• Home
  • Destinations
  • Great Britain
  • Birmingham Festival of Quilts & UK Textiles Journey
Great Britain Tour

Birmingham Festival of Quilts & UK Textiles Journey

Birmingham Festival of Quilts and Textile Tour with the Quilter on Fire

21 JULY 2026

13 days

$6,490

per person, twin share (land tour only).
$1,385 supplement for single room.

Early Bird Discount until Feb 1, 2026 - $100 off total tour cost!


Tour Leader

Karen Bolan

Tour Info

 

OVERVIEW 

Map Birmingham Festival of Quilts and UK Textiles Journey

Join us for an unforgettable 13-day journey through the UK's rich textile heritage, from London's world-class museums to the rich history of Bath, culminating in two inspiring days at the Birmingham Festival of Quilts. You'll walk through William Morris's creative world, explore Jane Austen's countryside, discover centuries-old Welsh quilting heritage, and experience the warmth of Britain's vibrant fiber arts community.

Along the way, enjoy exclusive experiences, like a full day spent with Sarah Hibbert, one of the UK's most celebrated quilters, learning fun techniques in an intimate workshop setting and sharing stories over dinner. Between creative moments, you'll discover Britain's treasures: the incomparable textile collection at the V&A, Liberty of London's iconic prints, the fabric shops and markets that London quilters love, the American Museum's quilt collection in beautiful Bath, and the National Wool Museum tucked into the Welsh countryside.

This journey explores England and Wales with plenty of time to shop, learn, connect with fellow quilters, and gather inspiration from landscapes of historic cities and countrysides.

HIGHLIGHTS

Textile Discoveries & Creative Experiences 

  • Spend a full day with renowned quilter Sarah Hibbert including a hands-on workshop and intimate dinner
  • Explore the William Morris Gallery with a curated tour celebrating the legendary designer's enduring influence
  • Visit The Minerva Arts Centre's remarkable collection of over 200 antique Welsh quilts
  • Tour the American Museum and Gardens' quilt collection in a stunning country house setting
  • Discover the National Wool Museum of Wales and Welsh Quilt Centre

Museums & Cultural treasures

  • Guided tour of the Victoria & Albert Museum's world-renowned textile collection
  • Explore Bath's Roman Baths and Georgian architecture
  • Visit Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) and the awe-inspiring Stonehenge
  • Discover Jane Austen's House in the English countryside
  • Tour Oxford's historic university city and the Ashmolean Museum
  • Experience Cardiff's National Museum and the living history of St. Fagan's
  • Stroll through Castle Combe, one of the Cotswolds' most picturesque villages

Festival & Shopping Adventures

  • Two full days at the Birmingham Festival of Quilts, the UK's largest quilting event where workshops and rows of vendors await
  • Join Sarah Hibbert to shop London's fabric treasure troves including the lovely Ray Stitch
  • Browse the iconic prints at Liberty of London

 

Detailed Itinerary

Birmingham Festival of Quilts and Textile Tour with the Quilter on Fire brochure

START & FINISH

The tour begins with our welcome dinner on Day, July 21 in London. The tour concludes after breakfast on Day 13, August 2 at our hotel at Heathrow Airport.

Itinerary

 

DETAILED ITINERARY

Please contact our office for more information

Opulent Quilt Journeys
Phone: 877 235 3767
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 Brochure Birmingham Festival of Quilts and UK Textiles Journey

 

Tour Leader

 

Karen Bolan

 Karen Bolan is a quilt teacher, lecturer, and pattern designer in Northern California. Drawn to the layers of design and expression possible in quilting, she loves the learning that comes from experimenting and finds inspiration everywhere she goes. Her designs are out of the box, and integrate a love of geometry, experimentation, interconnection, depth, and texture. Her work has been featured in numerous magazines including a recent feature in Quilts Japan, and her quilts have been exhibited at local and international shows including QuiltCon, Pacific International Quilt Festival, and the de Young Museum. Learn more about Karen’s work by visiting her website at www.KarenBolan.com.

View Bio and Upcoming Tours

Inclusions

 

TOUR INCLUSIONS

What is included in the tour price?

  • 12 nights twin-share accommodation at well-appointed hotels
  • 2-day tickets to the Birmingham Festival of Quilts (VIP passes will be included based on availability once released by the festival)
  • Travel by private, comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
  • Visits and entrance fees as stated in the itinerary
  • Daily breakfast at hotels, and other meals as stated in itinerary
  • An English-speaking local guide to accompany the group

What is not included in the tour price?

  • International airfares
  • Arrival & departure transfers
  • Travel insurance
  • Porterage & gratuities
  • Festival workshops or lectures
  • Personal expenses and anything not mentioned

 

Hotels

 

HOTELS

Please contact our office for more information

Opulent Quilt Journeys
Phone: 877 235 3767
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tour Details

Status

icon available1 Places Available

Fitness Requirements

 

 


Bookings

To secure a place on this tour click one of the buttons above.  We'll send you a booking form and instructions to register.  

Still have more questions?  Feel free to call us at 877-235-3767 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 


Next Departure

If these dates don’t work for you, register to hear about the next tour to England/Wales.

Be the first to know about our upcoming exciting tours