We have been incredibly lucky to run a range of fantastic tours over the years. With so many knitting tours to choose from, one of the questions we’re often asked is: which is your favourite?
It’s a difficult question when you’ve helped organise so many wonderful trips, each with its own landscapes, traditions, workshops, food and of course, an array of knitting workshops, classes and bespoke activities around what we love.
But who better to ask than the people behind the tours themselves?
So we thought we’d turn the question around and ask some of our team to reveal the knitting tour they would choose – and, most importantly, why.
Maeve’s favourite tour is one of our oldest offerings: the traditional South of Ireland with Aran Islands Knitting Tour.
Why? Because she is particularly biased towards the West of Ireland, a region that features prominently in this itinerary. She spent her childhood holidays exploring the scenic and charming destinations along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, from the wilderness of Connemara and the windswept shores of West Clare to the rugged landscapes of the Aran Islands.
For Maeve, the magic of the West of Ireland lies in the little moments: the warmth of a conversation with a local, the sound of a fiddle or tin whistle playing in the corner of a pub, the sight of handmade woollens being carefully crafted and the stories, language and traditions passed down from one generation to the next. There is a wonderful sense that, in this corner of Ireland, the past is not simply preserved, but remains a living, breathing part of everyday life. And I think that is what makes the West of Ireland so incredibly special.
“It is evident to see why I hold such a ‘grá’ for this region. An epicentre of cultural traditions, many of which have been instilled and passed down through generations, the West of Ireland is a part of the country that still holds its heritage particularly dear. This can be felt and seen in so many aspects of everyday life, from the traditional music that fills local pubs and community gatherings, to the age-old skills of knitting, weaving, wool-working and other crafts that continue to be practised and celebrated today.”
Sarah’s favorite tour is our Scotland with the Scottish Highlands tour. She loves that the tour begins in Scotland’s beautiful capital, Edinburgh, before taking in the vibrant and trendy city of Glasgow. The journey continues to Oban, with its stunning coastal setting and rich heritage, before heading into the spectacular Scottish Highlands and the city of Inverness. The tour also includes visits to the historic site of the Battle of Culloden and Scone Palace, the crowning place of the Scottish Kings. Together, these destinations offer a wonderful insight into Scotland’s fascinating history, culture and heritage.
This tour is particularly special to her because she spent five years at university in Edinburgh and was fortunate enough to work throughout the Highlands for a tour company. Sarah also worked as a student ambassador for a well-known lager brand, which gave her the opportunity to experience even more of Scotland and its vibrant culture.
“I have always had a strong appreciation for Scotland’s heritage and history and I feel that the Scotland with the Scottish Highlands tour captures the very best of what the country has to offer. It combines a great mix of knitting-related activities with fun and engaging experiences, while showcasing Scotland’s landscapes, culture, history and character. For me, it is a fantastic all-round tour that truly embodies the spirit of Scotland.”
Rebecca : Ireland Fairytales and Flowers Retreat
Fairytales and Flowers is Rebecca’s favourite tour because it brings together so many of the things she loves about Ireland. The creativity, history, beautiful places and importantly, a little bit of comfort!
Staying at Ballyseede Castle is a huge part of the appeal for her. It’s one of Sarah’s favourite hotels and there’s something rather lovely about coming back to a cosy castle at the end of a day of exploring. It gives the whole tour that relaxed, easy feeling, without having to constantly pack and unpack or worry about moving from place to place.
“The tour itself has such a fun, creative side too. From exploring Eriu Farm and discovering more about Irish wool and craft, to knitting lessons and a visit to the Museum of Style Icons, there’s always something interesting and a little unexpected. For me, it’s the perfect combination of creativity, culture and comfort, with a touch of Irish magic thrown in!”
Another vote for the South of Ireland with Aran Islands knitting tour. Milda loves the most because it brings together so many of the things she adores about Ireland: knitting, creativity and breathtaking scenery.
Originally from Lithuania, she has always been fascinated by the connection between nature and craft. Ireland captures this relationship beautifully, with its breath-taking landscapes and rich colours. Milda particularly loves how local dyers and knitting instructors translate these natural colours and textures into beautiful yarns, patterns and designs.
As a passionate knitter, she would be thrilled to learn the tricks and techniques these talented ladies are so generously willing to share. Add to this the mesmerising beauty of Inis Oírr and Connemara and this truly feels like the ultimate knitting adventure in Ireland.
“What makes this tour so special is the wonderful mix of knitting and crafting experiences, with inspiring designers and teachers such as Úna McDonagh, Carol Feller, Pauline Gallagher, Anne O’Maille, Liz Spillane and Aoibhe Ní. For any knitter joining the tour, leave plenty of space in your luggage for yarn! It is impossible to resist the beautiful variety of 100% Irish wool at Kerry Woollen Mills, or the tempting shopping opportunities in Dublin and Galway.”
Sarah C : Denmark Knit Copenhagen
Sarah loves to work on the Knit Copenhagen the most. Our Danish tour guides are incredibly knowledgeable and they make our knitters feel completely at ease throughout the tour.
Copenhagen is a capital city that is full of colour, bicycles, history and, OF COURSE…yarn! The 5-star NH Collection Hotel where our groups stay is luxurious and the staff there are incredibly helpful and kind.
Having visited Copenhagen herself she knows that our knitters will love the city. It is walkable, vibrant and there is so much to see and do, not to mention all of the yarn stores that a knitter can lose themselves in.
“I love the day trip to Malmo in Sweden so our groups can tick another country off their ‘knitting bucket lists’! The plethora of amazing local workshops our knitters can partake in is another aspect that always excites me when organizing these tours, not to mention that the yarn shop owners are so gracious and attentive. I really appreciate the people who work in the attractions that our groups visit as they display so much pride in their homeplace and they really give our guests a wonderful experience.”
If you ask Ann to choose her favourite Knitting Tour, she would say the next she’s creating! Ann loves the process of discovering new suppliers, finding inspiring locations, meeting passionate makers and, of course, uncovering wonderful new yarns.
Right now, that has to be our brand-new Heart of Ireland Retreat. What makes it especially exciting for Ann to bring together, is the opportunity to explore a different side of Ireland’s knitting and fibre community. The retreat centres around the Irish Midlands Fibre Festival and shines a spotlight on local yarns, independent makers and new ventures that are bringing fresh energy and creativity to the Irish fibre scene.
One of Ann’s favourite parts of creating a new tour is those early moments of discovery – meeting someone new, hearing their story and thinking, “our knitters are going to love this.” That excitement never gets old for her.
For her, the best tours are constantly evolving. There are always new people to meet, new places to discover and, thankfully, always more yarn!
“My favourite tour is usually the one I’m creating next, because there’s always something new to discover. From people and places, yarns and ideas, to finding fresh ways to celebrate the brilliant instructors and suppliers who have been part of our journey for so long. The relationships we build and the experiences we share along the way are worth their weight in gold (and yarn!).”
Siobhan: Knit Madrid with Love Yarn Madrid Festival
Without a doubt, Siobhan’s favourite tour is Knit Madrid. She describes it as an unforgettable adventure that brings together beautiful places, inspiring knitting, wonderful workshops, delicious food and lasting friendships – all in one incredible experience.
The tour begins in Madrid, where we explore some of the city’s most beautiful sights, including the magnificent Royal Palace, which is truly breathtaking. Throughout the tour, you experience Spain through its food, enjoying a wonderful variety of traditional dishes while discovering the flavours and culinary traditions that make the country so special.
We then visit the Wooldreamers Mill to discover the fascinating journey behind some of Spain’s beautiful wool and learn more about the craftsmanship and traditions surrounding this wonderful natural fibre. As part of the Wooldreamers experience, our knitters also enjoy a visit to Mont Reaga Winery, where the focus is on relaxing, taking in the beautiful surroundings and experiencing a taste of Spain’s wonderful wine culture.
“I enjoy the special workshop with Lola Romaneli, who introduces the beautiful and fascinating technique of hairpin lace, giving anyone on the tour the opportunity to learn something new and creative. I love that this tour ties in with the Love Yarn Madrid festival, seeing the world of yarn, meeting fellow knitters and discovering beautiful Spanish wool and fibre all in the one venue. Knit Madrid truly is the perfect blend of travel, culture, food, wine, yarn, learning and friendship.”
Final Thoughts
So, which one would you choose?
Seven team members, seven favourites and seven very different reasons to put these tours on your knitting wish list.
Perhaps you’re drawn to Copenhagen or maybe Shetland has always been calling your name. Whatever your choice, we hope this glimpse behind the scenes has shown that our tours are about much more than simply travelling with your knitting.
They’re about discovering new places, meeting fellow knitters, learning from local traditions and creating memories along the way.
And if you ask us which tour you should choose? Well…we may be a little biased. But we think you can’t go far wrong with any of them.
Keep an eye out on our tours page as brand new tours are becoming available soon.
