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| Durdle Door

Luxury & Deluxe

Highlights of England


Deposit From: £1,106£1,106
Region: Cotswolds | New Forest | South Downs | Dorset
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Confirmed: When 3 Travellers Book

Next Departure: 10th - 19th May 2024
Accommodation: Luxury

Grading:

Carbon Footprint: 197kg ? What does this mean?
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All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

    From: £4,195 View Prices & Dates

    Trip Overview

    Created by: Anna Brownlow


    In the company of a highly knowledgeable guide, join us on a wonderful walking holiday that winds through southern England.

    Experience the charming nature of the Cotswolds. This region of southern England is cherished for its pastoral charm and romantic, rural villages of caramel-coloured stone. Hike in the New Forest, a national park where the ancient rights of common pasture are still upheld. Donkeys, cattle, sheep, and ponies roam freely across the countryside. Later, spend time among the chalk hills of the South Downs. Atlantic breakers wash clean and clear on powdery sand, and seabirds take to the wing on a breeze bright with salt and sunshine.

    Traversing landscapes rich in history, visit ancient stone circles, fascinating museums, and Gothic castles. Eat lunch in wholesome cafes and picnic among old stone walls and grassy meadows. As the sky turns inky and thick with stars, soak up the warm glow of English hospitality as you dine, drink, and relax in boutique hotels. Each southern destination is unique in location, charm and character.

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    Day by Day
    Itinerary

    Day 1 – Welcome to the Cotswolds Read More

    Day 1

    Welcome to the Cotswolds

    Meet your Wilderness Guide at Windsor and Eton Riverside Station this morning. After being relieved of your luggage, join your lovely guide for a walking tour of Windsor. Afterwards, have lunch at a cosy cafe before travelling west into the Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Arrive in Burford, an incredibly picturesque town with a stunning high street that sweeps down to the River Windrush. After settling into your delightful accommodation, head out for a stroll through the pretty streets and stop to visit the sharp-spired historic church. Enjoy a delicious dinner this evening in the warm ambience of your charming hotel.

    Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner

    Day 2 – A Classic Cotswold Walk Read More

    Day 2

    A Classic Cotswold Walk

    After breakfast this morning, head out for a wonderful day of walking in the Cotswolds. Accompanied by your guide, meander your way through the countryside and past Chedworth Roman Villa – one of the grandest Roman villas in Britain. Tucked beneath old trees, explore the mosaic floors, heating systems and bathhouse rooms. After lunch, continue to Bibury and walk over to Arlington Row, a charming row of cottages built in 1380 as a monastic wool store. Enjoy pottering around, popping into some artisanal shops full of local produce and having a coffee before returning to your hotel for dinner.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    Walk Details: 7 km / 4 miles | 250 m / 820 ft | Approx: 3 hrs

    Day 3 – Stonehenge and Cerne Abbas Read More

    Day 3

    Stonehenge and Cerne Abbas

    As the warm sunshine slides across the fields, enjoy a morning visit to Stonehenge – the largest stone circle in Britain. An iconic, prehistoric monument, its evocative and fascinating nature is undeniable. Enjoy walking around with your guide learning about what we know, and interestingly, what we don’t, about one of the world’s most famous places. Afterwards, continue to the village of Cerne Abbas, heading out after lunch for a walk and seeing if you can spot the village giant carved into the sloping hillside. This evening, a short, scenic drive will take you to Lulworth Cove and your relaxed seaside hotel.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    Walk Details: 9 km / 6 miles | 290 m / 951 ft | Approx: 4 hrs

    Day 4 – Durdle Door and Fossil Hunting Read More

    Day 4

    Durdle Door and Fossil Hunting

    Wake to the smell of the sea and after breakfast, head out into the salt-flecked air for a circular coastal walk. Wind your way along the Jurassic coast as it reveals views of a gorgeous sandy beach and the striking limestone arch of Durdle Door. Loop back through the countryside, arriving back at your charming hotel, which is tucked on a narrow, pretty lane that slopes gently down to a sheltered shingle bay. This afternoon, enjoy a private fossil hunting experience, discovering evidence of life that existed millions of years ago. With time to yourself this evening, enjoy some time to relax.

    Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
    Walk Details: 7 km / 4 miles | 575 m / 1,886 ft | Approx: 4 hrs

    Day 5 – Hiking in the New Forest Read More

    Day 5

    Hiking in the New Forest

    Leaving Lulworth Cove behind this morning, travel into the beautiful bounds of the New Forest National Park. Join your guide for a lovely hike, strolling beneath the boughs of ancient English oaks, looking out for wildflowers and making your way to the Huff Duff – an octagonal brick building used as a direction-finding station during World War Two. Chat with your guide about the interesting history of the area and relish the breathtaking views from Ibsley Common. Meander your way back down through the pine woodlands and, after lunch, enjoy a stroll around Blackwater Arboretum – home to a fantastic collection of trees from around the world.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    Walk Details: 7 km / 4 miles | 105 m / 344 ft | Approx: 3 hrs

    Day 6 – The Isle of Wight Read More

    Day 6

    The Isle of Wight

    Take the ferry from Lymington to the Isle of Wight this morning, an island known for its coastal scenery, little villages and open chalk hills. On arrival, drive to Osborne House, the historic home of Queen Victoria and gain an intimate glimpse into royal life. Enjoy a relaxed cafe lunch in the sunshine, soaking up the holiday atmosphere and chatting with your fellow travellers. This afternoon, visit the Needles Chalk Stack. Walk out along the clifftops and enjoy the sweeping views. Later, catch the ferry back to the mainland and enjoy dinner at your charming hotel.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    Walk Details: 4 km / 3 miles | 152 m / 500 ft | Approx: 2 hrs

    Day 7 – Fishbourne Palace and Arundel Castle Read More

    Day 7

    Fishbourne Palace and Arundel Castle

    After a good night’s sleep, travel east into the South Downs National Park. Along the way, visit Fishbourne Palace, the remnants of the largest Roman home in Britain. Enjoy wandering through the airy museum, observing the intricate mosaics and visiting the recreated gardens. Afterwards, join your guide on a trail that winds its way through a protected wetland area and finishes at the restored medieval castle of Arundel. Admire the castle’s gothic architecture, preserved interiors and rare collection of paintings. From Arundel, continue your journey east, arriving in Midhurst and checking into one of England’s oldest coaching inns.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    Walk Details: 7 km / 5 miles | 134 m / 440 ft | Approx: 3 hrs

    Day 8 – Hiking in the South Downs Read More

    Day 8

    Hiking in the South Downs

    After breakfast, lace up your boots and pop on your packs for an engaging hike with your guide. An excellent way to explore the scenic beauty of the Downs, the walking trail provides lovely views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Along the way, pass through the 12th-century St Margaret’s Church and the ancient crossroads at Ditchling Beacon. Upon your return, enjoy lunch at a 1930s English tea room and a short drive to visit the Long Man of Wilmington on Windover Hill. Check into your hotel in Alfriston this evening, and enjoy time to relax.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    Walk Details: 8 km / 5 miles | 290 m / 950 ft | Approx: 4 hrs

    Day 9 – The Seven Sisters and a Wine Tour Read More

    Day 9

    The Seven Sisters and a Wine Tour

    After fresh coffee, enjoy a cracking walk to the chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters. From a pebbly beach where the sea breaks salty on the shore, join your guide on a stunning coastal walk. Soak up the spectacular views as you wind your way along the headland, making your way to Beachy Head – Britain’s highest chalk cliff. After lunch, as the sea glitters in the sunshine, transfer to Rathfinny Wine Estate and enjoy a private tour and tasting. Perfectly located, this award-winning vineyard produces some of the finest English sparkling wines in the country. Feeling warm-cheeked and merry, return to Alfriston this evening and enjoy dinner.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    Walk Details: 10 km / 6 miles | 475 m / 1,560 ft | Approx: 5 hrs

    Day 10 – Ashdown Forest and Depart Read More

    Day 10

    Ashdown Forest and Depart

    As the morning blackbird sings brightly from a perch up high, head out with your guide for a walk that ribbons its way through Ashdown Forest. Better known perhaps by its fictional name – Hundred Acre Wood, Ashdown is where Winne the Pooh (the much-loved children’s book character created by English author A.A. Milne) and Christopher Robin (Milne’s son) grew up together. The woodland is a magical, peaceful place, best explored on foot. After your walk, enjoy a relaxed lunch in a nearby cafe, before transferring back to Windsor. Finish your trip at Windsor and Eton Riverside Station, wishing your guide goodbye and beginning your journey home.

    Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
    Walk Details: 3 km / 2 miles | 94 m / 310 ft | Approx: 2 hrs

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    Luxury & Deluxe
    Highlights of England

    To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

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    Trip Dates & Prices

    All payments taken in local currency GBP

    Trip Dates for 2024AvailabilityStatusPriceBook
    10th May - 19th May 20245 place(s) leftGuaranteed £4,295Book Now
    2nd Aug - 11th Aug 20247 place(s) leftGuaranteed £4,195Book Now
    20th Sep - 29th Sep 20248 place(s) leftAvailable £4,295Book Now

    Make This Trip Private

    Fancy this trip just for your group? Get together with family and friends spend quality time exploring wild places. A private trip allows you to benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides but with the advantage of the flexibility to tailor the days to your group. Make the trip more or less challenging depending on your experience or choose to add in some optional extras like castle or distillery visits depending on your interests. The price of a private trip will depend on the number of travellers in your group. Let us know your preferred departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

    Enquire Now
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    Luxury & Deluxe
    Highlights of England

    For private departure enquiries, please complete the form below:

    Trip Details

    Accommodation Read More

    On this trip, we stay in 5 luxurious hotels.

    In the Cotswolds, we stay in The Lamb Inn in the historic market town of Burford for two nights, tucked away down a peaceful side street and full of character.

    We spend two nights in Dorset in Lulworth Lodge, a relaxed coastal hotel, just a pebble’s skim from the famous Lulworth Cove.

    In the New Forest, we stay a couple of nights in the Montagu Arms, an elegant country house in the picturesque village of Beaulieu.

    We spend one night in The Spread Eagle in Midhurst, one of England’s oldest coaching inns, greeting guests since 1430, reputedly, including Queen Elizabeth I. The hotel has a swimming pool, so remember to bring your swimwear.

    For the final two nights, we stay at The Star in Alfriston. Originally a religious hostel dating from 1345 and then a traditional coaching inn, it has been remodelled into a luxury boutique hotel, a fitting end to the holiday.

    Single Rooms

    There is no supplement charged to solo travellers, however, you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you request a double room for single occupancy, a supplement of £1095 is charged.

    Due to the nature of the accommodations we use, single supplements are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis.

    Meals Read More

    On this trip all meals are included from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 10, except for dinner on day 4. Included dinners are three courses as standard.

    Day 4 will be a free evening, your guide will recommend options for dinner that evening and will help you make any necessary reservations, and then they’ll take the evening off.

    Inclusions Read More
    • 9 nights accommodation in welcoming luxurious hotels
    • All meals during the trip, from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 10, except for dinner on Day 4. Meals included indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner.
    • The services of an experienced and knowledgeable guide/driver throughout
    • All transport throughout the trip, starting and finishing in Windsor.
    • Activities mentioned in the itinerary.
    Grading Read More

    Green Graded 1-3

    Green graded walking holidays are suitable for active travellers who are reasonably fit and enjoy moderate hikes. We walk at a comfortable pace and you can expect to be out for 5-6 hours a day. The terrain will be mostly good paths and hill trails but these can still be muddy and rough in places. Some hikes may involve an ascent up to a max of approx 1,500 feet / 450m. Distances will be typically 8-10km but there may be the odd slightly longer day. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

    Travel - Arrival and Departure Read More

    You will be met by your Wilderness England Guide at Windsor and Eton Riverside Railway Station at 10:30am on Day 1 of your trip. Meet at the fixed seating by the railings which separate the platforms from the station concourse.

    The trip will conclude at Windsor and Eton Riverside Railway Station at 4:00pm on the final day.

    The station is served by regular direct trains from central London and is also close to London Heathrow Airport.

    Speak to an Expert

    Jane Gillies

    Our friendly office team hail from across the world but share a passion for the outdoor and wild spaces of England. We are committed to providing you with the best customer service and are more than happy to chat through options and provide help and advice. Get in touch to find your perfect adventure.

    Ask Jane a Question

    Difficulty Grades Explained

    Green Graded 1-3

    Green graded walking holidays are suitable for active travellers who are reasonably fit and enjoy moderate hikes. We walk at a comfortable pace and you can expect to be out for 5-6 hours a day. The terrain will be mostly good paths and hill trails but these can still be muddy and rough in places. Some hikes may involve an ascent up to a max of approx 1,500 feet / 450m. Distances will be typically 8-10km but there may be the odd slightly longer day. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

    Find Out More

    Our holidays reviewed
    in your own words

    I selected this tour because it provided the opportunity to combine a holiday in Scotland with an opportunity to also explore the Yorkshire Dales and Lakes. It was a very well designed tour, providing a good variety of landscapes and walking challenges. Staying two or more nights in each area allowed us to adjust the walking itinerary to allow for the changing weather conditions. Our guide Dave, the accommodation, food and additional touring experiences all combined to provide a wonderful experience. Cant wait to come back!

    Katharine Tighe
    Wilderness Walking - National Parks of the UK
    Reviewed on 09/10/2018

    Rated 4.95 out of 5 based on 1,099 reviews

    Read More Reviews
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