Looking for inspiring art, artisan shopping & heritage charm?
Explore Tillsonburg and area using this Oxford Handcrafted Trail trip itinerary
About this route:
Designed for architectural history appreciators, foodies with a taste for handcrafted flavours, plus artists and crafters of all abilities. Perfect for a leisurely day of exploring shops, learning the handcrafted history and stories of Oxford, and joining in on a workshop.
7 stops on this route - 21 minute drive time (16.3 km)
Things to pack:
- Oxford Handcrafted Trail Zine, Notebook for ideas, patterns, designs or maker inspiration
- Comfortable walking shoes for exploring shops, museums, and galleries
- Reusable water bottle, tote bag, travel mug
Stop 1: New Galma Dairy
Handcrafting extends beyond art at New Galma Dairy and Creamery. This family-owned farm creates artisan Gouda cheese, premium grass-fed meats, milk and more with care, offering visitors an authentic taste of the skill, dedication, and local pride celebrated along the Oxford Handcrafted Trail.
Reach out to New Galma Dairy to schedule a Barn Tour or get a behind-the-scenes look at how their cheese is crafted.
Stop 2: Tillsonburg Regional Airport
Where aviation meets artistry, the Tillsonburg Regional Airport offers a one-of-a-kind Handcrafted Trail experience. Vibrant murals by local artist Stella Jurgen transform the airport into a gallery celebrating aircraft, local heritage, and community spirit, while the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association adds another layer of craftsmanship and storytelling.
Complete your visit with breakfast or lunch at the Skyway Café, a local favourite overlooking the runway.
Stop 3: Station Arts Centre
Discover creativity and craftsmanship at the Station Arts Centre, Tillsonburg's vibrant non-profit arts hub. Housed in two beautifully restored and connected 1800s train stations, this unique destination combines heritage architecture with contemporary art.
Explore rotating gallery exhibitions, shop handmade works by more than 100 local artists and artisans, and get inspired through year-round workshops in pottery, painting, drawing, and more.
Stop 4: Sue Goossens Original Art at Pedlar's Quay
Discover the work of celebrated Oxford County watercolour artist Sue Goossens at Pedlar's Quay, a long-standing boutique housed in a charming 1872 heritage home in downtown Tillsonburg. Inspired by local landscapes, Canadian scenes, and architectural subjects, Sue's expressive watercolours beautifully capture the interplay of light and shadow. Browse her original artwork while exploring one of Tillsonburg's most beloved shops, where creativity, craftsmanship, and heritage come together.
Follow the Barn Quilt Trail to discover colourful quilt-inspired artworks that celebrate rural creativity, heritage, and community.
Find barn quilts near your handcrafted adventure and explore this unique outdoor gallery at your own pace.
Stop 5: Cherished Pieces
Step into Cherished Pieces, a welcoming downtown Tillsonburg quilt shop filled with quality cotton fabrics, patterns, notions, and inspiration for your next creative project. Owned by lifelong maker Cynthia Hildebrand, whose passion for sewing and quilting began in childhood, the shop is known for its friendly expertise and personal service. Whether you're searching for the perfect fabric or looking to connect with fellow quilters through one of their popular retreats, this is a must-visit destination for makers who love to create, learn, and share.
Stop 6: Betty's Marketplace
Discover thoughtfully curated finds at Betty's Marketplace, a unique downtown destination that connects shoppers with local businesses, makers, and one-of-a-kind pre-loved treasures (online only). From handcrafted goods to vintage gems, every item is chosen with an eye for quality, character, and sustainability. It's the perfect stop to shop consciously, support local, and uncover pieces with a story to tell.
Pick up a Blyss-Stitch Designs cross stich kit at your next stop, Annandale NHS, for a crafty souvenir. These kits are a reflection of the Oxford community - the architecture of our cities, the heritage breeds raised on farms in the county, and other favourite things.
Stop 7: Annandale National Historic Site
Step back into Tillsonburg's early days with a visit to Annandale National Historic Site, an extraordinary 1880s mansion built by the town's first mayor, E.D. Tillson. Renowned for its beautifully preserved Aesthetic Arts Movement interior, Annandale offers a fascinating glimpse into Victorian design, local history, and the innovative spirit that helped shape the community. Explore the attached museum's collection of artifacts and discover the stories that have defined Tillsonburg through the generations.
Looking for spots with sips, eats, and treats in Tillsonburg?
Learn more about these stops, get a map, and find a shareable URL.
