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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 Dates

September 7 – September 14, 2026

Tour Prices

$6,995 (USD) per person, double occupancy

$7,995 (USD) per person, single occupancy

Tour Includes

  • Exclusive access to England's woodworking institutions, including the Building Crafts College and Snowdon School of Furniture
  • Behind-the-scenes demonstrations with accomplished turners and craftspeople, including Paul Hannaby
  • Visits to iconic collections, such as the Victoria & Albert Museum and the Gordon Russell Museum
  • Historic estates and architectural inspiration, including Huw Crompton Wormsley Estate and Rodmarton Manor
  • Local exploration in London and Tetbury
  • Professionally guided throughout, with coach transportation and a dedicated tour leader
  • Comfortable 4-start accommodations and thoughtfully planned meals included
  • Hosted by the editors of Fine Woodworking, offering insight, camaraderie, and shared passion for the craft
Victoria & Albert Museum
Victoria & Albert Museum

Itinerary

AT A GLANCE

Monday, September 7 - Arrival London Heathrow, welcome dinner in hotel.

Tuesday, September 8 - Building Crafts college, lunch

Wednesday, September 9 - Victoria & Albert Museum, free time in London.

Thursday, September 10 - High Wycombe Store, lunch, Huw Crompton Wormsley Estate.

Friday, September 11 - Snowdon School of Furniture, free time in Tetbury, turning demonstration by Paul Hannaby.

Saturday, September 12 - Westonbirt Arboretum, Rodmarton Manor.

Sunday, September 13 - Gordon Russel Museum, free time in Broadway, The Wilson Art Gallery & Museum.

Monday, September 14 - Departure.

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.

Contact 800-444-7527 or WoodworkingTravel@aimmedia.com for more information.

Gordon Russell Design Museum
Gordon Russell Design Museum

Pricing

$6,995 (USD) per person, double occupancy

$7,995 (USD) per person, single occupancy

Tour price includes:

  • 4-star hotels: Hilton Heathrow Terminal 4 (2 nights), RIU Plaza London Victoria (2 nights), Kings Head Cheltenham (3 nights).
  • All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 5 dinners (2 nights Heathrow, 1 night London and 2 nights Cheltenham).
  • Coach transportation.
  • Admission and demonstrations as per itinerary.
  • Professional tour leader.
  • 2 Fine Woodworking staff members.

Tour price excludes:

  • Airfare. Each tour member books their flight individually to arrive at London Heathrow on 9/7/2026.
  • Travel insurance.
  • 2 dinners, 3 lunches, and all drinks and snacks.
  • Tips to coach driver and tour coordinator.

Payment Schedule:

A deposit payment of $1,425 (USD) is due when you book your tour or by June 1, 2026 for each tour member. This deposit is to reserve your spot on the tour.

Final payment, in full, is due July 13, 2026 for each tour member. If you sign up for the tour after the June 1st deposit deadline the full tour payment is due on July 13, 2026.

NOTE: Woodworking Travel Tours offers thoughtfully arranged tours. Each tour is guaranteed to proceed as soon as the minimum of 15 reservations has been met. If our reservation minimum is not met, Woodworking Travel Tours reserves the right to cancel the tour. Deposits/payments will be refunded in full if the tour is canceled. 

If you need to cancel your reservation, the deposit and final payment are fully refundable until the deposit deadline, June 1, 2026. After June 1, we are not able to refund the deposit. After July 13, 2026, no refunds for deposit or final payment will be issued. 

Please DO NOT make your airline reservations until Woodworking Travel Tours has guaranteed (by email) that the tour will proceed.

Contact 800-444-7527 or WoodworkingTravel@aimmedia.com for more information.

Westonbirt Arboretum
Westonbirt Arboretum

Accommodations

4-star relaxation and comfortable coach travel. 

Hotel Accommodations: 

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

Coach Travel: 

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

Contact 800-444-7527 or WoodworkingTravel@aimmedia.com for more information.

John Madejski Garden courtyard at Victoria & Albert Museum
John Madejski Garden courtyard at Victoria & Albert Museum

Terms & Conditions

Responsibilities: 

As the hosting organization, Woodworking Travel Tours provides reservation services and has chosen Garden Tours, a professional tour operator, as its designated tour operator. As the designated tour operator, Garden Tours arranges for the actual tour of the all sites. Garden Tours also acts as an agent for services connected with specific tours hosted by Woodworking Travel Tours, such as ground transportation, lodging, accommodations, and meals. Each service provider is solely responsible to the participant for providing their respective services. 

By making a reservation for a tour hosted by Woodworking Travel Tours, the participant certifies that she/he does not have any mental, physical, or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for themselves or other participants. Woodworking Travel Tours and Garden Tours reserve the right in their sole discretion to accept, decline to accept, or remove any participant on a tour hosted by Woodworking Travel Tours.

Price:

The tour prices in this agreement are based upon current exchange rates, tariffs, and taxes. Fluctuations in these rates could result in a price adjustment without prior notice until the tour is paid in full. Once the price for the tour is paid in full, the fee will not be adjusted due to any later change in exchange rates, tariffs or taxes. 

Liabilities & Booking Conditions: 

Garden Tours is established in the Netherlands, and rights and responsibilities for all tours operated by Garden Tours will be governed by Dutch laws only. Garden Tours will have responsibility only for the proven negligent acts and omissions of its employees or agents and suppliers, subcontractors, servants, and/or agents of the same while acting within the scope of or in the course of their employment in respect of claims arising as a result of death, bodily injury, or illness caused to the signatory to the contract and/or any other named persons on the booking form.

Smoking: 

All participants in tours operated by Garden Tours agree to comply with a non-smoking policy on all coaches, in restaurants, gardens and in all lodging places.

Liability: 

Garden Tours has no responsibility or liability to any person for loss of baggage, money, or other property whatsoever. Garden Tours has no responsibility or liability for any loss or additional expenses caused by delay or interruption to travel services through weather conditions (such as rain, wind, or fog) civil disturbance, riot, illegal acts of third parties, strikes, wars, floods, sickness or any circumstances amounting to Force Majeure.

Complaints: 

In the unlikely event that you or your tour members have a complaint, you or they must promptly inform the Garden Tours tour guide directly, so he/she can take remedial action on the spot. If the matter cannot be solved directly, any complaints must be submitted in writing to Garden Tours within 7 days after the last day of the tour.

Your Tour Canceled by Us: 

Garden Tours aims to provide your tour as booked. We reserve the right to cancel your tour under any circumstances, but if we cancel your tour, except where this is because you have not paid, you will receive a full refund.

Changes in Itinerary Details: 

Woodworking Travel Tours and Garden Tours strive to operate according to the published itinerary. However, in the event of unforeseen circumstances beyond our control or opportunities that would enhance the itinerary, adjustments may be necessary or appropriate. Woodworking Travel Tours and Garden Tours reserve the right, without penalty, to make changes in the agreed-upon itinerary whenever, in their judgment, conditions warrant or if they deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of participants. Woodworking Travel Tours will let you know about any significant changes as soon as possible if there is time before your departure. Otherwise, we will announce changes on the tour.

Cancellations: 

If a tour member should need to withdraw from the tour for whatever reason you must notify Garden Tours in writing. Cancellation becomes effective when written notice is received. After June 1, 2026, there will be a 75% refund from Garden Tours due to cancellations. After July 13, 2026, there will be no refunds from Garden Tours due to cancellations. See “Insurance” item below.

Insurance: 

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for each tour member in case they have to cancel their trip, have health emergencies while traveling, personal property lost or stolen, and other unforeseen issues arise that prevent them from joining or staying on the tour. Medical costs will not be paid for by your national medical insurance. Therefore we strongly recommend to have travel insurance. Your travel insurance will give you peace of mind and should cover the costs of medical treatment, repatriation, loss of property and cancellation charges. Tours members are asked to provide evidence that you have obtained travel insurance by July 25, 2026.

Health & Safety: 

Woodworking Travel Tours follows COVID-19 safety updates from the CDC and our destination country.

Photography Notice: 

Woodworking Travel Tours will be taking photos and videos of the tours for future editorial and promotional use. Tour participants may occasionally appear in these images.

Contact 800-444-7527 or WoodworkingTravel@aimmedia.com for more information.

Travelers from the 2025 England tour
Travelers from the 2025 England tour

Reserve A Spot

Secure Your Reservation:

To reserve your spot on this tour:

  1. Fill out and submit the online reservation form.
    Reservation Form
  2. Submit your tour deposit of $1,425 USD by calling 800-444-7527 or completing a checkout through our online store.
    Pay Deposit Online

Questions? Contact us at WoodworkingTravel@aimmedia.com or 800-444-7527. We would love to chat with you about this exciting trip!

Note: After July 13, 2026, please contact us to confirm that there are still spots available on this tour. If we are able to accommodate your reservation, full payment, reservation form and proof of insurance will be due immediately.

Payment Details:

Deposit amount: $1,425 USD

Full payment:
$6,995 (USD) per person, double occupancy
$7,995 (USD) per person, single occupancy

Note: For reservations made after June 1, 2026, the full payment will be due immediately.

Additional information about the tour costs, including details about inclusions and exclusions, can be viewed under “Pricing”.

PLEASE NOTE: Woodworking Travel Tours reserves the right to cancel the tour. Deposits/payments will be refunded in full if the tour is canceled.

Woodworking Travel Tours follows COVID-19 safety updates from the CDC and our destination countries.

Contact 800-444-7527 or WoodworkingTravel@aimmedia.com for more information.

Tour Hosts

Portrait of Mike Pekovich

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."

Portrait of Jonathan Binzen

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.

Contact 800-444-7527 or WoodworkingTravel@aimmedia.com for more information.