We have improved our walking grade scale. Read more

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  • Holidays
  • 7 Night Isle of Wight Family Walking Adventure

7 Night Isle of Wight Family Walking Adventure

Freshwater Bay House
Under 11s go free

■ Location: Isle of Wight

■ Duration: 7 nights at an HF Country House

■ Board Basis: Full Board

■ Travel Dates: Aug 2027

■ Itineraries available: 1

■ Choice of Walking Grades: 2, 3, 4 & 6 details

■ Carbon Footprint: 153kg CO2 details

Non-members From

£1,469

pp

Members From

£1,439

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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A firm favourite with families seeking a seaside escape, our holidays on the Isle of Wight will keep both kids and grown-ups happy. Hunt for fossils on the sands of Compton Bay, discover a secret rocket-testing range, and explore Carisbrooke Castle – the mighty fortress that held King Charles I prior to his execution in 1649. Further area attractions include Tennyson Down, Alum Bay, Ventnor Botanical Gardens, and Osborne House.

Accommodation

HF Country 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.
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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 2

Gentle walking grade 2

Full or half-day gentle walks on good paths, with plenty of time for rest stops, views, and places of interest. Typically, 3-5 miles (5-8km) with around 350ft (100m) of ascent with few or no stiles.
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.
Gentle walking grade 4

Gentle walking grade 4

The most active Gentle grade, with longer walks, some ascent, and possible steps, stiles, or off-path uneven ground. Typically, 6-7 miles (10-12km) with around 1,000ft (300m) of ascent.
Moderate walking grade 6

Moderate walking grade 6

Longer full day walks with more ascent and varied terrain. Good fitness and agility are needed. Typically, 9-10 miles (15-16km) with around 1,500ft (460m) of ascent.

What You’ll Love

  • Under 11s GO FREE
  • Meeting other families
  • Optional guided walks with an experienced HF Holidays Leader
  • Exploring beaches, caves, and coastline
  • Staying in our seafront country house
  • Swimming in the pool at Freshwater Bay

What's Included

  • Ride on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway
  • Family rooms available subject to availability
  • 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 tailored towards families, plus tea & coffee 
  • Guided walking with experienced HF Holidays Leaders 
  • Choice of up to four guided walks (on walking days) 
  • All transport to and from walks where necessary
  • Get 15% off car travel and 20% off foot travel via www.wightlink.co.uk/HFHolidays
  • Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently  

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.

Family Walks

Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00 in 2026. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests

Option 1 - Around Carisbrooke

Distance: 3 miles (4.5km)

Ascent: 350ft (100m)

We’ll follow the Shepherd's Trail through the fields and along an ancient trackway to Carisbrooke Castle. If you’d like to visit the castle (payable locally), please check out the English Heritage website as they often run special events in the summer, some of which you will need to prebook. We haven’t included the cost of entrance as we know many of you are English Heritage members already and will benefit from free or reduced-price entry.

Highlights: Take time to explore this well-preserved castle. Don't forget to walk around the walls and see the donkey powered well.

Option 2 - To Carisbrooke Castle

Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)

Ascent: 700ft (220m)

This option is slightly longer and sees us cross the island's central hills from the picturesque village of Shorwell to the impressive medieval castle at Carisbrooke. If you’d like to visit the castle it is payable locally (see above). 

What your kids will love: Meeting Carisbrooke Castle’s resident family of donkeys. A supply of fresh water was essential for a well defended stronghold and for hundreds of years these friendly animals were used to turn the treadmill and raise water from the well.  Fun fact, all the donkey’s names begin with the letter J. See if you can guess them all.

Option 3 - Brighstone to Carisbrooke

Distance: 7½ miles (11.5km)

Ascent: 1100 feet (340m)

Starting from Brighstone we’ll pass through Shorwell before crossing open countryside until we arrive at Carisbrooke Castle (payable locally).   

What your kids will love: Spotting the small ships carved into the chalk blocks on the walls of Brighstone – these were once used as secret codes and signals for smugglers delivering contraband to the island. There’s time to explore the Carisbrooke Castle, too.

Option 4 - Three Trails Challenge

Distance: 12½ miles (20.5km)

Ascent: 1,600ft (480m)

Challenge yourself to this fantastic walk along the spine of the island from Carisbrooke Castle to Freshwater Bay. We’ll cross the hills to Shorwell then pick up the Tennyson Trail which runs along the top of the chalk downs.   

What your kids will love: The bragging rights of being tough enough to take on the challenge. Although this is our longest walking option of the day, there’ll be plenty of fun, excitement, and adventure along the way.

Option 1 - The Needles

Distance: 3½ miles (6km) 

Ascent: 550 feet (180m) 

Stroll along the coast path to Tennyson Down and the Needles. We'll return on the open-top bus and be back to enjoy plenty of time to play in the pool at Freshwater Bay House.   

What your kids will love: Riding the world-famous Needles chair lift (payable locally). Test your bravery with a chair lift trip from the top of Alum Bay cliffs down to the beach below. There’ll also be time to paddle in the sea and make a game out of how many colours you can spot in the multi-coloured cliff face. Check out videos of the chairlift on YouTube.

Option 2 - Tennyson Down

Distance: 7 miles (11km)

Ascent: 1,200ft (360m)

A fabulous walk over the chalk cliffs of Tennyson Down to the Needles and Alum Bay; one of England's finest coastal walks.   

What your kids will love: Discovering what was once a secret rocket testing range and finding out about the Isle of Wight’s role in the space race. Don’t forget the code word: Project Black Knight.

Option 3 - Headon Warren

Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)

Ascent: 1,300ft (400m)

Head to the coast at Totland Bay then soak up glorious sea views as you round the Needles headland and return over Tennyson Down.   

What your kids will love: Imagining what it was like to be one of the island’s ancient tribal chieftains with a visit to the ruins of a bronze age burial mound.

Option 4 - West Wight Circuit

Distance: 12 miles (19km)

Ascent: 1,550ft (480m)

Our longest walking option is a circuit of the western tip of the island. We’ll follow the Yar Valley to Yarmouth, then take the coastal path to Alum Bay, before a glorious finale over Tennyson Down.   

What your kids will love: Stopping at the Needles viewing platform – the perfect spot for selfies.

Explore independently 

Each week there’s a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, play in the pool, or visit local places of interest.  Here’s our pick of the very best things to see and do within easy travelling distance of Freshwater Bay House. 

Freshwater Bay 

Just a skip away from Freshwater Bay House, this semi-circular namesake bay surrounded by gleaming white cliffs is a magical spot for rock pooling, watersports, swimming, boating, walking, and more. While mostly pebbles, there are some sandy parts on its eastern side.  

National Poo Museum 

No mucking around – this is a real place. Housed in the historic Sandown Barrack Battery, the weird and wonderful National Poo Museum aims to turn the subject of endless juvenile jokes into a fascinating exhibition about a substance that is essential to life on earth. Through a quirky collection of artefacts and interactive exhibits, this most unusual of museums introduces kids and grown-ups alike to the incredible recycling process that takes place in almost every single living organism on the planet. 

Blackgang Chine 

This family-run fantasy theme park dating back to 1843 is the oldest in the UK. Highlights include life-sized pirate ships, fairy castles, an underwater kingdom, and a cowboy town where kids can choose to be chose to be an outlaw or sheriff.

Option 1 - The Donkey Sanctuary to Godshill

Distance: 3 miles (5km)

Ascent: 290 ft (90m)

We'll start with a visit to the Donkey Sanctuary, home to over 100 donkeys and Shetland ponies. There'll be plenty of time to meet the residents and enjoy refreshments at the cafe before walking to the romantic ruins of Appuldurcombe House - a great place for hide and seek. From here it is an easy walk to Godshill, where, if time allows, there is the Model Village to explore (payable locally). Entrance to the Donkey Sanctuary and Appuldurcombe House are both free.    

What your kids will love: There are over 100 donkeys and ponies in residence at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary. Can you spot a donkey with the same name as you?

Option 2 - Niton to Ventnor Coast

Distance: 5 miles (8km)

Ascent: 500 ft (160m) 

With this option we’ll walk from Niton to the village of Whitwell and on to Steephill Cove. Enjoying great views of the English Channel, we’ll reach the island’s highest point and pass by both its oldest inn and what’s arguably one of its prettiest beaches. We’ll round off with a stop at Ventnor Botanic Garden (payable locally).   

What your kids will love: Rock pooling at Steephill Cove and reaching the medieval lighthouse that marks the highest point on the island. Look closely. Can you see why it’s nicknamed the “Pepperpot”?

Option 3 - Chale Green to Ventnor via Coastal Path

Distance: 8 miles (13km)

Ascent: 1,200 ft (370m)

Enjoy panoramic views from St Catherine's Down and visit the medieval lighthouse known locally as the Pepperpot. Then take in the sea views as we walk along the coastal path passing through picturesque Steephill Cove to the sandy beach of Ventnor.

What your kids will love: Searching for crabs at Steephill Cove and making sandcastles on the beach at Ventnor.

Option 4 - Chale Green to Ventnor via Whitwell

Distance: 10½ miles (17km)

Ascent: 1,470ft (450m)

This walk encompasses all the best bits of Option 3 but extends the journey inland to the charming village of Whitwell. We start at the village of Chale Green, ascend St Catherine's and head down and round St Catherine's Point. We'll continue to Whitwell and then rejoin the coastal path to Ventnor.   

What your kids will love: Exploring beaches and playing in rock pools. 

Option 1 - Romans and steam railways

Distance: 3 miles (5km)

Ascent: 320ft(100m)

Take a trip on the Isle of Wight steam railway before following a trail that takes us onto Brading Down for fabulous views. It’s also home to one of the best-preserved Roman sites in the UK - Brading Roman Villa (payable locally).  

What your kids will love: Riding a real steam train and finding out how good the Romans were at art with a visit to Brading Roman Villa. You can top it all by popping on a toga and dressing up as one of the ancient Romans that once lived here, too.

Option 2 - Windmills, wetlands, and dinosaurs

Distance: 6½ miles (10km) 

Ascent: 600 feet (180m) 

Bring your binoculars for a chance to spot dragonflies, lapwings and more in Brading Marshes Nature Reserve. Continuing to Bembridge, there’s time to explore the island's last surviving windmill (payable locally) before some superb coastal walking that ends in Sandown and the chance to play on the beach or explore Dinosaur Isle (payable locally). Please note, we haven't included entry to the windmill as we know many of you are members of the National Trust, and are eligible for free entrance 

What your kids will love: Climbing to top of a windmill, playing in its mud bakery, or stepping back in time at Dinosaur Isle – home to almost every newly discovered dinosaur in the British Isles.

Option 3 - Over the hills to Sandown

Distance: 8 miles (12.5km)

Ascent: 550ft (180m)

Enjoy excellent views from Brading Down before we head to the historic village of Brading village where we’ll join the same route as the option 2 walk.   

What your kids will love: Reaching Yarborough Monument. Why not make a race of it and see who can be first to the finish line?

Option 4 - Over the Chalk Downs

Distance: 10½ miles (17km)

Ascent: 950ft (280m)

Our longest option of the day is a walk along the valley before climbing up onto Brading Down. We’ll walk along the chalk ridge, enjoying the views across the Solent to the mainland, before continuing over Culver Down and along the coastal path to Sandown.   

What your kids will love: Looking out over the blue-green waters of the Solent. How many sailing yachts can you spot?

Option 1 - Yarmouth

Distance: 3½ miles (5.5km)

Ascent: 100ft (20m)

A gentle walk from Freshwater Bay House that follows the Yar Valley through a nature reserve. We’ll walk along a disused railway line to the old harbour town of Yarmouth before an open-top bus ride back to Freshwater Bay.   

What your kids will love: Keeping an eye out for red squirrels scurrying through the trees and raven, kestrel, buzzard, and barn owl soaring overhead. There’ll also be plenty of time to explore Yarmouth where you can play on the green and visit the castle (free to English Heritage members or payable locally).

Option 2 - Yar Valley

Distance: 7 miles (11km)

Ascent: 350ft (120m)

We’ll walk beside the tidal River Yar to the historic town of Yarmouth with its bustling harbour and Tudor castle. We’ll return on the opposite side of the river back to Freshwater Bay.

What your kids will love: Making a game of who can spot the most wildlife as we walk through the salt marsh, reedbeds, and mud flats of the Yar Estuary.

Option 3 - Compton Bay

Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)

Ascent: 1000ft (300m)

Get that on-top-of-the-world feeling as we traverse the high point of the Downs east of Freshwater Bay. We’ll then head to the beach and follow the coastal path back to Freshwater Bay House.   

What your kids will love: Paddling at the beach and getting selfie-worthy views of the island's south-west coast as we walk over the chalk cliffs of Compton Down.

Option 4 - The Longstone

Distance: 11½ miles (18.5km)

Ascent: 1200ft (380m)

Our longest option is a walk over the Downs to the Neolithic Longstone. We’ll then descend to the coast and follow the coastal path all the way back to Freshwater Bay.   

What your kids will love: The Neolithic Longstone. According to legend this 13ft stone was thrown here by a giant. Keep your eyes peeled for fossilised forests and dino footprints at Hanover Point, too. 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

View all

Accommodation

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.

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, HF Holidays Inter-House Quiz night held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided waking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.

Helping you enjoy the Great Outdoors - A natural focus on walks 

Walks talks and Discovery Points 
Our founder, country pastor turned social innovator, Thomas Arthur Leonard, was passionate about encouraging people to explore the countryside. His legacy continues in HF's continued focus on walking.  Many guests choose to travel with us on guided or self-guided walking holidays, and as such, evenings at our houses are often busy with walk leaders hosting various briefings and talks.  On guided walking holiday arrival days, there are walking information briefings before dinner, and for the duration of any guided walking holiday there will be a Walks Talk before (or on occasion after dinner), to go through the following day's walk options.  Self-guided walking guests, and those on special interest holidays (where there is free time to explore independently), are of course welcome to also join in these Walks Talks - please talk to the team locally if you have any queries. Our Discovery Points are filled with handy maps and route notes, designed to ensure everyone, not just those booked on a guided walking holiday, can enjoy the beautiful countryside settings that our HF houses enjoy.  

The walking day 
Prior to setting off on guided walks, our HF Holidays Leaders run through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure walkers 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.  

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You are welcome to check in from 4pm at the earliest. HF Members can check in earlier, from 2pm. 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. Check out 10am.

•  43 well-appointed guest rooms  •  Exclusive occupancy: 61 guests minimum •  Check in from 4:00pm • For members check in from 2:00pm • Full-board (including cream tea on arrival)  •  Free Wi-Fi  •  Free on-site parking  •  Boot room and drying room  •  2 travel cots & 4 high chairs  •  Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and information for self-guided walks  •  Books and games to borrow  •  Licensed bar  •  Three lounges  •  Garden  •  Electric vehicle charging point - Please note, you will need to bring your own cables to use this EV charging point Visit England - Guest Accommodation 

Seasonal dining, tailored for you

Our team of skilled chefs design our dinner menus to showcase the best of each season, from warming winter comfort food to vibrant summer dishes, including vegetarian, vegan  and high-protein options. We also source fruit and vegetables within a  40-mile radius of each house, open every break with a Chef’s Special menu inspired by dishes and flavours of the local area, and are able to adapt dishes to suit special dietary requirements.

Welcome Cream Tea

What better way to start your stay than with a cream tea, served fresh on arrival to make you feel instantly at home.  A quintessentially English tradition, our scones are baked in-house and served with preserves and clotted cream, providing the perfect opportunity to meet fellow walkers.

A hearty breakfast to start the day

Start the day with a freshly-prepared cooked breakfast  and a wide choice from our continental buffet, including  hot drinks, juices and fresh fruit. Our team offer a quick  and friendly service, leaving you fuelled and ready for your day’s adventures.

Our famous picnic lunch

Our personalised picnic lunches are perfect for a day out walking, ready to enjoy when hunger strikes. Choose from a large selection of fresh sandwiches and salads, freshly baked cakes and snacks, including the ever-popular Freddos chocolate bar! Everything is designed to fit neatly into your rucksack, and all of the packaging we provide is recyclable or compostable.

3-course evening meals

Our à la carte evening menus feature a wide choice of starters, mains, and desserts, made with seasonal ingredients and, wherever possible, herbs and vegetables from our own gardens. Shared around sociable tables, dinners are relaxed occasions, with drinks available to order at the table or from the bar, and a traditional Sunday roast to round off the week.

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.

Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surroundings*. 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.

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. For members check in is available from 2:00pm (2026). 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

 

*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location 

*Please note, pool opening hours are: 07:00am – 09:00am and 16:00pm – 18:30pm

For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Freshwater Bay House

Address

Freshwater Bay House
Freshwater Bay
Isle of Wight PO40 9RB

Tel: +44 (0)1983 753854

By taxi

From Yarmouth ferry port it’s a five-mile taxi journey that takes approximately 15 minutes. We recommend booking your taxi at least seven days in advance as availability may be limited. 

For pricing, please contact the taxi company directly.

Taxi companies in the area include:

Bay Taxi 
Tel: +44 (0)7475 662350

Rayner’s Taxis
Tel: +44 (0)1983 752784

I Cabs 
Tel: +44 (0)7553 567567

A return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the HF Holidays House Manager at Freshwater Bay.

*HF Holidays does not own or manage any of the above taxi companies.

By Bus

From Yarmouth there are public buses - please check timetables https://www.islandbuses.info/

By train

The nearest station is Lymington Pier on the mainland which is adjacent to the ferry terminal.  

Check National Rail for train times and routes. 

By ferry

You have two ferry options. The Wightlink Lymington to Yarmouth ferry is the most convenient for Freshwater Bay. Should you wish to take the bus from Yarmouth, rather than taxi, the Needles Breezer bus stop is a 2min walk from the ferry terminal, and buses run hourly to Freshwater Bay, a 5min walk to Freshwater Bay House. Alternatively, the Red Funnel Southampton to East Cowes ferry is often the cheapest option if you want to take your car to the Isle of Wight.

HF Holidays member discount 
If you’re a member, you can get  15% off car travel and 20% off foot travel with Wightlink Ferry. For full details visit www.wightlink.co.uk/HFHolidays. 

By car

From Yarmouth
Turn right out of the ferry terminal onto the A3054 and cross the bridge. After one mile, turn left down Pixley Hill, signposted Freshwater Bay. Turn left at Freshwater Garage and continue along Afton Road. At the lifeboat station turn right and follow the road round. Freshwater Bay House is on your left. 

From East Cowes
Follow signs for Newport, taking the A3021 and then A3054. Continue through Newport and Carisbrooke. Turn left onto the B3401 through Calbourne. At the junction with Afton Road (A3055), turn left and then right by the lifeboat station, and follow the road round to Freshwater Bay House. 

Or you can leave your car on the mainland (there’s a pay and display car park at Lymington Pier) and travel on the ferry as a foot passenger. 

By air

The nearest airport is Southampton Airport. 

From Southampton Airport Parkway station (adjacent to the airport terminal) there are regular trains to Lymington Pier, taking about 40 minutes. From here, you’ll need to catch the ferry over to the Isle of Wight. 

Otherwise, the best options are London Heathrow or London Gatwick airports for connecting trains to Lymington Pier.  

Check National Rail for the best routes and train times. 

More Information

Weather conditions in the UK can vary throughout the day, and conditions in the mountains may be cold and windy even in summer. Use the following list as a guide when preparing for your holiday.

Essentials  

  • Suitable waterproof walking boots with ankle support and good grip

  • Waterproof, wind-resistant jacket with a hood, taped seams and a hydrostatic head rating of at least 10,000 mm

  • Waterproof overtrousers  

  • Spare warm clothing, such as a synthetic insulated jacket

  • Comfortable walking clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)  

  • Warm mid-layers, such as fleeces

  • Gloves and a warm hat, even in summer

  • Rucksack with a waterproof liner 

  • Water bottle with a capacity of at least 1 litre

  • Flask for hot drinks   

  • Sunscreen  

  • UV-protective sunglasses

  • Spare high-energy food

  • Head torch and spare batteries for holidays between October and March

  • Passport (if applicable)

  • Visa (if applicable) 

  • Copy of your travel insurance policy 

Recommended  

  • Several base layers, with long or short sleeves 

  • Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters  

  • First-aid kit, including plasters, insect repellent, a midge net and a tick-removal tool

  • Sit mat   

  • Waterproof pouch for valuables  

  • Rubbish bags

  • Wallet or purse

  • Camera

  • Walking poles

  • Sun hat

  • Gaiters

  • Mobile Phones

  • Swimwear (please see accommodation information for hotel facilities)

  • Membership cards for English Heritage, the National Trust or similar heritage organisations in Scotland and Wales, if you are a member. These may be useful when visiting attractions during your itinerary or on your free day.

Who's the boss? Please note that parents are responsible for their children at all times; our leaders are not permitted to run activities without other adults present. All leaders undergo a thorough assessment so you can relax and enjoy your holiday knowing that you are in safe hands. 

On the first evening of your holiday, your leaders give a short talk about safety on walks which we would like you to attend. Walks may be changed for safety reasons and are subject to a maximum and a 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 while 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.

Kids on their own: Any teenager aged 14 years or over can leave you at the starting line and join a walk unaccompanied on the basis they can look after themselves. Children under 14 will need to be accompanied by an adult on walks; however, this does not need to be a parent or legal guardian. 

Please note, coaches used on this holiday all comply with UK law, and may not have seat belts suitable for children. Where children are under 3yrs of age, they must not travel in the front seat on coaches, nor or the back seat of coaches. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules/when-a-child-can-travel-without-a-car-seat  

Carbon Footprint - 153kg CO2

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

7 Night Isle of Wight Family Walking Adventure

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

6 Aug - 13 Aug 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,469

pp

Members

£1,439

pp
Single rooms

£1,469

pp

£1,439

pp
Enquire now

13 Aug - 20 Aug 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,469

pp

Members

£1,439

pp
Single rooms

£1,469

pp

£1,439

pp
Enquire now
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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 and self-guided 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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