On offer

7 Night Isle of Wight Self-Guided Walking Holiday

Freshwater Bay at Sundown
Duration: 7 nights
Type: Self-guided walking
Walking Grade: 1, 2 & 3
from £779pp £689pp

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 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

Freshwater - IOW - External -NoDandelion.jpg

Getting to Freshwater Bay House

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

More Information

Essential 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 - 09 Mar 2024

7 nights

Self-Guided

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£779 £729

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09 Mar - 16 Mar 2024

7 nights

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16 Mar - 23 Mar 2024

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23 Mar - 30 Mar 2024

7 nights

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30 Mar - 06 Apr 2024

7 nights

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06 Apr - 13 Apr 2024

7 nights

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13 Apr - 20 Apr 2024

7 nights

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20 Apr - 27 Apr 2024

7 nights

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27 Apr - 04 May 2024

7 nights

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04 May - 11 May 2024

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11 May - 18 May 2024

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18 May - 25 May 2024

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25 May - 01 Jun 2024

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01 Jun - 08 Jun 2024

7 nights

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08 Jun - 15 Jun 2024

7 nights

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15 Jun - 22 Jun 2024

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22 Jun - 29 Jun 2024

7 nights

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£1,169 £1,119

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29 Jun - 06 Jul 2024

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06 Jul - 13 Jul 2024

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13 Jul - 20 Jul 2024

7 nights

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20 Jul - 27 Jul 2024

7 nights

Self-Guided

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03 Aug - 10 Aug 2024

7 nights

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24 Aug - 31 Aug 2024

7 nights

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31 Aug - 07 Sep 2024

7 nights

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07 Sep - 14 Sep 2024

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14 Sep - 21 Sep 2024

7 nights

Self-Guided

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£1,169 £1,119

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21 Sep - 28 Sep 2024

7 nights

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28 Sep - 05 Oct 2024

7 nights

Self-Guided

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05 Oct - 12 Oct 2024

7 nights

Self-Guided

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12 Oct - 19 Oct 2024

7 nights

Self-Guided

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19 Oct - 26 Oct 2024

7 nights

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26 Oct - 02 Nov 2024

7 nights

Self-Guided

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£779 £689

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09 Nov - 16 Nov 2024

7 nights

Self-Guided

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Duration:
7 nights
Type:
Self-guided walking
Walking Grade:
1, 2 & 3

7 nights from £779pp £689pp

On offer

or call 020 3974 8865

For group bookings of 10+ guests click here

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