Woodturning Tour of UK 2025
This unique trip will immerse you in the art of woodturning, Explore the fascinating history of woodworking tools and discover how traditional methods have evolved over time. Our highlight will be a visit to "Wizardry In Wood 2025" where you'll witness exceptional craftsmanship and innovation, this adventure promises inspiration and camaraderie in a beautiful setting.
Book by Mar 14, 2025
Join us for an unforgettable journey to Britain, specially crafted for woodturners and their companions!
This unique trip will immerse you in the art of woodturning, featuring live demonstrations by master craftsmen showcasing their techniques and the intricate beauty of turned wood. Explore the fascinating history of woodworking tools and discover how traditional methods have evolved over time. Our highlight will be a visit to "Wizardry In Wood 2025" at the prestigious Plasters Hall in London, where you'll witness exceptional craftsmanship and innovation. Whether you're looking to refine your skills or simply enjoy the artistry, this adventure promises inspiration and camaraderie in a beautiful setting. Pack your bags and prepare for an enriching experience!
WOODTURNING TOUR OF THE UK 2025
October 21st - 31st, 2025 - Roundtrip London
Hosted By: Bill Motley-Bailey, on tour with Kent Weakley
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Wizardry In Wood: Every four years the Woodturners Guild of Britain hold a show of the best woodturners in Britain with their work and demonstrations.
Hawley Tool Collection: Private tour of the worlds largest collection of woodworking tools.
Axminster Tools: A day at Axminster tools with behind the scenes tour and demonstrations by celebrity turners.
Ashley Iles Factory Tour: A half day seeing how steel is forged into tools, sharpened and given a handle ready for sale.
MAC Timbers Visit: Presentation on wood species of Britain, availability and selection for woodturners based in UK.
EXCLUSIVE COMPANION TOURS
Welcome to an enchanting journey tailored for companions of woodturners! While the woodturners delve into their craft, you'll have the opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of British culture. Experience the grandeur of stately homes, stroll through breathtaking gardens, and indulge in the delights of local culinary treasures. Discover the fascinating history that shapes this vibrant land, with visits to captivating museums and historic landmarks. From charming village walks to delightful afternoon teas, each day will offer a unique glimpse into the heart of Britain. Join us for a delightful blend of exploration and relaxation as you create your own memorable experiences alongside the artistry of woodturning!
Includes:
• Flights (economy) Toronto/London return
• Hotel nights double accommodation (single supplement applies)
• All breakfasts, 6 Lunches (not London), 4 Dinners
• 3 day pass to “Wizardry In Wood”.
• Entrance fees to all excursions offered.
• Luxury Coach (54 seater with washroom), all destinations; 25 seater at Sheffield area; x3 day transport pass (Oyster) for London.
• Transfer London to Heathrow.
ITINERARY & TOUR SCHEDULE
October 21, 2025: Toronto - Heathrow
Overnight flightOctober 22, 2025: Heathrow - Stonehenge
Arrive LondonHotel: Castle Hotel
Upon your arrival in London (Heathrow Airport) you will be met and transsferred to Stonehenge for a private tour Woodturners and Companions are welcome! After your private tour you will be transferred to your hotel in Taunton where you can take advantage of a free afternoon to explore.
STONEHENGE: Uncover the incredible story of one of the world’s most famous places. This must-see monument is a powerful testament to human ingenuity, imagination and creativity, and a visit today offers something for everyone to enjoy.
The Castle Hotel is a unique family-owned hotel set in a historic building in the heart of Taunton in Somerset. A simple ethos lies at the heart of everything we do – to offer the warmest of welcomes, give the utmost personal attention and exemplary service to each and every one of our guests.
October 23, 2025: Taunton - Axminster - Taunton
Hotel: Castle HotelWoodturners will enjoy a Demo & Hands-On Tools experience at Axminster Tools.
AXMINSTER TOOLS: We are specialists who share our customers’ passion for great craftsmanship and a job well done. We do this by offering them the products they need, the knowledge they trust and the committed service they deserve. Nobody is more passionate or knowledgeable about woodworking than us.
COMPANION TOUR: To be finalized.
October 24, 2025: Taunton - Chadlington - Chesterfield
Hotel: Ringwood Hall and SpaEnjoy a special lunch at Diddly Squat Farm. The vegetables are from the garden, flour is from Jeremy’s wheat, which is sold to Sourdough Revolution for the fresh daily bread. The quality of the water, from a spring in the garden, is so good Nestlé originally wanted to buy the entire village water system of streams.
Ringwood Hall and the former Coach House and Stables are listed Grade 2, and the grounds are locally designated as a historic park and gardens. Sadly years of neglect by a series of owners resulted in severe damage and dereliction. Since 1998 work has been undertaken to faithfully restore the gardens and surroundings parkland to its Victorian heritage. In addition to the 6 acres of formal garden the Victorian kitchen garden and glasshouses have been faithfully restored and are cultivated for a range of produce which is used in the hotel kitchen.
October 25, 2025: Chesterfield - East Kirby, Lincolnshire
Hotel: Ringwood Hall and SpaWoodturners will enjoy an Ashley Iles Factory Tour - Ashley Iles Ltd is a family-run UK firm and all of our tools are made in the UK. Its story began in the autumn of 1949 when a pattern maker named Ashley Iles gave up his day job and set out on his own to make and sell woodworking tools. He began by renting a small workshop in Sheffield for 5 shillings a week and ended up with a factory making carving and woodturning tools with a brand known worldwide. “Memories of a Sheffield Toolmaker”. Ashley Iles Ltd is a family run UK firm and all of our tools are made in the UK. Its story began in the autumn of 1949 when a pattern maker named Ashley Iles gave up his day job and set out on his own to make and sell woodworking tools.
Ashley ran his business in Sheffield until, in 1967, the search for adequate premises led him and his family to Lincolnshire. And this is where the factory is today. As a consequence its location is somewhat unusual; instead of being situated on some grimy industrial estate, it sits alone in the heart of the countryside, on the edge of the Lincolnshire fens, a mile or so from the small village of East Kirkby.
COMPANION TOUR: Blue John Caves and Reservoirs and Lost Villages
October 26, 2025: Chesterfield - Sheffield
Hotel: Ringwood Hall and SpaVisit the Hawley Tool Collection and the Shepherd Wheel Workshop.
HAWLEY TOOL COLLECTION The Hawley Collection is important not only because of the range and number of items – over 100,000 in total - but also because it includes examples of raw materials, objects at different stages of production and the ‘tools that made tools’. One of Ken Hawley’s great interests was to understand how things were made and used and to appreciate the skills and techniques of Sheffield’s traditional craftsmen. His background as a tool merchant also gave him an insight into the business of selling and the collection includes examples of packaging, advertising and promotional material.
SHEPHERD WHEEL WORKSHOP: See Sheffield’s knife grinding history brought to life at Shepherd Wheel Workshop. This unique Grade II listed building and Scheduled Ancient Monument is situated in the heart of the picturesque Porter Valley, just a 10 minute walk from Endcliffe Park. Dating back to the 1500s, it was one of many small water-powered grinding workshops along Sheffield's rivers. The workshop played an instrumental role in the city’s cutlery industry right up until the 1930s and is the earliest complete example of its kind. Experience the working waterwheel and machinery in action, see the tools of the trade and hear stories about the grinders who worked here over the centuries.
COMPANION TOUR: Chatsworth House and Gardens.
October 27, 2025: Chesterfield - Lower Benefield, Peterborough - London
Hotel: Club Quarters HotelEnjoy a presentation on English Lumber, Harvesting, Preparation, Storage by the MAC Timbers Village Turners As well as a special Lunch..
MAC TIMBERS: Our timber is changing all the time and we only tend to stock English hardwoods. If you are looking for foriegn or exotic species then we are not the right place for you. If you are looking for materials for your hobby or for larger projects we can usually find something suitable. If you are working in construction then we may be able to accomodate you but we will advise you if not. Most of our customers are small scale Carpenters / Joiners, Woodturners & Carvers. However we hold large quantities of stock if you are looking for larger projects.
COMPANION TOUR: To be finalized.
Club Quarters Hotel, St. Pauls is next to the iconic dome-shaped St. Paul’s Cathedral, and sets its modern accommodations against the 800-year history of the City of London area. Close to many businesses as well as the Museum of London, Tate Modern, and the Millennium Bridge, guests of all itineraries will be pleased to find the city’s sights just steps away. As the Brits say: brilliant.
October 28, 2025: London
Hotel: Club Quarters HotelWizardry In Wood Show, held in Plaisterers’ Hall, where you'll enjoy exhibitions of 400 years of turning in music, turning in magic and pre-historic turning, as well as curated talks on specialist turning subjects. The choices is yours, there are almost continuous demonstrations.
COMPANION TOUR: Kew Gardens or take advantage of a Free Day and explore on your own.
October 29, 2025: London
Hotel: Club Quarters HotelWizardry In Wood Show.
COMPANION TOUR: Cockpit Arts.
October 30, 2025: London
Hotel: Club Quarters HotelWizardry In Wood Show.
COMPANION TOUR: London Shopping or take advantage of a Free Day and explore on your own.
October 31, 2025: London (Heathrow) - Toronto
End of TourToday marks the end of your tour. You will be transferred from your London hotel to Heathrow Airport for your return flight to Toronto.
Terms & Conditions
Does Not Include: Travel Insurance. Some meals . Alcoholic Beverages. Flight connections to or from Toronto. Transfers to or from Toronto airport.. Special dietary needs (unless selected restaurants can provide). Agent Fees for booking points tickets or transfers, etc. (time to book services outside arranged itinerary).