Dorset Guided Walking with Sightseeing
Uncover the rich history and coastal beauty of Dorset’s UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast on this guided walking with sightseeing holiday. Enjoy short, guided walks (4-5 miles), combined with time spent exploring local highlights. We’ll discover the storybook village of Corfe, marvel at natural wonders like Lulworth Cove and the iconic Durdle Door, and see the mysterious hillside carving of the Cerne Abbas Giant. The itinerary also includes a visit to the historic market town of Dorchester and a nostalgic journey on the Swanage steam railway.
What you’ll love
- Exploring UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Jurassic Coast
- Discovering some of the UK’s finest coastal walks
- Learning about the natural history that makes this area famous
- Snapping shots of charming Corfe, and the Cerne giant
- Riding the Swanage steam railway
What’s included
- Comfortable en-suite rooms in our partner accommodation
- Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
- Daily packed lunches
- Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
- Guided walks with an experienced HF Holidays Leader
- All transport to and from walks where necessary
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.
Check in at the hotel is available from 3pm. Your leader will meet you at 18:30 to give you a quick introduction to the holiday before dinner.
Today we travel to the small village of Studland, on the Isle of Purbeck, where our walk takes us to Swanage, along the stunning South West Coast Path, passing the famous Old Harry Rocks. From Swanage we hop on board the heritage steam train to Corfe to explore this pretty village.
Distance: 4.5 miles (7.5km)
Ascent: 500 feet (160m ), Descent 800 feet (240m)
A chance to escape the crowds and explore a bit of rural Dorset. We walk from Minterne Magna, northwest of Dorchester, up onto a ridge with lovely views above the Cerne Valley, then down into Cerne Abbas village, contouring below the famous Cerne Giant. After exploring this picturesque village, we transfer to Dorchester for some sightseeing.
Distance: 4 miles (6km)
Ascent: 450 feet (140m ), Descent 600 feet (185m)
Walking on the Isle of Purbeck again, this time we leave from Langton Matravers to Swanage, with great views towards the Isle of Wight. Our walk gives us the opportunity to explore the legacy of quarrying in the area, and to spend some time at the visitor centre at Durlston Country Park (a renovated folly). We continue to the Victorian seaside resort of Swanage, with the chance to visit its heritage centre, enjoy a town trail, or simply relax on the beach.
Distance: 5.5 miles (9km)
Ascent: 590 feet (180m ), Descent 840 feet (255m)
A day to explore the Lulworth Estate and the coast along to Durdle Door. Alighting at the small hamlet of Coombe Keynes our first walk passes through the imposing North Lodges before descending through Lulworth Castle Estate grounds. There will be time to explore Lulworth Castle (entrance included) and Chapel. We’ll take a short transfer to finish our holiday with a walk that descends to ‘Scratchy Bottom’ to join the South West Coast Path which we follow to the much-photographed Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove.
Distance: 2 short walks combined come to a total of 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: total for the 2 walks combined - 680 feet (210m ), Descent 980 feet (300m)
Kingston Country Courtyard
The Kingston Country Courtyard is 4* guest accommodation, rather than a hotel. Ideally located for exploring Purbeck, the KCC gives us a base from which we can explore this stunning coastline, away from the crowds. While it doesn't have the bells and whistles of a hotel, this converted farmstead features rustic yet comfortable ensuite rooms, all with free Wi-Fi, TV, and tea and coffee facilities. Enjoy outdoor seating in the courtyard and gardens, with views stretching to the coast and Corfe. All rooms open onto the original farm courtyard.
The hotel is dog-friendly, so you might meet some four-legged friends in communal areas. Free parking is available for residents.
Please note, some of the bathrooms at the hotel are wetrooms - a wet room is a style of bathroom where there's no separation between dry and wet areas. These make the bathrooms highly accessible.
There are no communal lounges as such, but we have a dining room where our briefings and dinners will be held, and where you can socialise after dinner.
Food & drink
Your stay is full-board. This includes daily breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals.
Packed lunches
Dietary requirements
Getting to Kingston Country Courtyard
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
- 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
- Walking poles
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
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Holiday prices
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ||||||||
|
10 May - 15 May 2026 5 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,494 Double from £1,139 pp |
from £1,139 pp |
from £1,494 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
20 Sep - 25 Sep 2026 5 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,379 Double from £1,139 pp |
from £1,139 pp |
from £1,379 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
04 Oct - 09 Oct 2026 5 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,379 Double from £1,139 pp |
from £1,139 pp |
from £1,379 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
5 nights
from
£1,139pp
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