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16 HF Country Houses
600+ Walk Leaders
World Class Guided Walking
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Our Story

Nordic walking in mountains

Walking holidays since 1913

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Walking holidays since 1913

The HF Holidays story starts with one man. In the late 19th century, country pastor turned social innovator Thomas Arthur Leonard, OBE sought to improve the lives of the factory workers. He offered them walking holidays as an alternative to the annual trend of spending a week at the seaside.

He founded the Co-operative Holiday Association in 1893 before establishing the Holiday Fellowship, now HF Holidays, in 1913. He was also heavily involved in setting up the Youth Hostel Association, National Trust, and Ramblers Association.

On his memorial plaque on Cat Bells in the Lake District, he’s hailed as the "Father of the Open-Air Movement in this Country". And whilst, perhaps, not as recognised as other boundary-breaking holidaymaking luminaries, he still ranks as our hero.

Our mission is to provide shared holiday experiences that inspire friendship, fun and an active enjoyment of the great outdoors.

HF Holidays is proud to be a co-operative organisation committed to making the great outdoors accessible to all. Driven by a passion for the countryside and a desire to share its wonders with everyone, we believe walking together can boost both mental and physical health, foster long-lasting friendships, and create a strong sense of community.   

It takes every single one of our 48,000 loyal members, 500-strong team of employees, and 650 volunteer leaders to make our holidays happen. Fuelled by an unwavering commitment to our mission statement, we work together to help over 55,000 guests enjoy fulfilling walking breaks and activity holidays every year. 

Join our community

Our mission is to provide shared holiday experiences that inspire friendship, fun and an active enjoyment of the great outdoors.

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B-Corp Certified

We’re proud to be a certified B Corporation, joining just 4% of UK travel and hospitality companies committed to ensuring their business practices are a force for good. In everything we do, we strive to operate ethically and sustainably, guided by a deep respect for our guests and members who share our love for the great outdoors. By choosing HF Holidays you're supporting sustainable travel and community-focused initiatives. So you can feel good knowing your journey with us benefits both people and the planet.

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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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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 

Image

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

Image

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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© 2026 HF Holidays Limited. Registered in England, number 5713R. VAT Number 125 4899 87. All Rights Reserved.

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