Walking holidays since 1913
The HF Holidays story starts with one man. In the late 19th century, country pastor turned social innovator Thomas Arthur Leonard, OBE sought to improve the lives of the factory workers. He offered them walking holidays as an alternative to the annual trend of spending a week at the seaside.
He founded the Co-operative Holiday Association in 1893 before establishing the Holiday Fellowship, now HF Holidays, in 1913. He was also heavily involved in setting up the Youth Hostel Association, National Trust, and Ramblers Association.
On his memorial plaque on Cat Bells in the Lake District, he’s hailed as the "Father of the Open-Air Movement in this Country". And whilst, perhaps, not as recognised as other boundary-breaking holidaymaking luminaries, he still ranks as our hero.
Our mission is to provide shared holiday experiences that inspire friendship, fun and an active enjoyment of the great outdoors.
HF Holidays is proud to be a co-operative organisation committed to making the great outdoors accessible to all. Driven by a passion for the countryside and a desire to share its wonders with everyone, we believe walking together can boost both mental and physical health, foster long-lasting friendships, and create a strong sense of community.
It takes every single one of our 48,000 loyal members, 500-strong team of employees, and 650 volunteer leaders to make our holidays happen. Fuelled by an unwavering commitment to our mission statement, we work together to help over 55,000 guests enjoy fulfilling walking breaks and activity holidays every year.
