Dance Around The World & Walking in the Cotswolds
Join us on a dance tour of the globe, learning the steps and techniques of national folk dances from around the world in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Each morning there will be a mix of slow, fast, simple or more complex dances to suit all levels of experience. In the afternoons you can enjoy optional guided walks in the beautiful British countryside. After dinner there will be the chance to enjoy social dancing, putting the steps you’ve learned into practice.
Holiday Highlights
- Expert tuition from professional instructors
- No partner required
- Tuition and social dancing every day
- Learn in a fun, social and relaxed environment
- Optional guided walks to explore the local area
What’s included
- High-quality Full Board en-suite accommodation and excellent food in our country house
- Tuition from our knowledgeable HF Holidays Leaders, to ensure you get the most from your holiday
- Solo travellers are welcome - dancers are encouraged to dance with others, so if you're on your own, you won't be left out
You're welcome to check-in to your room from 2:30 p.m. onwards (upgraded rooms from 1 p.m.) Please join us for afternoon tea.
Mornings
Mornings will be spent learning and practising dance steps, all under the guidance of your experienced HF Holidays Instructor.
Afternoons
Your afternoons are free to explore the local area, relax in the country house or perhaps practise your dancing independently.
Evenings
Evenings give you the opportunity for social dancing or relaxing in the house. There may also be some in-house activities for you to join in with if you wish.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
Harrington House
In one of the prettiest spots in the Cotswolds, Harrington House provides a stylish escape in the form of a traditional country retreat, with the trimmings and flourishes you’d expect. All set in a stately Georgian house that mirrors the mellow architectural styles of the Cotswolds and retains many of its original features; the most breathtaking is the sunny walled garden, surrounded by attractive landscaped gardens. As well as 29 bedrooms, two lounges, a cosy bar and pleasant dining room, there are further feathers in this handsome house’s hat. Quintessential English countryside, described by JB Priestly as, ‘the most English and least spoiled of all our countryside’, is just a short stroll away with pretty villages such as Chipping Campden and the Slaughters, rolling landscapes and classic trails from the Cotswold Way to the Gloucestershire Way and Monarch Way waiting for you to discover them.
At the house
- Excellent boot and drying rooms
- Main house there is a lounge, dining room and a bar
- Ballroom
- At the very top of the house is the observatory
- Free WiFi in public rooms
- Range of board games and books
- At the rear of the house there is an attractive walled garden with a large croquet law
Dining
All holidays at our Country Houses are full board accommodation including evening meal on arrival to breakfast on the day of your departure. All of our Country Houses have a well-stocked bar serving local beers, wine and spirits.
- Start your day with our extensive breakfast.
- Take your fill from our famous self-service picnic lunches
- A relaxed social dinner is a highlight of any stay at our Country Houses
Your evenings
Just relax and take it easy, or if you'd like to continue to chat with our guides and fellow guests then why not grab a drink or take part in one of our optional evening activities.
All of our bars are stocked with locally sourced drinks so you can really soak up your surroundings.
Additional information
- Fire procedure is displayed in each room and explained to guests on arrival. Guests requiring assistance at an evacuation are identified at this time and door hanger cards are issued
- Mobile phone reception is generally good from the main building
- Assistance dogs accompanying visually or hearing impaired guests are welcome; dogs must be kept on a lead or harness at all times
- Information can be provided in large print
- Staff have received disability awareness training
- Special diets can be catered for. Specialist food can be obtained with prior notice
- Fridge for medication can be supplied
Rooms
Tea & coffee-making facilities, TV, Hairdryer, Toiletries, Wi-Fi
Stay in one of the main building’s beautifully presented rooms or in the adjacent cottages. With 26 bright and airy bedrooms, Harrington House has plenty of space and there’s a range of Good, Better and Best Rooms to choose from: for a stylish stay opt for rooms 1 or 2, both large master bedrooms located on the first floor that come complete with some of the original Palladian features dating back to 1730, pretty feature wallpaper and views out of the front of the building of classic Cotswolds scenery. Alternatively, for a romantic hideaway, plump for Room 23 in the Windrush Cottage and toast your good taste in the private garden that adjoins this large twin room.
All ‘Good’ rooms are ensuite and furnished to a high standard. There are also several ‘Better’ and ‘Best’ Rooms that are either larger or have a desirable view, a more luxurious mattress, larger television, enhanced toiletries and a fluffy bathrobe & slippers – upgrade your stay for just an extra £15-20 per person per night. You can choose a specific room for an extra £30 per room, subject to availability. Upgrade supplements still apply.
Facilities
Free Wi-Fi, boot room and drying room, attractive garden, multi-purpose activity room, lounge, library and board games to borrow
After a day ambling through the Cotswolds, come back to the house and its specially tailored walkers’ facilities. Relax by sitting in the gardens or having a game of croquet on the lawn. Retire to either of the two lounges or climb the sweeping stately staircase to the very top of the house where there’s an observatory looking out across the rooftops of the village. Then pop in to the snug bar for a pint of local ale and a chin wag with fellow guests about their discoveries.
Food & Drink
As at all our country houses, holidays are full board, from afternoon tea served as a welcome treat through that evening’s meal to a hearty breakfast on the day of departure. Lunch is a chance to stock up on our famous picnic snacks. Food at Harrington House is hearty and has a strong emphasis on ingredients from the area and seasonal produce. Once a week the dining room hosts a Local Food Night, when, over a sociable evening, you might tuck in to Cotswold leg of lamb, Bibury rainbow trout and a selection of Gloucestershire cheeses, accompanied with Harrington House homemade chutneys.
Accessibility
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865
Getting to Harrington House
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationWhat to Bring
Dancing
There are no special dress requirements for this dance holiday - just wear something loose and comfortable. You will be active so expect to be warm and dress accordingly. Both men and women should bring shoes with a smooth sole. Ladies should wear shoes with a low (or no) heel.
Walking
To enjoy your walking comfortably and safely, it is essential that your footwear, clothing and equipment are suitable for the conditions likely to be encountered. Britain is famous for its changeable weather, so our advice is to come prepared for all eventualities.
Phil & Brenda Stevenson
Phil has been dancing since childhood; Brenda discovered dancing when she joined an adult evening class in 1978 - where she met Phil. In 1994 they took over the running of the Merton Park group and since then have run evening classes, led demonstration teams and headed social dances for many organisations. Brenda also teaches a daytime beginners class in Sutton and Phil plays the clarinet with the Society for International Folk Dance Band in London.
They provided a warm,friendly atmosphere for everyone. Although a novice I was made to feel welcome and helped in every way.
Guest Reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Prices are subject to change.
Prices based on two people sharing. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £10 per person.
Holiday Prices
| Date (Start - End) | Nights | Itinerary | Price | Status | Trip Notes | Book | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | |||||||
06 Nov - 09 Nov | 3 | Dancing | £339 £299 | Save £40 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |