Oxford Sewing Machine Retreat

Located in the heart of England, Oxford is a city renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, vibrant culture and prestigious university. During this morning’s walking tour, our guide will take us through the history and sights of this famous city which is over 1000 years old, including a visit to Exeter College where notable alumni include William Morris and Edward Burne-Jones, where you will be able to see some of their artwork on permanent display, Oxford Union and the Bodleian Library where the Sheldon Tapestry maps and other textile treasures are on display.

We will also visit the Ashmolean Museum. Founded in 1683, it is the oldest public museum in Britain and the first university museum in the world. Originally created to house the collection of Elias Ashmole, an antiquary and collector who donated his collection to the University of Oxford, it is now the Museum of Art and Archaeology and, during our visit, we will enjoy a guided tour of the Textile Gallery.

Join Janet for our first full-day workshop in the hotel.

Today we will experience the charm of rural England by spending the day in the charming Cotswolds. We will hear about the once thriving Cotswold wool trade dating back to the Middle Ages, Cotswold sheep known as ‘Cotswold Lions’, and the industry’s legacy to the area.

Our journey will take us through the rolling hills to some scenic villages such as Witney, where the woollen industry had been active for over 1000 years until the looms fell silent in 2002. Bibury was described by William Morris as "the most beautiful village in England", and Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, straddles the River Windrush with low bridges and traditional stone houses.

Enjoy a second full-day workshop in the hotel with Janet.

Blenheim Palace boasts a rich heritage, originally built as a gift to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, from Queen Anne in thanks for his victory at the Battle of Blenheim on 13th August 1704. More recently, the Grade I-listed Palace was the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and is now a World Heritage Site and the home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his family.

Today, Blenheim Palace features one of the most important and extensive collections of portraits, furniture, sculpture and tapestries in Europe and, amongst the many treasures to be found in the State Rooms, it is home to the famous Marlborough Tapestries, including the renowned 'Victories’ set. There will also be time to see the magnificent Long Library, lined with over 10,000 books, as well as the state rooms and the beautiful gardens, which were created over centuries and surround Blenheim Palace.

Final full-day workshop in the hotel with Janet.