Museum of the Home in Shoreditch, London

A Journey Through England's Woodworking Heritage 2026

Travel to England for an immersive woodworking journey hosted by Woodsmith, Fine Woodworking and Popular Woodworking. Over eight carefully curated days, explore historic workshops, renowned furniture schools, world-class museums, and private estates—connecting deeply with the craft, its traditions, and the people who keep it alive.

Tour Complete

This tour occurred on September 7–September 14, 2026. Past tour information is preserved for informational purposes only. Visit Tour Highlights below to see a recap of this trip.

Itinerary

DETAILS

Day 1, September 7, 2026: Arrival in England and Welcome Dinner

Arrive at London Heathrow and make your way to the Hilton Heathrow Terminal 4 Hotel, our lodging for the first evening. This first evening you’ll enjoy a welcome group dinner, meet fellow tour members, and get to know the tour hosts, Michael Pekovich and Jon Binzen.

Day 2, September 8, 2026: Building Crafts College and Lunch

Begin the tour with a visit to the Building Crafts College, one of England’s leading institutions dedicated to preserving and teaching traditional hand skills. Explore workshops where furniture making, joinery, and craft disciplines are practiced at the highest level. Lunch is included.

Day 3, September 9, 2026: Victoria & Albert Museum and Free Time in London

Spend the day at the Victoria & Albert Museum, home to one of the world’s most important decorative arts collections. From historic furniture to exemplary craftsmanship across centuries, this visit offers unmatched inspiration. The afternoon is yours to enjoy London at your own pace—visit galleries, bookshops, or simply take in the city.

Day 4, September 10, 2026: High Wycombe Store, Lunch, and Huw Crompton Wormsley Estate

Travel to High Wycombe, long considered the heart of English chairmaking, with time to explore a local woodworking-focused store and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, visit Huw Crompton Wormsley Estate. Set within stunning countryside, this private estate offers a rare look at traditional building and furniture techniques in a historic setting.

Day 5, September 11, 2026: Snowdon School of Furniture, Free Time in Tetbury, and Turning Demonstration by Paul Hannaby

Visit the Snowdon School of Furniture, where contemporary makers are trained using time-honored methods. Afterward, enjoy free time in the charming town of Tetbury, known for its craftsmanship, architecture, and independent shops. The day concludes with a turning demonstration by master turner Paul Hannaby, offering insight into technique, design, and the maker’s process.

Day 6, September 12, 2026: Westonbirt Arboretum and Rodmarton Manor

Experience the natural beauty of Westonbirt Arboretum, home to one of the world’s most important tree collections—an inspiring look at the raw materials behind the craft. Later, visit Rodmarton Manor, a masterpiece of the Arts & Crafts movement, built and furnished entirely by hand using traditional methods. This visit powerfully connects woodworking to architecture, philosophy, and design.

Day 7, September 13, 2026: Gordon Russel Museum, Free Time in Broadway, The Wilson Art Gallery & Museum

Explore the Gordon Russell Museum, dedicated to one of Britain’s most influential furniture designers and makers. Enjoy free time and lunch on your own in the picturesque town of Broadway, followed by a visit to The Wilson Art Gallery & Museum, where fine art and decorative craft round out the experience.

Day 8, September 14, 2026: Departure

Depart England for home, carrying new inspiration, deeper knowledge, and lasting connections forged through a shared passion for woodworking.

4-star relaxation and comfortable coach travel.

Hotel Accommodations:

After full days touring London, we will retire to the comfort of 4-star hotels.

Hilton Heathrow Terminal 4, 2 nights
RIU Plaza London Victoria, 2 nights
Kings Head Cheltenham, 3 nights

Coach Travel:

Coach travel will be provided daily by a modern, comfortable coach operated by an experienced driver.

Tour Highlights

John Madejski Garden courtyard at Victoria & Albert Museum

Tour Hosts

Mike Pekovich

Editor & Creative Director, Fine Woodworking

Author of The Why and How of Woodworking and Foundations of Woodworking, Fine Woodworking's Editor and Creative Director Mike Pekovich has been making furniture and teaching people to woodwork for most of his career. During his 25-year tenure at the magazine, Mike's focus has been on making the craft easier for those of us that struggle day to day in our shops. While books and magazines are a great way to reach a wide audience, Mike's passion is in working one-on-one with students, and teaching provides that opportunity. "Some things just don't make sense until I can get a tool in your hand and show you the right way to go about a task. That's where the most important teaching gets done."

Jonathan Binzen

Deputy Editor, Fine Woodworking

Jon Binzen, Fine Woodworking’s deputy editor, has been documenting the field of furniture making as a writer, editor, and photographer since 1993, when he joined the magazine. He and Kevin Rodel wrote the book Arts and Crafts Furniture, a history tracing the international scope of the style, which had its roots and perhaps finest expression in England. With a particular passion for design, Jon has written about a range of makers and styles, curated furniture exhibitions, and spoken on the craft at schools and conferences.
For the past twenty years, he has been writing about exceptional makers for Fine Woodworking’s back cover. After college, where he studied literature and the history of art and architecture, he worked in furniture shops in Philadelphia. He lives in New Milford, Conn., with his wife, book designer Carol Singer.