Isle of Wight Family Walking Adventure
The Isle of Wight has a fantastic range of walks to choose from with many sites of interest along the way. There are numerous coastal routes to explore, including stretches along the windswept southwest coast path where the jagged white chalk Needles stick up from the sea. Alum Bay is a children’s favourite with its multi-coloured layers of sand – best viewed from a chairlift if you have a head for heights! Coastal walks often end at the beach – great for cooling feet in the waves and going in search of fossils – including dinosaur footprints! Inland, the well-preserved remains of Carisbrooke Castle can be explored. Children will be captivated by the story of how King Charles I was imprisoned here and will adore the donkeys which pump water from the well. You can also enjoy far-reaching views across the island walking over Tennyson Down, discover a once-secret rocket testing range, spot red squirrels, listen out for singing nightingales, climb to the top of the island’s only windmill and see exotic flowers in the Botanical Gardens. There is something for everyone here!
Holiday Highlights
FAMILY FUN AT FRESHWATER BAY HOUSE
- Making a boat to enter the swimming pool boat race
- Toasting marshmallows on a beach campfire
- Playing rounders
- Getting creative in the craft room with paint and clay
THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO SEE...
- Visit Osborne House – once home to Queen Victoria
- Ride on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway
- Meet the animals at Monkey Haven rescue centre
- Carisbrooke Castle
- Bembridge Windmill
- Dinosaur tracks at Compton Bay
What’s included
Full Board en-suite accommodation.
Max guests in house: 98
Family rooms: 10
A full programme of walks guided by HF Leaders
All transport to and fromthe walks
Free Wi-Fi
Arrive at Fresherwater Bay House
Option 1 - The Needles
Distance: 3 mile
In Summary: A stroll along the coast path to Tennyson Down and the Needles. We'll return on the open-top bus with plenty of time to enjoy the pool at Freshwater Bay House.
Highlight: See the famous sands of Alum Bay with the opportunity to descend to the beach by chair lift.
Option 2 - Tennyson Down
Distance: 6 miles
In Summary: A fabulous walk over the chalk cliffs of Tennyson Down to the Needles and the Alum Bay; one of England's finest coastal walks.
Highlight: Discover the once secret rocket testing range on the Needles headland, and the area's role in the space race.
Option 3 - Headon Warren
Distance: 8½ miles
In Summary: Head to the coast at Totland Bay then soak up glorious sea view as you round the Needles headland and return over Tennyson Down.
Highlight: The heather-clad headland of Headon Warren is a real delight, and offers the best views of the Needles.
Option 4 - West Wight circuit
Distance: 12 miles
In Summary: A circuit of the western tip of the island. We’ll follow the Yar Valley to Yarmouth, then follow the coastal path to Alum Bay, before a glorious finale over Tennyson Down.
Highlight: The final section atop the chalk cliffs of Tennyson Down is a fitting conclusion to this splendid walk.
Option 1 - Goathland & Grosmont Circuit
Distance: 3 miles (5km)
In Summary: Follow the Shepherd's Trail through the fields and along an ancient trackway to Carisbrooke Castle.
Highlight: Take time to explore this well-preserved castle. Don't forget to walk around the walls and see the donkey powered well. During the Summer there are often special events such as jousting and treasure hunts.
Option 2 - To Carisbrooke Castle
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
In Summary: Cross the island's central hills from the picturesque village of Shorwell to the impressive castle at Carisbrooke.
Highlight: There's lots of time to explore the castle. A real highlight is watching the donkeys turn the treadmill to raise water from the well.
Option 3 - Shorwell & Carisbrooke
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
In Summary: Walk from Brightstone to the village of Shorwell village, then continue over the downs to Carisbrooke Castle.
Highlight: Explore picturesque Shorwell with its thatched cottages and historic church. There's also plenty of time to visit Carisbrooke Castle.
Option 4 - Three Trails Challenge
In Summary: 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.
Highlight: This is one of our most popular walks. There's a real sense of achievement when you cross the final hill to Freshwater Bay
Option 1 - Bembridge Windmill
In Summary: Walk from the Bembridge Windmill to the coastal path which we follow over the chalk headland of Culver Cliff to Sandown.
Highlight: The walk finishes at the island's excellent Dinosaur Museum and large play are or spend time on the beach at Sandown.
Option 2 - Brading to Sandown
Distance: 6 miles (9½km)
In Summary: Walk from the historic village of Brading to the Bembridge Windmill. We'll continue atop the chalk cliffs of Culver Down, near the eastern tip of the island, and follow the coast path to Sandown.
Highlight: The working windmill at Bembridge; one of the National Trust's smallest, but most fascinating, properties.
Option 3 - Over the hills to Sandown
In Summary: From Brading Down we descend into a shaded wooded valley to the historic Brading. We continue to Bembridge Windmill and along the coastal path to Sandown
Highlight: The Yarborough Monument on top of Culver Down commands a wonderful view over the Solent and English Channel.
Distance: 8 miles (13km)
Option 4 - Over the Chalk Downs
Distance: 11 miles
In Summary: Walk along the valley under the downs before ascending Brading Down and walking along the chalk ridge, enjoying the views across the Solent to the mainland. We’ll continue over Culver Down and along the coastal path to Sandown.
Highlight: There are great views over the Solent where vessels ranging from hovercraft to huge container ships complete this bustling scene.
Option 1 - Ventnor Coastline
Distance: 3 miles (5km)
In Summary: Walk along the promenade from Bonchurch to Ventnor, then continue along the coast path to the lovely beach at Steephill Cove.
Highlight: We'll stop to play in Ventnor's fantastic (and free) paddling pool, where you can paddle across the 'sea' to the minature Isle of Wight. Adults can join in or relax in the adjacent cafe.
Option 2 - Niton to Ventnor
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
In Summary: Walk from Niton to the village of Whitwell. Our walk continues to the inland cliffs with good views of the Channel. We then follow the coast path to Ventnor and Steephill Cove.
Highlight: There's plenty of time to enjoy the beach at Steephill Cove. Build sandcastles or paddle in the sea at the prettiest location on the island. Adults can enjoy a coffee and soak up the atmosphere of this nostalgic cove.
Option 3 - The Undercliff
Distance: 8 miles (13km)
In Summary: Soak up the sea air and views of the English Channel on a walk through the Undercliff from Niton, past Ventnor to Shanklin.
Highlight: Don’t miss: Discover the Undercliff; a natural sun trap, rich with verdant vegetation, created by a series of landslips over the centuries.
Option 4 - Chale to Shanklin
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
In Summary: A journey along the length of Undercliff. Starting at the coastal path after Whale Chine we'll round St Catherine's Point before picking up the coastal path through Ventnor to Shanklin.
Highlight: The cliff-top section above St Catherine's Point is particularly impressive, with views down to the lighthouse far below.
Option 1 - Yarmouth
Distance: 3 miles (5km)
In Summary: A gentle walk from Freshwater Bay House following the Yar Valley through a nature reserve and a disused railway line to the old harbour town of Yarmouth.
Highlight: At Yarmouth there's time to walk on the pier, visit the castle, play on the green, or have an ice cream before returning on the open-top bus.
Option 2 - Yar Valley
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
In Summary: 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.
Highlight: The salt marsh, reedbeds and mud flats of the Yar Estuary are a great place to see wildfowl and waders.
Option 3 - Compton Bay
Distance:8 miles (13km)
In Summary: Walk atop the Downs east of Freshwater Bay. We then descend to the beach and follow the coastal path back to Freshwater Bay.
Highlight: There's time to paddle at then beach, then enjoy the sweeping views along the island's south-west coast, as you walk over the chalk cliffs of Compton Down.
Option 4 - The Longstone
Distance: 13 miles (21km)
In Summary: Walk over the Downs to the Neolithic Longstone, then descend to coast and follow the coastal path back to Freshwater Bay.
Highlight: The Neolithic Longstone on Mottistone Down; according to legend this 13ft stone was thrown here by a giant!
Depart after breakfast
Freshwater Bay House
Holidaying on the picturesque Isle of Wight doesn’t get any better than at Freshwater Bay House. Stood stop the island’s classic white cliffs and dominating the bay that it is named after, Freshwater Bay House has a gorgeous location. As well as 43 bedrooms, many decked out in blue and white printed wallpaper featuring foam-tipped waves breaking softly across the walls that act as a promise of the coastal scenery to come, there are three lounges and a friendly bar. Extensive gardens give on to the coast path, with a staircase that drops to the beach one way, while a path leads away across Tennyson Down towards the Needles in the other direction. If you’re experiencing some of the island’s plentiful sunshine (it averages around 2,000 hours a year), head to Alum Bay for coloured sands or Compton Bay for dinosaur footprints. Explore Carisbrooke Castle, stroll through Ventnor Botanic Gardens and keep an eye out for red squirrels in Borthwood Copse and America Wood.
Rooms
Tea & coffee-making facilities, TV, Hairdryer, Toiletries, Wi-Fi
Stay in one of the main building’s bright, beautifully presented rooms, many that come with sea views. They’re mostly spacious and chic, styled to acknowledge the house’s nautical connections but with a modern twist of dove greys, clean whites and contemporary furniture. With 43 bedrooms, Freshwater Bay House has plenty of space and there’s a range of Good, Better and Best Rooms to choose from: Rooms 19 and 20 on the first floor come with spectacular sea views out over the English Channel; Rooms 18 and 22 are sumptuous corner rooms with expansive views over both the bay and Tennyson Downs. If it’s a room with a view you’re after, ask for Room 24, a superb, spacious corner space with five large windows all overlooking the gardens and bay, with its own private sitting room to relax in. Request Room 39 on the second floor and you’ll get an attractive corner room complete with a bath to soak in after a day of coastal walking.
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, extensive garden, outdoor swimming pool, multi-purpose activity room, lounges, library and board games to borrow
After a day walking on the coast, come back to the house and its specially tailored walkers’ facilities. Relax by sitting in the extensive gardens or challenge a fellow guest to a game of croquet. If you’re visiting with children, turn them loose in the outdoor playground area or watch them splash in the large heated alfresco pool – there’s seating with sea views for you to enjoy a drink in too on a hot English summer’s day. For something less strenuous, snag a comfy chair in one of the three cosy lounges to read a book, play a board game or just hideaway; there’s a grand piano in one if you’re feeling musical. Head to the bar before dinner to perch on a tall stool with a perfect gin and tonic made with the Isle of Wight’s very own Mermaids Gin and a chance to catch up with your companions.
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 Freshwater Bay House is hearty and has a strong emphasis on ingredients from the area and seasonal produce. Once a week the light-filled dining room hosts a Local Food Night, when, over a sociable evening, you might try a five-course feast of local flavours.
Getting to Freshwater Bay House
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationWhat to Bring
Suggested Kit List
- a rucksack,
- a waterproof jacket
- waterproof over trousers,
- a spare jumper or fleece,
- sun protection cream,
- a water bottle (at least 1 litre),
- some spare high-energy food such as a chocolate bar
- a small torch
- first aid kit – your leader’s first aid kit doesn’t contain any medication or blister kits (such as Compeed).
(in spring, autumn and winter)
- a hat and gloves (Britainis famous for its changeable weather after all!)
- You might find walking poles useful, particularly for descents (the kids usually find their own big stick en route!).
- thermos flask for a hot drink
- sun hat
- towel for paddling on hot days
Guest Reviews
All holidays are subject to availability and prices are subject to change.
Non-member associate fee: £10 per person.
Holiday Prices
| Date (Start/ End) | Version | Price | Status | Trip Notes | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | |||||
| 23 May / 30 May | 2019 Itinerary | £969 | Under 18s Go Free - Call To Book 0345 470 7558 | Book Now | |
| 01 Aug / 08 Aug | 2019 Itinerary | £969 | Under 18s Go Free - Call To Book 0345 470 7558 | Book Now | |
| 08 Aug / 15 Aug | 2019 Itinerary | £969 | Under 18s Go Free - Call To Book 0345 470 7558 | Book Now | |
| 15 Aug / 22 Aug | 2019 Itinerary | £969 | Under 18s Go Free - Call To Book 0345 470 7558 | Book Now | |
7 nights from £969pp
...or call 020 3974 8865
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