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Dorset Guided Walking with Sightseeing

2027 dates available Early Booking Offer

■ Location: Dorset

■ Duration: 5 nights

■ Board Basis: Full Board

■ Travel Dates: Apr-Sep 2027

■ Itineraries available: 2

■ Choice of Walking Grade: 3 details

Non-members From

£1,079

pp

Members From

£1,049

pp

Members Save £30 on this booking and get a whole range of extra exclusive benefits. Add HF Membership to your booking online. details

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
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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

From September 2026, we have expanded our walking grade scale from 6 to 10 points. While the holidays themselves have not changed (the routes, daily distances and ascent levels remain the same), our newly expanded 1-10 scale offers greater distinction between holidays and clearer grade descriptions, so you can choose a holiday that best suits you.

Gentle walking grade 3

Gentle walking grade 3

Slightly longer walks, mostly on well-trodden paths, with some gentle gradients plus stiles and steps possible. Typically, 5-6 miles (8-10km) with around 650ft (200m) of ascent.

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 

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. 

 

Distance: 5.5 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.

 
View all

Version 1 2027

 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. 

 
 
 

Distance: 5.5 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.

 
 
View all

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.
kcc-231 courtyard.jpg
kcc-129 views from KCC over Corfe.jpg
kcc-145 views from garden.jpg
kcc-256 twi bedroom.jpg
kcc-275 bathroom.jpg
  1. kcc-231 courtyard.jpg
  2. kcc-129 views from KCC over Corfe.jpg
  3. kcc-145 views from garden.jpg
  4. kcc-256 twi bedroom.jpg
  5. kcc-275 bathroom.jpg

Getting here

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.

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

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

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.

Our experienced and knowledgeable volunteer leaders undergo a thorough assessment to lead you on your holiday and are delighted to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with you. Please ensure you complete and hand in your registration form on arrival and let the leader know about any medical problems you may have. This may be useful in the event of a problem on the walk and will be treated confidentially by the leader.  

In The Event Of A Problem  

If you become separated from your group, please stay where you are. Your leader will retrace their steps to find you. 

All our leaders carry a mobile phone, group shelter, spare maps and a compass. In the unlikely event your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call the emergency services (call 999 in the UK, or 112 overseas).  

Please then try to call the hotel where you are staying to let them know there is a problem.  

If you have any cause for complaints regarding accommodation, you should notify your leader who can then attempt to rectify the problem.  

Ticks  

Ticks are tiny creatures that live in vegetation and can attach themselves to passing animals or walkers and may carry a risk of Lyme Disease. Please refer to NHS advice and guidelines for information prior to your holiday.  

Where attractions are noted as optional in the itinerary, entrance fees are payable locally. This gives you greater choice, freedom, and flexibility to visit the attractions that interest you most. We have listed them in good faith, but we advise you check opening times and admission information before visiting.  

If you have National Trust or English Heritage membership, please be sure to bring your membership cards with you. Entrance to National Trust (NT) & English Heritage (EH) sites have not been included in this holiday as many of you are already members of these organisations and will be entitled to free entry upon showing your EH/NT membership cards.    

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

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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. Add HF Membership to your booking online. Read more about membership

2027

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

£1,579 £1,529

pp

£1,549 £1,499

pp
Book Now

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

£1,449 £1,399

pp

£1,419 £1,369

pp
Book Now

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

£1,599 £1,549

pp

£1,569 £1,519

pp
Book Now
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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 and self-guided bookings).

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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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