On offer

4 Night Isle of Wight Self-Guided Walking Holiday

Alum Bay Isle of Wight
Duration: 4 nights
Type: Self-guided walking
Walking Grade: 1, 2 & 3
from £449pp £404pp

For those looking for a holiday close to home, the Isle of Wight tempts with golden sand beaches, rolling green hills, dramatic white cliffs, ancient woodland, and charming seaside resorts. Not only does this self-guided walking holiday give you the flexibility and freedom to do as much or as little as you please, but you’ll also get to discover some of the island’s showstopping attractions such as Tennyson Down, Alum Bay, Ventnor Botanical Gardens, and Osborne House.

What you’ll love

  • Discovering the stunning 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 in historic seaside towns
  • Making use of our detailed route notes and recommendations
  • 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  
  • Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information available 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.

You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.


Our easiest selection means walking at a relaxed pace, often stopping and spending time at places of interest along the way. Some are circular walks that start and end on the doorstep of our country house; others make use of local transport whilst remaining close to the property. The walks you’ll find in our Discovery Point at Freshwater Bay range from 2.5 to 4 miles and visit popular areas such as Yarmouth, Alum Bay, and St Catherine’s Down.


These are a selection of longer walks on well-graded paths that allow you to discover local highlights and viewpoints. These routes are often further from the house but still offer walks that start and end on the doorstep of the property, plus options for guests travelling by public transport or car. The walks you’ll find in our Discovery Point at Freshwater Bay range from 5 to 7 miles and visit popular areas such as Compton Bay, the Needles, and West Yar Valley.


These walks are ideal for those with more stamina who can push themselves to go that extra mile. Some routes will start from the house, but some may require the use of a car. Public transport may not be possible for every route in this category due to remote locations. The walks you’ll find in our Discovery Point at Freshwater Bay range from 7.5 to 15 miles and visit popular areas such as Shorwell and follow sections of the Tennyson Trail and the West Wight Circuit.


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 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, 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

 

*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location 

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

Freshwater - IOW - External -NoDandelion.jpg

Getting to Freshwater Bay House

Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.

More Information

Address

Freshwater Bay House
Freshwater Bay
Isle of Wight PO40 9RB

Tel: +44 (0)1983 753854

By taxi

From Yarmouth ferry port it’s a five-mile taxi journey that takes approximately 15 minutes. We recommend booking your taxi at least seven days in advance as availability may be limited. 

For pricing, please contact the taxi company directly.

Taxi companies in the area include:

Bay Taxi  
Tel: +44 (0)7475 662350
Email: info@baytaxi.co.uk (Please provide your phone number when emailing)

Rayner’s Taxis
Tel: +44 (0)1983 752784

I Cabs 
Tel: +44 (0)7553 567567

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

*HF Holidays does not own or manage any of the above taxi companies.

By train

The nearest station is Lymington Pier on the mainland which is adjacent to the ferry terminal.  

Check National Rail for train times and routes. 

By ferry

You have two ferry options. The Wightlink Lymington to Yarmouth ferry is the most convenient for Freshwater Bay. Alternatively, the Red Funnel Southampton to East Cowes ferry is often the cheapest option if you want to take your car to the Isle of Wight. 

HF Holidays member discount 
If you’re a member, you can get  15% off car travel and 20% off foot travel with Wightlink Ferry. For full details visit www.wightlink.co.uk/HFHolidays

By car

From Yarmouth
Turn right out of the ferry terminal onto the A3054 and cross the bridge. After one mile, turn left down Pixley Hill, signposted Freshwater Bay. Turn left at Freshwater Garage and continue along Afton Road. At the lifeboat station turn right and follow the road round. Freshwater Bay House is on your left. 

From East Cowes
Follow signs for Newport, taking the A3021 and then A3054. Continue through Newport and Carisbrooke. Turn left onto the B3401 through Calbourne. At the junction with Afton Road (A3055), turn left and then right by the lifeboat station, and follow the road round to Freshwater Bay House. 

Or you can leave your car on the mainland (there’s a pay and display car park at Lymington Pier) and travel on the ferry as a foot passenger. 

By air

The nearest airport is Southampton Airport. 

From Southampton Airport Parkway station (adjacent to the airport terminal) there are regular trains to Lymington Pier, taking about 40 minutes. From here, you’ll need to catch the ferry over to the Isle of Wight. 

Otherwise, the best options are London Heathrow or London Gatwick airports for connecting trains to Lymington Pier.  

Check National Rail for the best routes and train times. 

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  

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   
  • Waterproof pouch for valuables  
  • Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)  
  • Wallet/purse  
  • Camera 
  • First-aid kit 

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

15 Oct - 19 Oct 2024

4 nights

Self-Guided

Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
Call to Enquire Call to Enquire Trip Notes

22 Oct - 26 Oct 2024

4 nights

Self-Guided

Single Call to Enquire

Double from

£535 pp

from

£535 pp

Call to Enquire Trip Notes
Book Now

29 Oct - 02 Nov 2024

4 nights

Self-Guided

Single from

£449

Double from

£449 pp

from

£449 pp

from

£449

Trip Notes
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05 Nov - 09 Nov 2024

4 nights

Self-Guided

Single from

£449

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£449 pp

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£449 pp

from

£449

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12 Nov - 16 Nov 2024

4 nights

Self-Guided

Single from

£449 £404

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£449 £404 pp

from

£449 £404 pp

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£449 £404

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2025

04 Mar - 08 Mar 2025

4 nights

Self-Guided

Single Call to Enquire

Double from

£469 pp

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£469 pp

Call to Enquire Trip Notes
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11 Mar - 15 Mar 2025

4 nights

Self-Guided

Single from

£469 £424

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£469 £424 pp

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£469 £424 pp

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18 Mar - 22 Mar 2025

4 nights

Self-Guided

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£469 £424

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25 Mar - 29 Mar 2025

4 nights

Self-Guided

Single Call to Enquire

Double from

£469 £409 pp

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£469 £409 pp

Call to Enquire Save £60 Per Person Trip Notes
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01 Apr - 05 Apr 2025

4 nights

Self-Guided

Single Call to Enquire

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£469 pp

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£469 pp

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08 Apr - 12 Apr 2025

4 nights

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£565 £505

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Early Booking Offer Save £60 Per Person Trip Notes
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15 Apr - 19 Apr 2025

4 nights

Self-Guided

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£565 £505

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22 Apr - 26 Apr 2025

4 nights

Self-Guided

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£565 £505

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29 Apr - 03 May 2025

4 nights

Self-Guided

Single Call to Enquire

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£565 £520 pp

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£565 £520 pp

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06 May - 10 May 2025

4 nights

Self-Guided

Single Call to Enquire

Double from

£565 £505 pp

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£565 £505 pp

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13 May - 17 May 2025

4 nights

Self-Guided

Single from

£635

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£635 pp

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£635 pp

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£635

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20 May - 24 May 2025

4 nights

Self-Guided

Single Call to Enquire

Double from

£635 £575 pp

from

£635 £575 pp

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27 May - 31 May 2025

4 nights

Self-Guided

Single Call to Enquire

Double from

£635 £590 pp

from

£635 £590 pp

Call to Enquire Save £45 Per Person Trip Notes
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03 Jun - 07 Jun 2025

4 nights

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£635 £575

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10 Jun - 14 Jun 2025

4 nights

Self-Guided

Single Call to Enquire

Double from

£635 £590 pp

from

£635 £590 pp

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17 Jun - 21 Jun 2025

4 nights

Self-Guided

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£635 £590

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24 Jun - 28 Jun 2025

4 nights

Self-Guided

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£635 £605

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01 Jul - 05 Jul 2025

4 nights

Self-Guided

Single from

£635 £575

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£635 £575 pp

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£635 £575

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08 Jul - 12 Jul 2025

4 nights

Self-Guided

Single Call to Enquire

Double from

£635 £605 pp

from

£635 £605 pp

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15 Jul - 19 Jul 2025

4 nights

Self-Guided

Single from

£635 £575

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£635 £575 pp

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£635 £575

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22 Jul - 26 Jul 2025

4 nights

Self-Guided

Single Call to Enquire

Double from

£635 £575 pp

from

£635 £575 pp

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29 Jul - 02 Aug 2025

4 nights

Self-Guided

Single from

£635 £575

Double from

£635 £575 pp

from

£635 £575 pp

from

£635 £575

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05 Aug - 09 Aug 2025

4 nights

Self-Guided

Single Call to Enquire

Double from

£635 pp

from

£635 pp

Call to Enquire Trip Notes
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02 Sep - 06 Sep 2025

4 nights

Self-Guided

Single from

£635 £575

Double from

£635 £575 pp

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£635 £575 pp

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£635 £575

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09 Sep - 13 Sep 2025

4 nights

Self-Guided

Single Call to Enquire

Double from

£635 £575 pp

from

£635 £575 pp

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16 Sep - 20 Sep 2025

4 nights

Self-Guided

Single from

£635 £575

Double from

£635 £575 pp

from

£635 £575 pp

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23 Sep - 27 Sep 2025

4 nights

Self-Guided

Single from

£635 £575

Double from

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30 Sep - 04 Oct 2025

4 nights

Self-Guided

Single from

£635 £575

Double from

£635 £575 pp

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£635 £575 pp

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£635 £575

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07 Oct - 11 Oct 2025

4 nights

Self-Guided

Single from

£565 £505

Double from

£565 £505 pp

from

£565 £505 pp

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£565 £505

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14 Oct - 18 Oct 2025

4 nights

Self-Guided

Single from

£565 £505

Double from

£565 £505 pp

from

£565 £505 pp

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21 Oct - 25 Oct 2025

4 nights

Self-Guided

Single from

£565 £505

Double from

£565 £505 pp

from

£565 £505 pp

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£565 £505

Early Booking Offer Save £60 Per Person Trip Notes
Book Now

28 Oct - 01 Nov 2025

4 nights

Self-Guided

Single from

£469 £409

Double from

£469 £409 pp

from

£469 £409 pp

from

£469 £409

Early Booking Offer Save £60 Per Person Trip Notes
Book Now

04 Nov - 08 Nov 2025

4 nights

Self-Guided

Single from

£469 £409

Double from

£469 £409 pp

from

£469 £409 pp

from

£469 £409

Early Booking Offer Save £60 Per Person Trip Notes
Book Now

11 Nov - 15 Nov 2025

4 nights

Self-Guided

Single from

£469 £409

Double from

£469 £409 pp

from

£469 £409 pp

from

£469 £409

Early Booking Offer Save £60 Per Person Trip Notes
Book Now
Duration:
4 nights
Type:
Self-guided walking
Walking Grade:
1, 2 & 3

4 nights from £449pp £404pp

On offer

or call 020 3974 8865

For group bookings of 10+ guests click here

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Carbon Footprint 84Kg of CO₂e

Average carbon footprint per person Learn More