Dorset Guided Walking with Sightseeing

2027 dates available Early Booking Offer

5 nights accommodation

Availability Sep-Oct 2026, Apr-Sep 2027

2 Itineraries available

Full Board

Grades 2 details

Non-members From

£1,079

pp

Members From

£1,049

pp

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
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.

Accommodation

A range of handpicked hotels...
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.
kcc-231 courtyard.jpg

Walking grades and options

This trip is graded level 2 

Your fitness 

Having a solid base of fitness before your holiday will ensure you've the best chance of completing the holiday and enjoying it to boot. Here's a few simple tips to help you get fit and ready for your challenge: 

  • Get out walking - whether the weather, get out there, and start building your fitness months before yourholiday
  • Build your distance gradually and geta number of3-4hr days in 
  • Ideally, try and do two consecutive days training if possible
  • Take the stairs every time
  • Train on different terrain
  • Train with your day pack and your walking boots too, to ensurethey'rewell worn in before your holiday 
  • Other sports help improve your walking fitness too. The best ones are jogging, cycling, swimming, which willbuild your stamina, and yoga which will help strengthen your core and improve balance
  • Time training will help ensure you enjoy your holiday to the max.

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

  • 2026 – tickets for Swanage Railway and Lulworth Castle
  • 2027 – tickets for Swanage Railway
  • 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 

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.

Version 1 2026

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.  

 

Distance: 4.5 miles (7.5km) 

Ascent: 500 feet (160m)

Descent: 800 feet (240m) 

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 (tickets included) to Corfe to explore this pretty village.

 

Distance: 4 miles (6km) 

Ascent: 450 feet (140m)

Descent: 600 feet (180m) 

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. 

 

Distance5.5 miles (9km) 

Ascent: 600 feet (180m )  

Descent: 850 feet (260m) 

Walking on the Isle of Purbeck again, this time we leave from Langton Matravers, but first we drop in for a quick visit to the Purbeck Stone Museum. A hidden gem, the museum provides an explanation of the unique geology, and has some fascinating displays. Afterwards we set out on our walk to Swanage, enjoying 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: 2 short walks combined come to a total of 5 miles (8km) 

Ascent: total for the 2 walks combined - 700 feet (220m)

Descent: total for the 2 walks combined 1,000 feet (300m) 

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. Here, we’ll have time to visit the magnificent Lulworth Castle (tickets included). Afterwards, 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.  

 

 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before check-out at 10:30am.

 

Version 1 2027

 Check in at the hotel is available from 3pm. Your leader will meet you at 18:3to give you a quick introduction to the holiday before dinner.  

 
 

Distance: 4.5 miles (7.5km) 

Ascent: 500 feet (160m)

Descent: 800 feet (240m) 

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 (tickets included) to Corfe to explore this pretty village.

 
 
 
 

Distance: 4 miles (6km) 

Ascent: 450 feet (140m)

Descent: 600 feet (180m) 

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. 

 
 
 

Distance5.5 miles (9km) 

Ascent: 600 feet (180m )  

Descent: 850 feet (260m) 

Walking on the Isle of Purbeck again, this time we leave from Langton Matravers, but first we drop in for a quick visit to the Purbeck Stone Museum. A hidden gem, the museum provides an explanation of the unique geology, and has some fascinating displays. Afterwards we set out on our walk to Swanage, enjoying 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: Two short walks combined come to a total of 5 miles (8km)  

Ascent: total for both walks combined - 700 feet (220m) 

Descent: total for both walks combined 1,000 feet (300m)  

A day to explore the Lulworth Estate and the coast including a visit 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. Here, we’ll have time to visit the magnificent Lulworth Castle (EH)Afterwards, we’ll take a short transfer to finish our holiday with a walk that descends to ‘Scratchy Bottom’ and joins the South West Coast Path which we follow to the much-photographed Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove.  

 
 
 

 Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before check-out at 10:30am.

 
 

Daily Walk Options

Grade 2

Easier Walks

Good paths but walks are a bit longer. Some walks, particularly in mountain areas, may have sections over rough or steeper terrain.

Accommodation

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

Our packed lunches will be too much food for some and not enough for others; if you feel you might need more food during the walk, please bring a supply of snacks to supplement this – it won’t always be possible to buy these on the route. Your packed lunches will include: a bread sandwich or roll with a choice of filling; some fresh fruit; fruit cake/flapjack or similar, crisps and/or biscuits. For those of you tackling a level 4 or above holiday, we would highly recommend bringing some trail mix or something similar to ensure you've some fuel in reserve should you need it.
 

Dietary requirements

Our partner hotels can cater for most dietary requirements, but it is important you advise us of any allergies and dietary restrictions you have at the time of booking.

Getting here

Address

Kingston Country Courtyard
West Street
Corfe Castle, Kingston
Wareham
BH20 5LR

If you wish to travel by public transport, please see below

By bus/train

Travelling from the west: the nearest train mainline railway station is Wareham. Catch the number 40 bus from Wareham station to Kingston, there is a bus stop directly outside the Kingston Country Courtyard.

Travelling from the east: take the train to Bournemouth, then catch the number 50 bus to Swanage, then transfer there for the number 40 bus to Kingston. The number 40 bus stops directly outside the hotel.

 

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

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.

Learn more

Reviews

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Dates & availability

Dorset Guided Walking with Sightseeing

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

20 Sep - 25 Sep 2026

5 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

Call to Enquire

Call to Enquire

Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£1,379

pp

£1,349

pp

4 Oct - 9 Oct 2026

5 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,109

pp

Members

£1,079

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

2027

Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Person

25 Apr - 30 Apr 2027

5 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,129 £1,079

pp

Members

£1,099 £1,049

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£1,429 £1,379

pp

£1,399 £1,349

pp

Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Person

27 Jun - 2 Jul 2027

5 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,149 £1,099

pp

Members

£1,119 £1,069

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£1,449 £1,399

pp

£1,419 £1,369

pp

Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Person

19 Sep - 24 Sep 2027

5 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,149 £1,099

pp

Members

£1,119 £1,069

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£1,449 £1,399

pp

£1,419 £1,369

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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