start of the tour. It is strongly recommended you arrive one or two days prior to the tour start date to ensure timely arrival and assist with any possible jet lag. An additional night's hotel stay on April 11th can be arranged on request.
INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR:
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Transfers on arrival and departure (chauffeur or by coach tour depending on your arrival & departure flight times)*
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24/7 helpline straight to members of the Knitting Tours team
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Luxury, spacious coach with experienced driver
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Accredited Scotland Blue Badge Guide throughout
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All hotels listed in the itinerary with en suite bath/step in shower or walk in shower
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Tourist Tax for Overnight Stays in Edinburgh and Glasgow
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Porterage from hotel reception to your room and back
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Scottish Breakfast Daily
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4 x Hotel dinners including Farewell Dinner & Drink
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4 x lunches
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Visit to Dovecot Studio
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Exploration and activities at New Lanark World Heritage Site
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Explore Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre
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Loch Ness Cruise
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Entrance to the following attractions: Edinburgh Castle, Burrell Collection, Auchindrain Township, Blair Castle & Gardens and V&A Design Gallery
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Knitting tours gift bag including tote bag, notebook and pen, lanyard, luggage tag and rain poncho
*Transfers apply to pre-tour accommodation package, arrivals on tour start date before 11.00am and departure on the tour finish date.
ITEMS NOT INCLUDED:
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Travel to and from Edinburgh
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Gratuities/Tips
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Room Service
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Additional beverages and alcoholic drinks
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Personal items such as phone calls, additional meals, snacks or drinks not included in the itinerary
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Yarn, patterns and materials not included in the itinerary
KNITTING/YARN ACTIVITIES FOR THIS TOUR:
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Sanquhar Pattern Demonstration in Sanquhar
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Brioche Knitting workshop - the Leana Shawl with Samira Hill
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Secrets, Illusions and Code Knitting Workshop with Deborah Gray
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Gansey Knitting Workshop with Di Gilpin
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Ginger Twist Private Shopping and dyeing demonstration
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Visit to Kathy’s Knits and Lucy Hague Knitwear Designer Talk
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Waulking with Wool performance
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Balmerino Farm to Yarn Experience and Sheepdog display
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Yarn shopping!
Wool and patterns are included in all workshops, just bring your own needles and sizes will be advised.
COST:
£5,005.00 per person sharing in a twin/ double room
£905.00 additional supplement if a single room is required
PRE TOUR ARRANGEMENTS (OPTIONAL):
11 April 2027 x 1 Night Bed & Breakfast at Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club, Edinburgh (subject to availability)
£85.00 per person sharing in a twin/ double room
£150.00 single occupancy room per night
All pricing is in GBP - passengers may choose to be charged in POUND STERLING/ GBP or their own local currency.
*Please note, a maximum of 27 passengers can be booked on this tour.
If you have friends or family that want to join you but do not knit, we offer a special non-knitter discount of £200!
Travel to and from Scotland is not included in the tour price. We recommend refraining from purchasing flights or other travel until the tour is confirmed as running with minimum participant number of 15 participants.
PAYMENT TERMS:
A 20% deposit of the total tour price (£1001.00) is required to secure your booking. The remaining balance is due 60 days prior to arrival (February 11th, 2027) and can be paid in instalments upon request.
Acceptable payment methods are by Bank Transfer or Credit/Debit Card. All payments received by bank transfer must be for the full amount required with your sender’s banking fees payable by you.
BOOKING PROCESS:
The tour needs a minimum of 15 participants to proceed. As the 20% deposit is non-refundable, we will not begin collecting deposits until the minimum number of participants has been reached. To reserve a place on the participant list, please complete the interest form below.
Once the minimum number has been met, you will receive the official booking form from Knitting Tours. This form will require your payment details, so please ensure sufficient funds are available in your account and notify your bank in advance to avoid any payment issues. Your place on the tour will be confirmed once your deposit has been successfully processed.
To be fair to other interested participants, please only complete the interest form if you genuinely intend to join the tour. By submitting the form, you are indicating that you will proceed with confirming your place by paying the 20% deposit once the minimum number of participants has been reached.
CANCELLATION TERMS:
Cancellation of your booking must be in writing or by email to Jaime Creates (contact@jaimecreates.me), who will inform Knitting Tours. If the reason for your cancellation is covered under your insurance policy, you may be able to make a claim under that policy. Tours already booked cannot be cancelled and rebooked where special offers are made available.
CANCELLATION PENALTIES:
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Cancellation 61 days or more prior to itinerary start date – Full deposit is forfeit.
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Cancellation 60 days to 31 days prior to itinerary start date – 50% of total paid is forfeit
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Cancellation 30 days or less prior to itinerary start date – 100% of total paid is forfeit
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
It is highly recommended that each participant have adequate travel insurance for their vacation in the event of trip cancellation, personal accident, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, loss of monies, etc. We recommend purchasing "cancel for any reason" insurance.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
It is important to note that a certain amount of walking is encouraged on our tours. All tour members must be able to mount steps into the coach and walk unaided at a reasonable pace from coach to hotel and coach to visitor attractions/events on possibly uneven ground. Passengers must be able to handle their own luggage. Coach driver’s and guides that are employed by The Irish Tourism Group and representatives of Jaime Creates cannot provide individualised help for walking, getting on and off motor coaches, ferries or other personal needs.
BAGGAGE:
When porterage of baggage is included in a programme, it is based upon a maximum of 1 piece of standard airline baggage per person. Passengers bringing baggage in excess of this amount may incur a surcharge. For the sake of passenger comfort, it is recommended that passengers limit baggage to 1 suitcase per person plus 1 carry on.
SAFETY:
It is the responsibility of each individual participant to ensure that they do not behave in such a way as to cause offence or danger to themselves or others, or which risks damage to property. Each participant shall be responsible for any injury or damage caused by their failure to behave in a safe and proper manner.
Reserve Your Spot
Keen to join? Complete the interest form below to reserve your place on the participant list.
Can't wait to see you there! 💖