Rover Tours are about back-roads, countryside and travelling by mini-coach to places larger coaches might not always be able to get to. They are about stopping to admire scenic views and small group camaraderie. Exploring villages, market towns, attractions and, at times, enjoying short, gentle strolls you will end your Rover Tour holiday with a real feel for the countryside of the area.

Our tour guides are exceptionally knowledgeable and friendly and are very much part of the group, with tours on every day bar one of a week long holiday (every day on shorter breaks) to see the very best of each area for a full day from roughly 9.30am to 5.30pm.

The Country House accommodation in the UK which we own and run ourselves in order to ensure the quality of every aspect of your holiday, offer excellent comfort and character, and great food.

Our prices hide nothing and represent remarkable value for money - you don't need to spend anything other than on some of the attractions we visit, if you wish. Where there's no alternative on offer, we pay the cost of your admission.

If you wish to travel further try one of our European Explorer Tours. Enjoy world-class sightseeing and a relaxed exploration of the countryside. Explorer Tours are about seeing the best of the local area including the unmissable sights as well as the quieter countryside. A knowledgeable HF Holidays' leader will accompany each tour. The tour will involve active sightseeing and most days will include optional gentle walks of up to 2 miles. All transport is included however admissions will cost £20-40 a week.

Please select a holiday from the left hand menu .

Alnmouth, Northumberland

A county of wide open spaces, with moorlands, hills, and wonderful coast of rocky headlands and glorious sandy beaches providing plenty to be explored. We’ll encounter isolated farming communities and villages such as Alwinton deep in the Cheviot Hills where ancient settlements go back to the Iron Age, and see more recent history in the World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall, marking a one-time outpost of the Roman empire. We can experience the peaceful setting of Brinkburn Priory, contrasting with the turbulent times we learn about at Preston Tower, a fortified tower house typical of this Border Reiver country. Impressive castles of Bamburgh, Dunstanburgh and Lindisfarne dot the coastline and we have the opportunity to visit some of these too, along with Lindisfarne Priory where St Aidan brought Christianity to the north of England. A relaxing visit to Wallington offers the choice of enjoying the well-planted gardens, woodland walks or the superb wall paintings and curiosities of the magnificent mansion house.

[Back to the top and holiday index]

Isle of Arran, Scotland

This 'Scotland in Miniature’ island has a bit of everything on offer, with a vast range of scenery from high rocky mountains to quiet sandy beaches and low rocky shores where basking seals can be guaranteed. Plenty of stops will ensure you get the best glimpses of wildlife the island has to offer, with red deer, many birds including the golden eagle, and maybe even an otter if you’re lucky! You will learn how history has played its part on the island too with a visit to the ancient stones of Machrie Moor, a Heritage Museum, and villages such as Lochranza with its small harbour and ruined castle. On a grander scale you will have the opportunity of exploring the imposing castle and grounds of Brodick, the island’s ‘capital’. To give you an even wider experience of this part of Scotland one day we take the ferry across to the mainland and explore the Kintyre Peninsula.

[Back to the top and holiday index]

Abingworth, South Downs

The peaceful countryside of Sussex and the South Downs, much of it destined to become England’s newest National Park, can be enjoyed along with market towns such as Steyning with its many listed buildings, and the old English Channel port of Bosham, portrayed in the Bayeux Tapestry. We gain good views over the white chalk rolling downland landscape and deeply incised valleys from some of its highest points, and can delight in charming chalk and flint stone cottages and pretty gardens of the villages of Bramber and Amberley. We also visit the Weald and Downland Open Air museum with over 45 historic houses and agricultural buildings dating from the 13th century to Victorian times, and Parham Park with its herd of fallow deer and the fine Elizabethan mansion house containing one of England’s grandest Long Galleries.

[Back to the top and holiday index]

Bourton-on-the-Water, Cotswolds

Gentle green rolling countryside of fields, hedges and distinctive honey-coloured Cotswold stone walls and buildings typify this charming corner of England, and we see plenty of it as we tour the area visiting some of the pretty villages such as Snowshill and Burford. We will also visit Cirencester, Britain’s second city in Roman times and the superb recently refurbished Corinium museum reveals plenty of that history along with many other treasures of the Cotswolds. The large and impressive ‘wool churches’ such as Northleach illustrate the past importance of the Cotswold sheep, also seen in the prosperous wool merchants’ houses and market hall as we explore Chipping Campden. A relaxing visit to one of the Cotswolds’ finest gardens, and the peacefully atmospheric ruins of the great medieval pilgrimage site of Hailes Abbey help to complete this tour.

[Back to the top and holiday index]

Brecon, Brecon Beacons

An exciting drive over wild hills and through remote valleys takes us to the remarkable wildlife centre famous for its Red Kites where we should be able to see some of their flight displays at feeding time. Time seems to almost stand still in the hidden backwaters of medieval and Tudor villages of the Wye valley we visit, with their black and white timber and red brick cottages. At Aberdulais Falls we encounter a mixture of natural beauty alongside industrial heritage of metalworking mills powered by hydroelectricity, and the site still boasts the largest electricity generating waterwheel in Britain. We can enjoy the bustling market town of Abergavenny and also the small but famous ‘bookshop town’ of Hay-on-Wye. In contrast we can simply unwind in the absolute peace and tranquility of the haunting monastic ruins of the Augustinian Llantony Priory snuggled deep in a lush valley at the foot of the Black Mountains.

[Back to the top and holiday index]

Conistonwater, Southern Lake District

We explore both the dramatic and the sublime landscapes much praised by the romantic essayists and poets of the 19th and later centuries, and visit some of the villages that would have been familiar to them - such as Hawkshead where Wordsworth attended school, and Coniston with its Ruskin connections, and we visit his home at Brantwood. At Troutbeck, where Beatrix Potter owned one of her first hill farms, we see some classic Lakeland vernacular architecture of well-built stone and slate houses, cottages and barns. We’ll see small lakes such as Tarn Hows and Blea Tarn, remote and peaceful with stunning views of the Langdale Pikes. Additionally we take a cruise on Conistonwater, and tour alongside Windermere. We’ll include a stop at the well-known Climbers’ Bar at the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel in Great Langdale, and visit quieter Kentmere valley with its church and fortified pele tower of Kentmere Hall. We can travel down to the west coast of Cumbria on the famous ‘L’aal Ratty’ steam train and enjoy some birdwatching at Ravenglass, a valuable supply harbour in Roman times, and see the ruins of its guardian fort.

[Back to the top and holiday index]

Conwy, Snowdonia

As well as venturing into the rugged mountains of Snowdonia we shall explore further afield to the Lleyn Peninsula with its sandy beaches and rocky promontories, Denbighshire, and the Isle of Anglesey. The wild beauty of the mountain landscape surrounds us as we travel along winding roads over passes and down glaciated valleys alongside lakes and rivers. Strong defensive castles from the time of Edward I almost encircle the area, and we visit some such as Beaumaris and Caernarfon, whilst the more recent 19th century Penrhyn Castle will fascinate with all the unusual collections it contains. We will discover plenty of local history in churches and early Christian sites, and we visit an old settlement on Anglesey. Also on the island is the gracious 18th century house of Plas Newydd, where we can relax in rolling parkland gardens and along the wooded shore of the Menai Straits. Bedrock of slate gave rise to a huge industry in north Wales and a visit to the Welsh Slate museum in Llanberis will prove fascinating.

[Back to the top and holiday index]

Derwentwater, Northern Lake District

The rugged mountains of the northern Lake District provide a dramatic backdrop to your holiday. Explore Borrowdale which becomes increasingly wild and beautiful as it progresses into the hills, and graceful Buttermere. We’ll travel through some impressive mountain passes including Honister, Newlands and Whinlatter. We’ll visit the dramatically sited Castlerigg Stone Circle, and the stately house and gardens of Hutton-in-the-Forest. A trip on a lake “steamer” across the waters of Ullswater will put us in the best place to see the steep-sided mountains and we will travel to the quiet and unspoilt area known as Back o’ Skiddaw and visit Caldbeck, one of Cumbria’s most interesting and attractive villages.

[Back to the top and holiday index]

Dovedale, Derbyshire Dales

Many say Dovedale is the most beautiful in the whole Peak District. We’ll explore its limestone gorge and the nearby villages of Alstonefield and Hartington, while slightly further afield our stops will include the market town of Bakewell and the idyllic village of Tissington. We’ll travel north to the Dark Peak to visit Castleton, home of the Blue John Stone, travelling through Edale and the Hope Valley. The far reaching views, for example, across the Goyt Valley, may be the highlight of our week but many will consider it to be the magnificent gardens and parkland of Chatsworth House including the impressive cascade, built in the late 17th century.

[Back to the top and holiday index]

Freshwater Bay, Isle of Wight

Smugglers, poets and the Royal family have all enjoyed the countryside of the Isle of Wight and this Rover holiday will show you why. We'll explore the old smuggling town of Brighstone, a pretty village with a thatched post office. The church at Bonchurch built by monks from Normandy and Whippingham Church designed by Prince Albert offer further insight, and we'll have the chance to admire the distinctive landmark of The Needles. We can look back in at the refurbished Brading Roman Villa and at Yarmouth we can watch all the bustle of the quayside at this busy little port. We'll also take in Osborne House and gardens, once home to Queen Victoria it is always a treat to visit.

[Back to the top and holiday index]

Glen Coe, Western Scottish Highlands

Vast mountains and huge expanses of open moorlands of the Scottish Highlands form an impressive backdrop to your Scottish Rover holiday. Magnificent views en route more than make up for the longer drives than from some of our English Houses, and we have plenty of stops to breathe in the air, admire the scenery and take a closer look. We’ll visit some famous highland glens such as Glen Roy, Glen Sheil and Glen Nevis below Britain’s highest mountain, the magnificent Ben Nevis. We’ll learn about the tragic history of brooding Glen Coe, overtowered by rocky crags and high summits, and visit Bonnie Prince Charlie’s monument at Glenfinnan. Travelling down the scenic west coast to Oban we’ll glimpse the romantically sited Castle Stalker before taking the ferry to Mull for a visit to Torosay Castle and Gardens. The planned town of Inveraray with its castle, a remarkable and unique piece of French influenced architecture, old jail, and historic ships, is sure to have something of interest for everyone.

[Back to the top and holiday index]

Haytor, Dartmoor

On this holiday you can enjoy both the lush green intimate countryside of South Devon and the contrasting wilderness of Dartmoor with its wide open hills of heather and grass moorlands dotted with rocky tors. We’ll wind our way down narrow country lanes bordered by hedgerows rich in wild flowers to discover pretty villages such as Manaton and Chagford. We take a trip to the coast where we can admire the sweeping sands of Slapton fringing Start Bay, and from the naval town of Dartmouth we can enjoy a boat trip up the River Dart to the small market town of Totnes with its Elizabethan atmosphere. Continuing the naval theme we visit the fascinating Buckland Abbey, former home of Devon’s most famous sailor, Sir Francis Drake, with its period rooms and magnificent monastic barn. Crossing the hard granite moor we discover ancient stone bridges, hidden settlements, and beautiful ancient oak woodlands rich in wildlife, and we are sure to see some Dartmoor ponies along the way. Finally of course no tour would be complete without including a look around Widecombe-in-the-Moor, world-famous thanks to Tom Pearce, his Grey Mare and the annual Widecombe Fair.

[Back to the top and holiday index]

Malhamdale, Southern Yorkshire Dales

Spectacular scenery is right on our doorstep in Malhamdale, and a stroll to admire the awe-inspiring gorge of Gordale Scar and views of the dramatic cliffs of Malham Cove cannot fail to impress. Amble around typical Dales villages such as Grassington and Kettlewell with their traditional solidly built limestone cottages, and enjoy the bustle of the market town of Settle, starting point of the famous Settle-Carlisle Railway and known as the gateway to the Three Peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough. A drive across the hills and dales brings us to scenic Wensleydale and the spectacular staircase waterfalls of Aysgarth Falls on the River Ure. Middleham Castle was the childhood and favourite home of Richard III, and we will have time to explore this massive fortress stronghold. We’ll visit the romantic abbey ruins of Jervaulx and the splendid World Heritage Site of Fountains Abbey where we can also stroll through the 18th century water gardens of Studley Royal. We venture really off the beaten track when a spectacular scenic drive takes us over remote moorland of the Forest of Bowland and the Tatham Fells.

[Back to the top and holiday index]

Sedbergh, Northern Yorkshire Dales

Choosing a highlight from your Rover holiday at Sedbergh is tricky; you’ll enjoy days in the Howgills Fells, the Yorkshire Dales and the aptly named Eden Valley. There will be plenty of stops at historic market towns and villages including Appleby, famous for its annual horse fair, Reeth Hawes for a chance to visit the Dales Countryside museum and Dent with its quaint cobbled streets. Every day you will be travelling through beautiful scenery including Wensleydale, quiet and unspoilt Swaledale, Langstrothdale and over the Buttertubs Pass. As well as the scenic we view the unusual, such as the intriguing mechanical swan at the Bowes Museum.

[Back to the top and holiday index]

Selworthy, Exmoor

The largely unspoilt wilderness of Exmoor, bounded in the north by high cliffs plunging into the sea is perfect Rover country. You will have the chance to explore the Valley of Rocks with its weird rock formations; visit Cleeve Abbey which has some of the finest, most complete cloister buildings in England, the village of Dunster with its castle and distinctive Yarn Market and the coastal village of Lynmouth linked to neighbouring Lynton by a cliff railway. Another railway gives us the opportunity of travelling by steam train alongside the Quantock Hills. At Knightshayes Court we get a chance to be inspired by the work of the eccentric and flamboyant Victorian architect William Burges when we visit one of England’s finest surviving examples of his work.

[Back to the top and holiday index]