Highlights of Southern England

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 characterful hotel. (L, D)

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 idyllic countryside and past Chedworth Roman Villa – one of the grandest Roman villas in Britain. Tucked beneath old trees, explore the stunning 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. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 7 km/4.5 miles | 250 m/820 ft ascent | approx. 3 hours

Day 3 – Stonehenge and the Cerne Abbas Giant

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 know about one of the world’s most famous places. Afterwards, continue to the charming village of Cerne Abbas, heading out after lunch for a walk to see the village giant – a 180 ft chalk figure carved into the sloping hillside. This evening, a short, scenic drive will take you to Lulworth Cove and your relaxed seaside hotel. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 9 km/6.5 miles | 290 m/950 ft ascent | approx. 4 hours

Day 4 – Fossil Hunting and the Isle of Purbeck

Wake to the smell of the sea and, after breakfast, head straight out into the salt-flecked air for a short morning walk. Wind your way along the Jurassic coast as it reveals stunning views of a gorgeous sandy beach and the striking limestone arch of Durdle Door. Returning to your hotel, hop in with your guide and drive to Kimmeridge to enjoy another fantastic hike which further explores this spectacular part of the coastline. Enjoy a private fossil hunting experience this afternoon, discovering evidence of life that existed millions of years ago. Afterwards, with fossils in hand, travel back to Lulworth Cove and enjoy a free evening. (B, L)

Walk details: 9 km/6.5 miles | 230 m/750 ft ascent | approx. 4 hours

Day 5 – Hiking in the New Forest

Leaving the rhythmic noise of breaking waves 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, which is home to a fantastic collection of trees from around the world. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 7 km/4.5 miles | 105 m/330 ft ascent | approx. 3 hours

Day 6 – The Isle of Wight

Take the ferry from Lymington to the Isle of Wight this morning, an island known for its stunning coastal scenery, verdant fields 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 famous Needles Chalk Stack: walking out to the striking limestone cliffs and taking a chairlift up the sides of Alum Bay. Later, sail back to the mainland and enjoy dinner at your charming hotel. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 4 km/2.5 miles | 150 m/500 ft ascent | approx. 2 hours

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 largest Roman home in Britain. Enjoy wandering through the airy museum, observing the intricate mosaics and visiting the stunning, 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. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 7.5 km/4.5 miles | 135 m/440 ft ascent | approx. 3 hours

Day 8 – Hiking in the South Downs

After breakfast in the light-filled conservatory, lace up your boots and sling 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 breathtaking 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 then a short drive takes us to visit the Long Man of Wilmington on Windover Hill. Check into your hotel in Alfriston this evening, and enjoy time to relax before dinner. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 8 km/5 miles | 290 m/950 ft ascent | approx. 3-5 hours

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 turquoise on the shore, join your guide on a stunning coastal walk. Soak up the spectacular views as you wind your way along a headland sprinkled with wildflowers, 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. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 10 km/6 miles | 475 m/1,560 ft ascent | approx. 5 hours

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 Forest 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 and your lovely group goodbye and beginning your journey home. (B, L)

Walk details: 3.5 km/2 miles | 95 m/310 ft ascent | approx. 2 hours