3 Night Western Yorkshire Dales Gentle Guided Walking Holiday

Thorns Hall, Sedbergh

3 nights at an HF Country House

Availability Aug-Oct 2026, Apr-Oct 2027

2 Itineraries available

Full Board

Grades 1, 2 & 3 details

82kg CO2 details

Non-members From

£579

pp

Members From

£549

pp

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
Ideal for those wanting to discover the Western Yorkshire Dales at a more relaxed pace, this gentle guided walking holiday rewards with sweeping views, countryside walks, and comfortable accommodation in Sedbergh – the Cumbrian market town treasured for its cobbled streets, public school, artisan shops, and bookshops. You’ll also enjoy a choice of up to three different-grade daily walks, including a gentle walk of three to four miles.

Accommodation

HF Country House
Delivering on all fronts for countryside lovers, this cosy Grade II-listed manor house is just a skip away from Sedbergh – the Cumbrian market town treasured for its cobbled streets, public school, artisan shops, and bookshops (it’s known as England’s official book town for good reason). You’ll also have the Yorkshire Dales National Park on your doorstep as well as the Howgill Fells - the small group of hills adored by legendary fellwalker, illustrator, and guidebook author Alfred Wainwright. The walking opportunities here are outstanding, but if you fancy travelling further afield there’s Kendal (home of the mint cake), Hawes, Wensleydale, Appleby-in-Westmorland, and Lake Windemere all within easy driving distance.
Sedbergh - External_Front.jpg

Walking grades and options

This trip is graded Activity Level 1,2 and 3, This easier variation of our best-selling Guided Walking holidays is the perfect way to enjoy a gentle exploration of the Yorkshire Dales and Howgills. The choice of three guided walks includes a half-day walk of 3 or 4 miles.


What You’ll Love

  • Exploring the landscape of the Western Yorkshire Dales on foot
  • Discovering dramatic peaks, rugged dales, and quaint market towns
  • Hunting for second-hand books in Sedbergh’s shops and cafés
  • Spending time with like-minded people in the great outdoors
  • Finding new routes and places to explore with your HF Holidays Leader
  • Staying at Thorns Hall, our Grade II-listed manor house

What's Included

  • En-suite accommodation in our 4-star 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 three guided walks (each walking day) from March to October, and two from November to February.
  • 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

Reviews


Itinerary

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.

Itinerary 2027

Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.

Option 1 - Dufton and Hilton to Appleby

Distance: 4 miles (6.5km) 

Ascent: 150 feet (50m) 

We’ll begin with a visit to the former mining village of Dufton, an ancient settlement at the foot of the high Pennine hills with a green surrounded by properties to protect against cattle raiders. From Hilton, we begin our walk, descending very gradually to Appleby on the River Eden with just three short sections of ascent. A track alongside Hilton Beck, with a distinctively wilderness feel, brings us to Langton. Flat field tracks take us to the embankment of an old dam (one easy stile) which leads to woodland paths and the outskirts of Appleby. The descent into the town is on minor roads to the riverside before entering the town centre over the ancient stone bridge. 

 
 
 
Option 2 - Dufton and Flakebridge Woods to Appleby

Distance: 6 miles (9.5km) 

Ascent: 500 feet (150m) 

This walk allows time in Dufton before entering the eastern part of Dufton Ghyll where much of the red sandstone for the older houses was quarried. Nature has taken the ghyll back with a wonderful variety of trees, ferns, and wildflowers. Then it is up a short section of the Pennine Way with extensive views across the Eden Valley. We continue round the hillside and a descent through fields (one stile) to the varied woodland of Flakebridge. Flat field tracks lead to the embankment of an old dam (with one easy stile) and on to woodland paths and the outskirts of Appleby. The descent into the town is on minor roads to the riverside before entering the town centre over the ancient stone bridge. 

 
 
Option 3 - Dufton Ghyll and Keisley to Appleby

Distance: 7.5 miles (12.5km) 

Ascent: 650 feet (200m) 

We begin by walking to the western edge of Dufton village before entering Dufton Ghyll. A full west-to-east traverse of the ghyll allows us to join the option 2 route up a section of the Pennine Way and round the hillside. We then continue along a very quiet road to cross the High Cupgill Beck and on to High Cup House. Then it is a very gentle descent of tracks and paths through the fields to reach the woodlands. We join the embankment of the old dam (with one easy stile) for the descent into Appleby. 

 
 

 

 
Option 1 - Lincoln's Inn Bridge to Brigflatts and Sedbergh

Distance: 4 miles (6.5km) 

Ascent: 250 feet (80m) 

Today’s walks all start with a short transfer to the Lune Valley. We start the option 1 walk at Lincoln’s Inn Bridge and follow farm tracks and field paths via Luneside and Ingmire Hall to Brigflatts Quaker Meeting House. More field paths and a crossing of the former railway line take us eastwards to Birks and alongside the River Rawthey, passing Sedbergh School grounds to Millthrop Bridge. Our walk continues upstream alongside the river to Settlebeck Bridge and back to Thorn’s Hall.

 
 
 
 
Option 2 - The Dales Way, Lune Viaduct and Howgill Lane

Distance: 5.5 miles (9km) 

Ascent: 650 feet (200m) 

We begin our walk just past Brigflatts, taking a field path to the interesting settlement of High Oaks then on to Luneside and Lincolns Inn Bridge. We continue up the Lune and pass under the Lune viaduct on the Dales Way. The trail gradually rises up to Bramaskew and eventually reaches Howgill Lane, with excellent views and quiet and enjoyable walking. We follow it into Sedbergh town centre and return on foot to Thorn’s Hall. 

 
 
Option 3 - The Lune Valley and Brigflatts

Distance: 7 miles (11.5km) 

Ascent: 450 feet (140m)

Descent: 950 feet (300m) 

This area is home to Fox’s Pulpit, a fantastic view point with a high rock on the unassuming Firbank Fell. At this place of pilgrimage in 1652, fresh from his vision on Pendle Hill, George Fox addressed a multitude, and thus began the Quaker movement, ‘The Society of Friends’. We descend a little-used path into the Lune Valley, crossing the river on a foot bridge to join the Dales Way. We pass under the impressive Lune Viaduct and continue to Lincoln’s Inn Bridge and Luneside. Then it is field paths to Ingmire Hall and Brigflatts Quaker Meeting House. We take the path alongside the river Rawthey to Settlebeck Bridge and on to finish at Thorn’s Hall. 

 
 
 
 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

 

Itinerary 2026

Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.

Option 1 - Rawthey Valley

Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)

Ascent: 750 feet (220m)

In summary: Explore the green valleys around Sedbergh on this circular walk. We'll head through the fields into Garsdale and then return beside the Clough River and River Rawthey. 

Highlight: Towards the end of the walk we'll pass Farfield Mill. This lovingly restored Victorian woollen mill that now hosts a heritage centre.

 
Option 2 - Over the Howgills

Distance: 9 miles (14.5km) 

Ascent: 1,850 feet (580m)

In summary: This circular walk from Sedbergh ascends to the summit of Arant Haw in the Howgill Fells. We then descend over the Nab to join the Dales Way and return to Sedbergh passing the Brigflatts Quaker Meeting House and the River Rawthey. 

Highlight: An opportunity to get high onto the Howgill Fells; a beautiful upland area of rolling grassy hills. 

Option 3 - Beside the River Rawthey

Distance: 4 miles (6km) 

Ascent: 300 feet (80m) 

Descent: 500 feet (160m) 

In summary: A circular walk along the River Rawthey and around field paths with great views and past the arts and heritage craft centre at Farfield Mill. 

Highlights: The big views easily obtained across to the Howgills from the hills we skirt above the river Rawthey basin.

Option 1 - Keld and Muker

Distance: 7 miles (11.5km) 

Ascent: 950 feet (300m) 

In summary: Discover the delightful upper reaches of Swaledale. We'll follow the valley from Thwaite to Keld, returning past the waterfall of East Gill Force and the centuries-old lead mine at Crackpot Hall. 

Highlights: The small villages of Keld and Muker have a timeless quality with their traditional farms and historic churches.

Option 2 - Upper Swaledale

Distance: 8 miles (12.5km) 

Ascent: 1,250 feet (380m) 

In summary: Walk over Black Hill between Thwaite and Keld, then follow the upper Swale valley to Muker, finishing along a spectacular terrace above the river. 

Highlights: The upper reaches of Swaledale are particularly attractive with tranquil scenery and charming sleepy villages.

Option 3 - Wain Wath Force

Distance: 3.75miles (6km) 

Total ascent: 350 feet (120m) 

In summary: From Wain Wath Force, we follow the River Swale and many further waterfalls. Passing below the summit of Kisdon we reach Muker, a small village on the site of a settlement dating back to Viking times. 

Highlights: Exploring the quaint village of Muker with an art gallery, craft shop as well as a pub and tea rooms. 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

Daily Walk Options

Grade 1 Grade 2

Easier Walks

Walk at a relaxed pace, often spending time at places of interest en-route. Walking experience isn’t necessary as distances are quite short and gradients generally easy.

Grade 3

Medium Walks

Walks follow well-defined paths, though often in hilly or upland areas, or along rugged coastal footpaths. These may be rough or steep in sections and will require reasonable fitness.

Accommodation

Thorns Hall, Sedbergh

Delivering on all fronts for countryside lovers, this cosy Grade II-listed manor house is just a skip away from Sedbergh – the Cumbrian market town treasured for its cobbled streets, public school, artisan shops, and bookshops (it’s known as England’s official book town for good reason). You’ll also have the Yorkshire Dales National Park on your doorstep as well as the Howgill Fells - the small group of hills adored by legendary fellwalker, illustrator, and guidebook author Alfred Wainwright. The walking opportunities here are outstanding, but if you fancy travelling further afield there’s Kendal (home of the mint cake), Hawes, Wensleydale, Appleby-in-Westmorland, and Lake Windemere all within easy driving distance.

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, HF Holidays Inter-House Quiz night held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided waking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.

Walks talks 
Our HF Holidays walk leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on guided walking holiday arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s guided walks (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.  

The walking day
Prior to setting off on guided 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. 

You are welcome to check in from 4pm at the earliest. HF Members can check in earlier, from 2pm. 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. Check out 10am.

  •  25 well-appointed guest rooms  •  Exclusive occupancy: 32 guests minimum  •  Check in from 4:00pm • For members check in from 2:00pm  •  Free Wi-Fi  •  Free on-site parking  •  Boot room and drying room  •  Travel cot & high chair  •  Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and information for self-guided walks  •  Books and games to borrow  •  Licensed bar  •  Lounges  •  Garden  •  Electric vehicle charging point - Please note, you will need to bring your own cables to use this EV charging point  Visit England - Guest Accommodation

Seasonal dining, tailored for you

Our team of skilled chefs design our dinner menus to showcase the best of each season, from warming winter comfort food to vibrant summer dishes, including vegetarian, vegan  and high-protein options. We also source fruit and vegetables within a  40-mile radius of each house, open every break with a Chef’s Special menu inspired by dishes and flavours of the local area, and are able to adapt dishes to suit special dietary requirements.

Welcome Cream Tea

What better way to start your stay than with a cream tea, served fresh on arrival to make you feel instantly at home.  A quintessentially English tradition, our scones are baked in-house and served with preserves and clotted cream, providing the perfect opportunity to meet fellow walkers.

A hearty breakfast to start the day

Start the day with a freshly-prepared cooked breakfast  and a wide choice from our continental buffet, including  hot drinks, juices and fresh fruit. Our team offer a quick  and friendly service, leaving you fuelled and ready for your day’s adventures.

Our famous picnic lunch

Our personalised picnic lunches are perfect for a day out walking, ready to enjoy when hunger strikes. Choose from a large selection of fresh sandwiches and salads, freshly baked cakes and snacks, including the ever-popular Freddos chocolate bar! Everything is designed to fit neatly into your rucksack, and all of the packaging we provide is recyclable or compostable.

3-course evening meals

Our à la carte evening menus feature a wide choice of starters, mains, and desserts, made with seasonal ingredients and, wherever possible, herbs and vegetables from our own gardens. Shared around sociable tables, dinners are relaxed occasions, with drinks available to order at the table or from the bar, and a traditional Sunday roast to round off the week.

Designed with your comfort in mind, Thorns Hall has 25 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.

Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surroundings*. 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.

We love: The spacious Room 25 for its ground floor setting, brick fireplace, comfy seating, large bed, and gorgeous views of the gardens. Room 4 is large and airy while the cosier Room 13 has an exposed wood ceiling and courtyard view. 

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. 

 

Room supplements

Superior Premium single Premium double/twin Choose your room
£25 pppn £20 pppn £20 pppn £30 per room

 

*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location 

For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Thorns Hall

Getting here

Address

Thorns Hall
Cautley Road
Sedbergh
Cumbria LA10 5LE

Tel: +44 (0)1539 620973

By train

The nearest station is Oxenholme, Lake District, on the main line between London and Glasgow.  

Check National Rail for routes and journey times.  

By shared transfer

If you’re travelling to or from Thorns Hall on Mondays or Fridays or over the festive period, you can join our group transfer from Oxenholme Railway Station.

2026 prices are £50 per person for a return transfer or £25 per person for a single transfer.

Outward journey: Depart Oxenholme Railway Station at 16:30; arrive at Thorns Hall at 17:10.

Return journey: Depart Thorns Hall at 09:30; arrive at Oxenholme Railway Station at 10:10.

Places are limited so booking is essential. We recommend booking at least 14 days in advance by contacting:

HF Holidays Sales and Support Team
Tel: +44 (0)203 974 8865
Email: reservations@hfholidays.co.uk

By taxi

The journey from Oxenholme station to Thorns Hall is 10 miles and will take about 20 minutes. 

For pricing, please contact Woofs of Sedbergh directly.

Woofs of Sedbergh
You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended company, Woofs of Sedbergh*. We recommend booking your taxi at least seven days in advance by contacting:

Tel: +44 (0)1539 620414
Email: woofs.sedbergh@outlook.com

A return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the HF Holidays House Manager at Thorns Hall.

*Woofs of Sedbergh is not owned or managed by HF Holidays.

By car

There’s a car park available at Thorns Hall if you decide to drive.

Leave the M6 at junction 37 and follow the A684 eastbound for five miles to Sedbergh. At Sedbergh follow the road into Finkle Street (avoiding the main street), then almost immediately turn left at a small roundabout into Back Lane. Turn onto the A683 following signs to Kirkby Stephen. Thorns Hall is 100 yards on the left. 

By air

The nearest airport is Manchester International Airport. 

There are direct trains every hour to Oxenholme with the journey taking around 90 minutes. From Oxenholme station you can complete the journey to Sedbergh by taxi. 

National Rail have up-to-date information on train times and routes. 

Flying to London Heathrow airport is another option, but it'll take you at least four hours to reach Oxenholme. Catch the train to London Paddington station, then the London Underground to London Euston where you can connect to the main line train to Oxenholme. The journey from here is 2.5 hours. 

More Information

Walking safety

Walks may be changed for safety reasons and are subject to a maximum and minimum number of guests.

Leaders always consider the safety of the group as a whole, and may need to alter or curtail the walk if the conditions dictate. Your leader may refuse to accept a guest where clothing, equipment or behaviour is unsuitable. In the event of a problem all leaders carry a mobile phone, first aid kit, group shelter, spare maps and a compass.

Please note: If you choose to leave the group your leader is no longer responsible for you.

If you have a particular health condition or disability please put this on your guest registration form. This information will be confidential to your leaders and the house manager, but leaders do need to take account of any issues when planning walks. Please carry a copy of these trip notes with you, or note down the contact phone number for your accommodation (details in the travel section) should you need them in case of emergency.

Packing list - UK Guided Walking

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 
  • Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)  
  • Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
  • Waterproof overtrousers  
  • Gloves and a warm hat  
  • Rucksack with waterproof liner 
  • Flask for hot drinks   
  • Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)  
  • Sunscreen  
  • UV sunglasses  

For holidays operating October through to the end of March, please also bring the following on your walks:

  • spare warm clothing
  • spare high energy food
  • head torch and spare batteries
  • please note for the October to March season your waterproof jacket needs to offer a high level of waterproofing and wind resistance, and a hood. Look for a waterproof jacket with sealed/taped seams and a minimum HH (hyrodstatic head - this is the rating given on waterproof jackets) of 10,000mm+

Recommended  

  • Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)  
  • Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters  
  • First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent and tick remover tool
  • Sit mat   
  • Waterproof pouch for valuables  
  • Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)  
  • Wallet/purse  
  • Camera
  • Walking poles

Carbon Footprint - 82kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

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Code: SDB03-BEW01

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Dates & availability

3 Night Western Yorkshire Dales Gentle Guided Walking Holiday

Members save an additional £30 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. You can join during booking process. Read more about membership

2026

7 Aug - 10 Aug 2026

3 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£609

pp

Members

£579

pp
Single rooms

£639

pp

£609

pp

2 Oct - 5 Oct 2026

3 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£579

pp

Members

£549

pp
Single rooms

9 Oct - 12 Oct 2026

3 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£579

pp

Members

£549

pp
Single rooms

2027

9 Apr - 12 Apr 2027

3 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£579

pp

Members

£549

pp
Single rooms

£609

pp

£579

pp

23 Apr - 26 Apr 2027

3 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£579

pp

Members

£549

pp
Single rooms

£609

pp

£579

pp

14 May - 17 May 2027

3 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£619

pp

Members

£589

pp
Single rooms

£649

pp

£619

pp

18 Jun - 21 Jun 2027

3 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£619

pp

Members

£589

pp
Single rooms

£649

pp

£619

pp

25 Jun - 28 Jun 2027

3 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£619

pp

Members

£589

pp
Single rooms

16 Jul - 19 Jul 2027

3 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£599

pp

Members

£569

pp
Single rooms

£629

pp

£599

pp

6 Aug - 9 Aug 2027

3 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£599

pp

Members

£569

pp
Single rooms

£629

pp

£599

pp

20 Aug - 23 Aug 2027

3 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£599

pp

Members

£569

pp
Single rooms

£629

pp

£599

pp

3 Sep - 6 Sep 2027

3 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£629

pp

Members

£599

pp
Single rooms

£659

pp

£629

pp

8 Oct - 11 Oct 2027

3 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£579

pp

Members

£549

pp
Single rooms

£609

pp

£579

pp

15 Oct - 18 Oct 2027

3 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£579

pp

Members

£549

pp
Single rooms

£609

pp

£579

pp
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Trusted British co-operative

We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.

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Flexible choice of guided walks

Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

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Book early with confidence

Become an HF Member to benefit from our Price Pledge. Secure your first choice of holiday early, and if the cost drops after you book, we will automatically refund the difference (exc. travel agent & group bookings).

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Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

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Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

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HF Holidays

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience

Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

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