Isle of Wight Self-Guided Walking Tour 2024

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1-888-597-3519

905-639-9954

dhtour@dhtour.ca

4, 5 or 8 Days / 3, 4 or 7 Nights
Availability : March to November
Start: Freshwater Bay House, Freshwater Bay, Isle of Wight, England
End: Freshwater Bay House, Freshwater Bay, Isle of Wight, England
Isle of Wight Self-Guided Walking Tour: 3 or 4 nights based at Freshwater Bay House, Freshwater Bay, Isle of Wight

Contact DHTour at 1-888-597-3519 or 905-639-9954 or dhtour@dhtour.ca to book.

Away from mainland England, the Isle of Wight is the perfect location for peaceful walks and a more relaxed pace of life. Freshwater Bay House – our 4-star country house – is located right on the coast with sweeping views over Freshwater Bay and up to Tennyson Down. The house is geared to the needs of walkers and outdoor enthusiasts with several walking routes starting right from the front door. The island boasts an 85-mile coastline, filled with sandy beaches, dramatic white cliffs and well-known highlights such as The Needles, Alum Bay and Ventnor Botanical Gardens. This holiday island is ideal for self-guided walking and sightseeing. Back at Freshwater Bay House, you can enjoy hearty food and sea views from the lounge and dining room.

Isle of Wight Walking Grade: 1, 2 & 3

Tour Details

Highlights:

  • Use our Discovery Point, stocked with maps and walks directions, for exploring the local area
  • Head out on any of our walks to discover the varied beauty of the Isle of Wight on foot
  • Admire panoramic views from dramatic cliff top coastal paths or along the lush Undercliff
  • Visit enchanting villages and beautiful unspoilt beaches
  • Look out for wildlife, find secret corners and learn about the Island’s history 
  • Get some fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland 
  • Explore the island by bike
  • Visit Queen Victoria’s Osborne House
  • Spend the day at the beach
  • Evenings in our country house where you share a drink and re-live the day’s adventures

Pick Up Location & TIme

Freshwater Bay House, Freshwater Bay, Isle of Wight PO40 9RB (Google Map)
4:00pm – You’re welcome to check into the country house hotel from 4pm onwards.

Drop off Location & Time

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way onward.

Price Includes

  • High quality en-suite updated accommodation at Freshwater Bay House
  • Excellent food in our country house, full board (B,L,D daily)
  • Use of Discovery Point Library at the country house - stocked with maps, walks and local area information
  • Free time to explore the area

Meals

All meals from dinner on arrival day, to breakfast on departure day
  • Daily breakfast
  • Daily lunch
  • Daily dinner
  • 0 teas

Price Excludes

  • Airfare
  • Transfers
  • Pre / Post hotel nights
  • Travel to/from the Country Hotel (The nearest train station is Lymington Pier on the mainland. This is immediately adjacent to the ferry terminal)
  • Admissions (please allow approx. £10 per day for entrances)
  • Local expenses such as transportation
  • Travel Insurance
What to Expect

Unpack Once!

Go where you want, when you want. Take a relaxing stroll or try something more challenging. All our country houses have a Discovery Point with maps, guidebooks and local walks directions to help you tailor your stay.

  • Accommodation at a country house hotel
  • Full Board Meals – from dinner on arrival day to breakfast on departure day
Isle of Wight Walking Grade: 1, 2 & 3

Walking Grades Explained:

  • Grades 1 & 2 – Leisurely walking grades
  • Grades 3 & 4 – Moderate walking grades
  • Grades 5 & 6 – Challenging walking grades
What to Bring

“There’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong type of clothing!” goes the adage. Come prepared for all eventualities and you’ll walk in comfort as well as safety. Britain’s famous for its changeable weather, so here’s our advice on what to wear and bring.

Essentials

  • Waterproof walking boots providing ankle support and good grip.
  • A waterproof jacket and over-trousers
  • Gloves and a warm hat (it can be chilly at any time of the year)
  • Rucksack
  • Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
  • A small torch (everywhere in winter, year round in mountains)
  • Sun hat and sunscreen
    Denim jeans and waterproof capes are not suitable on any walks.

Recommended

  • Several layers of clothing, which can be added or removed
  • Specialist walking socks to avoid blisters.
  • A first aid kit inc plasters– your leader’s first aid kit doesn’t contain any medication
  • Sit mat (insulated pad to sit on when you stop for a break)

You might also want

  • Walking poles, particularly useful for descents.
  • Insect repellent
  • Flask for hot drinks
  • Rigid lunch box
  • Gaiters
  • Blister kit (eg Compeed) just in case
  • Waterproof rucksack liner
Itinerary

Arrival Day

You’re welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. 

Accommodation: Freshwater Bay House (D)

Free Days

Check out the Discovery Point Library at the country house – stocked with maps, walks and local area information.

For stays of 3 nights, you will have 2 days at your choice.

For stays of 4 nights, you will have 3 days at your choice.

Accommodation: Freshwater Bay House (B, L, D)

Departure Day

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. (B)

Local Area

Isle of WightFreshwater Bay House

Just off the coast of Southern England, the Isle of Wight is a delightful haven away from the bustle of the
mainland, easily reached by ferry or even the world’s only commercial hovercraft service (foot passengers
only). Broadly diamond shaped, the island is 25 miles long and 15 miles wide. This makes it ideally sized for a week’s walking and exploration.

Freshwater Bay

Freshwater Bay is a small semi-circular cove at the foot of the garden of Freshwater Bay House. There is a
pebble beach here and sandy beaches approximately 3 miles away at Totland Bay or Colwell Bay. Shops and banks are located in Freshwater village, about 30 minutes’ walk away. The house is located at the foot of Tennyson Down, a popular walking route which leads to The Needles and Alum Bay.

Yarmouth

The small harbour town of Yarmouth is located three miles north of Freshwater Bay; either a 10-minute drive or a pleasant 1-hour walk away, following the path of the River Yar. It can also be reached using the ‘Needles Breezer’ open-top bus. Yarmouth has a selection of small shops and pubs, and there’s always a bustle of activity around the harbour. Yarmouth’s Tudor castle is also worth a visit.

Osborne House

Queen Victoria’s island residence, managed by English Heritage, is located near East Cowes at the north of the island. Enjoy the lavish interiors and take time to explore the extensive grounds which slope down to the Solent. Osborne House is about 40 minutes drive from Freshwater Bay. During the main season (May to Sept) we offer an excursion to Osborne on most Wednesdays.

Carisbrooke Castle

A fine medieval castle situated near Newport in the heart of the island. The castle’s most famous ‘resident’ was King Charles I, who was imprisoned here after the English Civil War. Walk around the impressive walls and visit the castle’s famous well where donkeys are used to raise the water using a large treadmill. Carisbrooke Castle is around 20 minutes’ drive from Freshwater Bay and can also be reached direct using the number 12 bus. Alternatively, it is possible to walk here right from the door of Freshwater Bay House by following the Tennyson Trail (approx. 9.5 miles).

Alum Bay

Alum Bay is world-famous for its multi-coloured sand cliffs where 21 different shades of sand have been
naturally created from various minerals. There is a chairlift down the cliff to the beach which gives amazing views of the sands and across the Solent. On the cliff top there are various other visitor attractions including a glass-blowing workshop and obligatory sand shop where visitors can fill glass ornaments with their choice of sand. Alum Bay can be reached on foot directly from Freshwater Bay house or on a 15-minute ride by public bus.

Isle of Wight Steam Railway

Step back in time and ride this vintage steam railway from Wootton to Smallbrook Junction. The railway has a particularly historic collection of locomotives and rolling stock, including many wooden 4-wheeled carriages dating from the the 19th Century. The main station is at Havenstreet where you’ll also find a museum and the line’s workshops. The Isle of Wight Steam Railway is about 45 minutes’ drive away from Freshwater Bay. It can also be reached by local bus, via Newport.

Blackgang Chine

The Blackgang Chine fantasy theme park is a big hit with children of all ages. Attractions include Cowboy
village, ‘Fantasyland’, maze and the giant snakes and ladders. Adults may also enjoy the maritime exhibition and working sawmill. Blackgang is 20 minutes’ drive from Freshwater Bay and in summer can be reached using the ‘Island Coaster’ bus.

Ventnor Botanical Gardens

The island’s rich climate enables Mediterranean and sub-tropical plants to prosper. Enjoy magnificent floral displays and relaxing gardens based on geographical parts of the world at Ventnor’s Botanical Gardens and keep an eye out for the garden’s resident wall lizards. Ventnor is 30 minutes’ drive from Freshwater Bay and in Summer can be reached using the ‘Island Coaster’ bus.

Bembridge Windmill

This Grade I listed windmill is the only surviving windmill on the Isle of Wight, now managed by the National Trust. It was built around 1700 and closed in 1913. It has four floors to explore and most of its original machinery is still in situ. The windmill was famously painted by JMW Turner in 1795. There are some lovely countryside walks near the windmill which sits on the Bembridge and Yar River Trail in the east of the island about a 45-minute drive away from Freshwater Bay House.

Dates and Prices
3 night package
Departure Dates
Per person (single or twin) Single in a double room
2024: March 2, 9, 23 $880 $1,000
2024: March 30 $880 $1,000
2024: April 6, 13, 20 $960 $1,080
2024: April 27 $1,040 $1,160
2024: May 4, 11, 18, 25 $1,040 $1,160
2024: June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 $1,040 $1,160
2024: July 6, 13, 20 $1,040 $1,160
2024: August 3, 24, 31 $1,040 $1,160
2024: September 7, 14, 21, 28 $1,040 $1,160
2024: October 5, 12, 19 $960 $1,080
2024: October 26 $880 $1,000
2024: November 9 $880 $1,000
4 night package
Departure Dates
Per person (single or twin) Single in a double room
2024: March 5, 12 $1,080 $1,240
2024: March 19 Call to Enquire Call to Enquire
2024: March 26 $1,080 $1,240
2024: April 2, 9, 16, 23 $1,240 $1,400
2024: April 30 $1,380 $1,540
2024: May 7, 14, 21, 28 $1,380 $1,540
2024: June 4, 11, 18, 25 $1,380 $1,540
2024: July 2, 9, 16, 23 $1,380 $1,540
2024: August 6, 27 $1,380 $1,540
2024: September 3, 10, 17, 24 $1,380 $1,540
2024: October 1 $1,380 $1,540
2024: October 15, 22 $1,240 $1,400
2024: October 29 $1,080 $1,240
2024: November 12 $1,080 $1,240
7 night package
Departure Dates
Per person (single or twin) Single in a double room
2024: March 2, 9 $1,840 $2,120
2024: March 16 Call to Enquire Call to Enquire
2024: March 23 $1,840 $2,120
2024: March 30 $2,040 $2,320
2024: April 6, 13, 20 $2,040 $2,320
2024: April 27 $2,280 $2,560
2024: May 4, 11, 18, 25 $2,280 $2,560
2024: June 1, 15, 22, 29 $2,280 $2,560
2024: July 6, 13, 20 $2,280 $2,560
2024: August 3, 24, 31 $2,280 $2,560
2024: September 7, 14, 21, 28 $2,280 $2,560
2024: October 12, 19 $2,040 $2,320
2024: October 26 $1,840 $2,120
2024: November 9 $1,840 $2,120

Pricing

Pricing is per person (pp) based on single/twin/double occupancy.

Supplement applied for single in a double room.

Rates are in $ CAD. Rates include room upgrade (premium) and membership fees. 


Contact DHTour at 1-888-597-3519 or 905-639-9954 or dhtour@dhtour.ca to book.

Ask us for the best available pricing for your dates & choice of airline. We can assist in your travel to/from the Country House.

Travel Details:
Address is: Freshwater Bay House, Freshwater Bay, Isle of Wight PO40 9RB

By Rail:
The nearest train station is Lymington Pier on the mainland. This is immediately adjacent to the ferry terminal.

By Ferry:
The Wightlink Lymington to Yarmouth ferry is the most convenient for Freshwater Bay. 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

By Taxi:
It is possible to get a taxi to Freshwater Bay House. The 5-mile journey from Yarmouth ferry port takes approximately 15 minutes. You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended taxi company, Alpha Cars. As a guide price, it cost £20 per 4-seat taxi in 2019. 8-seat taxis are also available at a higher rate. Please pre-book your taxi at least 7 days in advance by contacting:

Alpha Cars*
Tel: +44 (0) 1983 280280
Email: rogerc@alphaiow.co.uk
The return taxi journey can be arranged on your behalf by the Freshwater Bay House Manager.
*Alpha Cars is not owned or managed by us.

By Car:
From Yarmouth turn right out of the ferry terminal onto the A3054 and over the bridge across the River Yar. After 1 mile turn left down Pixley Hill, signposted to Freshwater Bay. Turn left at Freswater Garage and continue along Afton road. At the Lifeboat station turn right and follow the road round passing the Albion Hotel on the left. The entrance to Freshwater Bay House is the next driveway on your left.

From East Cowes: Follow signs for Newport following A3021 and then A3054. Continue through Newport and Carisbrooke. Turn left onto the B3401 through Calbourne. At the T junction with Afton Road (A3055) turn left and then right by the Lifeboat station and follow the road round passing the Albion Hotel on the left. The entrance to Freshwater Bay House is the next driveway on your left.

Alternatively leave your car on the mainland and travel to the Isle of Wight as a foot passenger. There is a pay and display car park at Lymington Pier – price approximately £8.50 per day.

Hotel Descriptions
Freshwater Bay House - Isle of Wight Garden tour
Freshwater Bay House - Isle of Wight Garden tour - bedroom
Freshwater Bay House - Isle of Wight Garden tour - eating
4

Freshwater Bay House

Holidaying on the picturesque Isle of Wight doesn’t get any better than at Freshwater Bay House. Stood atop 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.

Address: Freshwater Bay House, Freshwater Bay, Isle of Wight PO40 9RB

Room Amenities: 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 Classic, Premium and Superior 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 ‘Classic’ rooms are ensuite and furnished to a high standard. There are also several ‘Premium’ and ‘Superior’ Rooms that are either larger or have a desirable view, a more luxurious mattress, larger television, enhanced toiletries and a fluffy bathrobe & slippers.

Hotel Amenities: 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.

Map

Photos

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