3 Night Isle of Wight Guided Walking Holiday
As Queen Victoria’s favourite place to escape to, the Isle of Wight tempts with golden sand beaches, rolling green hills, dramatic white cliffs, ancient woodland, and charming seaside resorts. A fabulous introduction to the island, this guided walking holiday is perfect for those keen to enjoy breathtaking scenery, big-name historic attractions, and the choice of up to three different-grade daily guided walks.
What you’ll love
- Discovering the gorgeous landscape of the Isle of Wight on foot
- Soaking up panoramic views of the dramatic coastline
- Visiting golden sand beaches and picturesque villages
- Spending time with like-minded people in the great outdoors
- Finding new routes and places to explore with your HF Holidays Leader
- Staying at Freshwater Bay House, just a skip from Tennyson Down
What’s included
- Comfortable en-suite accommodation in our country house
- Cream tea on arrival day
- Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
- Daily packed lunches
- Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
- Guided walking with experienced HF Holidays Leaders
- Choice of up to three different-grade daily walks
- All transport to and from walks where necessary
- Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
See Dates, Prices & Trip Note tab to check which itinerary is running
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Option 1 - Over Tennyson Down
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 1,200 feet (360m)
In summary: A fabulous walk over the chalk cliffs of Tennyson Down to the Needles and the Alum Bay; one of England's finest coastal walks.
Highlight: The commanding view over the Western Solent from the Tennyson Monument. You'll also discover the once secret rocket testing range, and the area's role in the space race.
Option 2 - Headon Warren & Needles
Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)
Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In summary: Head to the coast at Totland Bay then soak up glorious sea view as you round the Needles headland and return over Tennyson Down.
Highlight: The heather-clad headland of Headon Warren is a real delight, and offers the best views of the Needles.
Option 3 - West Wight Circuit
Distance: 12 miles (19km)
Total ascent: 1,550 feet (480m)
In summary: A circuit of the western tip of the island. We’ll follow the Yar Valley to Yarmouth, then follow the coastal path to Alum Bay, before a glorious finale over Tennyson Down.
Highlight: The final section atop the chalk cliffs of Tennyson Down is a fitting conclusion to this splendid walk.
Option 1 - Through the Undercliff
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Ascent: 600 feet (180m)
In summary: Follow the coast along the Undercliff from St Catherine's Point to Ventnor’s Botanic Gardens.
Highlight: Walking through the lush vegetation of this natural suntrap
Option 2 - Godshill to Ventnor
Distance: 9 miles (14 km)
Ascent: 1300 feet (400m)
In summary: Starting in Godshill we work our way towards Wroxall, passing the grand ruins of Appuldurcombe House and its surrounding parkland. We then head up over the Downs before we make our way into Ventnor.
Highlight: Enjoy great views out to sea from the highest point on the Island, St Boniface Down.
Option 3 - Woods & Downland
Distance: 10½ miles (16.5 km)
Total ascent: 1,400 feet (420m)
In summary: Walk through the woods near Sandown, then admire the widespread views as we cross the downs to Ventnor.
Highlight: Our path through Borthwood Copse and America Wood take us to one of the best places in England to spot Red Squirrels.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
See Dates, Prices & Trip Note tab to check which itinerary is running
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Option 1 - Over Tennyson Down
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 1,200 feet (360m)
In summary: A fabulous walk over the chalk cliffs of Tennyson Down to the Needles and the Alum Bay; one of England's finest coastal walks.
Highlight: The commanding view over the Western Solent from the Tennyson Monument. You'll also discover the once secret rocket testing range, and the area's role in the space race.
Option 2 - Headon Warren & The Needles
Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)
Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In summary: We start by head to the coast at Totland Bay then soak up glorious sea view as you round the Needles headland and return over Tennyson Down.
Highlight: The heather-clad headland of Headon Warren is a real delight, and offers the best views of the Needles.
Option 3 - West Wight Circuit
Distance: 12 miles (19km)
Total ascent: 1,550 feet (480m)
In summary: A repeat from earlier in the week for 7 nIght guests. A circuit of the western tip of the island. We’ll follow the Yar Valley to Yarmouth, then follow the coastal path to Alum Bay, before a glorious finale over Tennyson Down.
Highlight: The final section atop the chalk cliffs of Tennyson Down is a fitting conclusion to this splendid walk.
Option 1 - Godshill to Appuldurcombe via the Donkey Sanctuary
Distance: 6½ miles (10km)
Ascent: 750 feet (220m)
In summary: A delightful figure of eight walk from the village of Godshill taking us passed the Donkey Sanctury and the ruined shell of Appuldurcombe House.
Highlight: There's plenty of time to explore Godshill and admire its quintessential thatched cottages and historic church.
Option 2 - Over the Downs
Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)
Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In summary: Walk from the charming village of Godshill onto the Stenbury and St Boniface Downs.
Highlight: The grand ruins of Appuldurcombe House and its surrounding parkland laid out by ‘Capability’ Brown.
Option 3 - Eight Downs Horseshoe
Distance: 10½ miles (16.5km)
Ascent: 1,500 feet (460m)
In summary: Our 'eight Downs horseshoe' is a grand circuit that takes in the tops of Stenbury Down and St Boniface Down; the highest point on the island.
Highlight: Walking on top of the Downs is a real delight, with great views across the island, and across the Solent to the mainland.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
See Dates, Prices & Trip Note tab to check which itinerary is running
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Option 1 - To Carisbrooke Castle
Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)
Ascent: 700ft (220m)
In summary: We start in the village of Shorwell before venturing over the downs and entering the village of Carisbrooke, home of Carisbrooke Castle.
Highlight: Snapping shots of picturesque Shorwell with its thatched cottages and historic church.
Option 2 - Shorwell & Carisbrooke
Distance: 9 miles (14km)
Ascent: 1,100 feet (340m)
In summary: Walk from Brightstone to the village of Shorwell village, then continue over the downs to Carisbrooke Castle.
Highlight: Explore picturesque Shorwell with its thatched cottages and historic church.
Option 3 - The Three Trails
Distance: 12½ miles (20.5km)
Ascent: 1,600 feet (480m)
In summary: Challenge yourself to this fantastic walk along the spine of the island from Carisbrooke Castle to Freshwater Bay. We’ll cross the hills to Shorwell then pick up the Tennyson Trail which runs along the top of the chalk downs.
Highlight: This is one of our most popular walks. After several ups and downs, your celebratory pint at the end of the walk will be well deserved!
Option 1 - Coastal Path from Gore Down to Ventnor
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 750 feet (240m)
In summary: This walk takes the coast path past St Catherine's Point, before passing through Niton Village, and then rejoining the coast path through the undercliff and into Ventnor.
Highlight: Discover the Undercliff; a natural sun trap, rich with verdant vegetation, created by a series of landslips over the centuries.
Option 2 - Chale Church to Ventnor via Whitewell
Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)
Ascent: 1100 feet (320m)
In summary: This walk starts along the coast path, before diverting inland to Whitwell, before rejoining the coast path at the undercliff and continuing to Ventnor
Highlight: Enjoy great coastal views of St Catherine's Point.
Option 3 - Chale Green to Ventnor
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Ascent: 1400 feet (440m)
In summary: This walks starts inland before reaching the coast path at St Catherine's point, then taking in Whitwell and the undercliff into Ventnor
Highlight: A great variety of inland and coastal walking, offering great views.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
Freshwater Bay House
Chalky white cliffs and eyebrow-arching sea views set the tone for the delights that follow at this county house on the Isle of Wight - Queen Victoria's favourite island that’s just a ferry hop from the South Coast. The location is as gorgeous as it gets; to the south of the village of Freshwater, within pebble-throwing distance of its namesake bay, and just a skip from Tennyson Down. You’ll also be within easy reach of the area’s showstoppers, including the imposing Stag and Mermaid rocks, the multi-coloured sands of Alum Bay, the remarkable Ventnor Botanic Gardens, and the 125-million-year-old dinosaur footprints at Compton Bay. And then, of course, there’s the Needles Old Battery for the ubiquitous photo opportunity and the best views of The Needles.
Rooms
Designed with your comfort in mind, Freshwater Bay House has 43 well-appointed guest rooms available in three categories: Classic, Premium, and Superior.
Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV.
Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers, and comfortable mattresses.
Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surrounds. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers, and comfortable mattresses.
We love: Rooms 19 and 20 on the first floor for their lovely sea views. Rooms 18 and 22 are both corner rooms overlooking the bay and Tennyson Downs. The more spacious Room 24 has five large windows overlooking the gardens and bay as well as a private sitting room. Room 39 on the second floor is a corner room with a bathtub.
The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply.
Check in & check out
You are welcome to check in from 4:00pm at the earliest. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team.
On the day of departure, we kindly ask all guests to check out by 10:00am. You’ll be asked to settle your bill prior to leaving. You may, of course, make a charitable donation to our HF Holidays Pathways Fund if you wish. Please note that we only accept card payments.
Room supplements
| Superior | Premium single | Premium double/twin | Choose your room |
| £25 pppn | £20 pppn | £20 pppn | £30 per room |
About your stay
A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out).
Evening entertainment
While evening entertainment varies from house to house, the HF Holidays Big Pub Quiz held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays Leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided walking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays Leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s walking delights (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house.
Food & drink
Led by experienced chefs, we serve a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. We always aim to source the best produce available and use home-grown herbs and vegetables from our own gardens whenever possible. Additionally, we have a licensed bar with beers, soft drinks, and a superb selection of spirits. Full-board comes as standard and includes a cream tea on arrival and a hearty breakfast on departure day.
HF Holidays understands the importance of managing allergens effectively to ensure food is safe for guests with food allergies. Whilst we are always able to confidently inform guests which allergens are present in our ingredients and dishes, we are unable to guarantee absolute freedom from the 14 main allergens in our kitchens. Vegetarian and vegan menu choices are available. If you have allergies, food intolerances, or any special dietary requirements, please inform our reservation team at the time of booking.
Accessibility
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Freshwater Bay House
Getting to Freshwater Bay House
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationEssential information
The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next. To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip
- Waterproof and windproof jacket, preferably insulated
- Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Gloves and a warm hat (or sunhat)
- Rucksack
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- A small torch
- Sunscreen
- Mobile phone and portable charger
- Watch
- UV sunglasses
Recommended
- Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)
- Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters
- First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent
- Sit mat
- Spare pair of socks
- Energy snacks
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
Optional extras
- Walking poles, useful for descents
- Flask for hot drinks
- Durable lunch box
- Gaiters
- Blister kit
- Waterproof rucksack liner
- Head torch
- GPS device
Freshwater Bay House Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £30 per person.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Holiday prices
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ||||||||
|
02 Mar - 05 Mar 2024 3 nights |
Version 3 Single from £439 £419 Double from £439 £419 pp |
from £439 £419 pp |
from £439 £419 |
Save £20 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
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16 Mar - 19 Mar 2024 3 nights |
Version 3 Single from £439 £419 Double from £439 £419 pp |
from £439 £419 pp |
from £439 £419 |
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|
30 Mar - 02 Apr 2024 3 nights |
Version 3 Single from £489 £454 Double from £489 £454 pp |
from £489 £454 pp |
from £489 £454 |
Save £35 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
13 Apr - 16 Apr 2024 3 nights |
Version 1 Single from £489 £469 Double from £489 £469 pp |
from £489 £469 pp |
from £489 £469 |
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|
27 Apr - 30 Apr 2024 3 nights |
Version 2 Single from £515 £480 Double from £515 £480 pp |
from £515 £480 pp |
from £515 £480 |
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|
04 May - 07 May 2024 3 nights |
Version 1 Single from £515 £505 Double from £515 £505 pp |
from £515 £505 pp |
from £515 £505 |
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|
18 May - 21 May 2024 3 nights |
Version 1 Single from £515 £480 Double from £515 £480 pp |
from £515 £480 pp |
from £515 £480 |
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|
25 May - 28 May 2024 3 nights |
Version 2 Single from £515 £480 Double from £515 £480 pp |
from £515 £480 pp |
from £515 £480 |
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|
08 Jun - 11 Jun 2024 3 nights |
Version 1
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £515 £505 pp |
from £515 £505 pp |
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|
22 Jun - 25 Jun 2024 3 nights |
Version 2 Single from £515 £480 Double from £515 £480 pp |
from £515 £480 pp |
from £515 £480 |
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|
29 Jun - 02 Jul 2024 3 nights |
Version 1 Single from £515 £480 Double from £515 £480 pp |
from £515 £480 pp |
from £515 £480 |
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|
13 Jul - 16 Jul 2024 3 nights |
Version 2 Single from £515 £480 Double from £515 £480 pp |
from £515 £480 pp |
from £515 £480 |
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|
20 Jul - 23 Jul 2024 3 nights |
Version 1
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £515 £495 pp |
from £515 £495 pp |
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|
03 Aug - 06 Aug 2024 3 nights |
Version 2 Single from £515 £480 Double from £515 £480 pp |
from £515 £480 pp |
from £515 £480 |
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|
31 Aug - 03 Sep 2024 3 nights |
Version 1 Single from £515 Double from £515 pp |
from £515 pp |
from £515 |
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|
07 Sep - 10 Sep 2024 3 nights |
Version 2 Single from £515 £480 Double from £515 £480 pp |
from £515 £480 pp |
from £515 £480 |
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|
21 Sep - 24 Sep 2024 3 nights |
Version 1 Single from £515 £495 Double from £515 £495 pp |
from £515 £495 pp |
from £515 £495 |
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|
05 Oct - 08 Oct 2024 3 nights |
Version 2
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £489 £469 pp |
from £489 £469 pp |
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|
19 Oct - 22 Oct 2024 3 nights |
Version 1 Single from £489 £469 Double from £489 £469 pp |
from £489 £469 pp |
from £489 £469 |
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|
09 Nov - 12 Nov 2024 3 nights |
Version 3 Single from £439 £389 Double from £439 £389 pp |
from £439 £389 pp |
from £439 £389 |
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3 nights
from
£439pp
£389pp
On offer
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