Holidays
7 Night Bridge & Walking Holiday in the Isle of Wight

7 Night Bridge & Walking Holiday in the Isle of Wight

7 nights

Jun, Jul

Grades 2 & 3

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Groups of 10+

020 3974 8865

Perfect for regular bridge club players, this holiday sees you exercise both mind and body with a combination of bridge and walking. Stay in the comfort of our characterful country houses and you'll have a choice of two guided walks a day (one short and one longer) followed by a bridge competition each evening. EBU Members can also earn Master Points on this holiday.

What You’ll Love

Guided walking with experienced HF Holidays Leaders 
Playing bridge in a relaxed and friendly environment 
Meeting like-minded people  
Being surrounded by the stunning landscape of Isle of Wight
Evening bridge competitions
Staying in the comfort of our country house

What's Included

All bridge-related materials
Comfortable en-suite accommodation in our country house
Cream tea on arrival day
Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
Daily packed lunches
Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
Choice of two different-grade daily walks
Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently
Get 15% off car travel and 20% off foot travel via www.wightlink.co.uk/HFHolidays

Trip Suitability

This holiday is suitable for regular players of Duplicate Bridge at club level.

Itinerary

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

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Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.

Enjoy a daily choice of two walks each day, with a free day on all 7-night holidays. You can choose either an easier route of around 4-6 miles or a harder route of around 6-8 miles to explore the local area. Your optional walks will take you out to explore the countryside surrounding your HF country house, and sometimes further afield. The walking options are outlined below.

We'll return to the house in time to relax before your evening Bridge competition starts at 5pm.

Walks information:

Day 2 - Option 1: Yar Valley to Golden Hill

Distance: 4.5 miles (7.5km)

Ascent: 350 feet (120m)

In summary: This walk leaves from the house with the opportunity to take in Afton Park and Nature Reserve, before reaching the Golden Hill Country Park and its fort with extensive history. This walk also takes in both sides of the River Yar and a chance to walk part of the Freshwater Way. There may even be the possibility to visit Freshwater parish church on this walk with the grave of Lady Tennyson.

Highlight: Golden Hill country park has extensive views are the surrounding area.

Day 2 - Option 2 - Wooded Trails & Grassy Downs

Distance: 7¼ miles (13km)

Ascent: 750 feet (280m)

In summary: Starting from Calbourne, the prettiest village on the island, we follow the footpath passing Winkle Street, and then ascending on to Westover Down before crossing countryside following the Tennyson Trail back to Freshwater Bay.

Highlight: Visiting the postcard village of Calbourne and enjoying breathtaking views of land and sea while walking along the Downs.

Day 3 - Option 1: Alum Bay and the Downs

Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)

Ascent: 800 feet (260m)

In summary: Explore Alum Bay and the Needles Old Battery and New Battery before a glorious walk atop the chalk cliffs of Tennyson Down, offering magnificent views over the western half of the island

Highlights: Alum Bay with it's coloured sands. The sand was once used for sand painting pictures, a popular craft in Victorian times.

Day 3 - Option 2 - Alum Bay and the Downs

Distance: 4¼ miles (6.5km)

Ascent: 820 feet (250m)

Highlights: Alum Bay with it's coloured sands. The sand was once used for sand painting pictures, a popular craft in Victorian times.

Discover more about Freshwater Bay House and the local area for ideas on how to make the most of your free day.

We'll return to the house in time to relax before your evening Bridge competition starts at 5pm.

Walks information:

Day 5 - Option 1: The Long Stone & Brightstone

Distance: 3.5 miles (5.5km)

Ascent: 300 feet (100m)

In summary: Walk to the Long Stone, a neolithic long barrow and ancient meeting point, then on over the hills to Brighstone village.

Highlights: Legend has it that St Catherine and the Devil had a contest to see who should control the Isle of Wight. The Long Stone’s tall iron sandstone pillar was supposedly thrown by St Catherine.

Day 5 - Option 2: Brighstone to Freshwater via the Longstone

Distance: 6 miles (10km)

Ascent: 700 feet (215m)

In summary: Stretch your legs with a super walk through woodland and along the downs, passing the megalithic monument of The Longstone, before reaching Freshwater Bay.

Highlight: Superb views from the Downs across the Solent

Day 6 - Option 1: Yarmouth

Distance: 3.5 miles (5.5km)

Ascent: 150 feet (60m)

In summary: Walk beside the tidal River Yar to the historic town of Yarmouth. Take time to explore the cobbled streets and quaint shops and cafes, before catching the Breezer bus back to Freshwater Bay.

Highlights: Opened in 1876, Yarmouth Pier is the UK's longest wooden pier and stretches 186 metres into the Solent.

Day 6 - Option 2: Yar Valley

Distance: 7 miles (11km)

Ascent: 350 feet (120m)

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.

Day 7 - Option 1: By Down and Coast to Compton Bay

Distance: 3.5 miles (5.5km)

Ascent: 590 feet (180m)

In summary: A gentle walk over Afton down golf course followed by the Coastal Path above the sandstone cliffs with views towards the English Channel and the white chalk cliffs of Freshwater in the distance.

Highlight: Views of the clay and sandstone cliffs of Compton Bay and on a clear day, even France across the English Channel.

Day 7 - Option 2: Downs and lanes via Brighstone to Carisbrooke Castle

Distance: 9 miles (14km)

Ascent: 1100 feet (340m)

In summary: Starting the walk from the coast, we ascend through Brighstone and Shorwell before crossing more countryside until we arrive at Carisbrooke Castle.

Highlight: Enjoy views of the coast, and the south of the Isle of Wight before exploring the historic roots of the Carisbrooke Castle.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

Download trip notes

Daily Walk Options

Easier Walks

Good paths but walks are a bit longer. Some walks, particularly in mountain areas, may have sections over rough or steeper terrain.

Medium Walks

Walks follow well-defined paths, though often in hilly or upland areas, or along rugged coastal footpaths. These may be rough or steep in sections and will require reasonable fitness.

Accommodation

Freshwater Bay House

Chalky white cliffs and eyebrow-arching sea views set the tone for the delights that follow at this county house on the Isle of Wight - Queen Victoria's favourite island that’s just a ferry hop from the South Coast. The location is as gorgeous as it gets; to the south of the village of Freshwater, within pebble-throwing distance of its namesake bay, and just a skip from Tennyson Down. You’ll also be within easy reach of the area’s showstoppers, including the imposing Stag and Mermaid rocks, the multi-coloured sands of Alum Bay, the remarkable Ventnor Botanic Gardens, and the 125-million-year-old dinosaur footprints at Compton Bay. And then, of course, there’s the Needles Old Battery for the ubiquitous photo opportunity and the best views of The Needles.

A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out).

Evening entertainment

While evening entertainment varies from house to house, HF Holidays Inter-House Quiz night held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided waking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.

Walks talks
Our HF Holidays walk leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on guided walking holiday arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s guided walks (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.

The walking day
Prior to setting off on guided walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house.

Check in & check out

You are welcome to check in from 4pm at the earliest. HF Members can check in earlier, from 2pm. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team. Check out 10am.

• 43 well-appointed guest rooms • Exclusive occupancy: 61 guests minimum • Check in from 4:00pm • For members check in from 2:00pm • Full-board (including cream tea on arrival) • Free Wi-Fi • Free on-site parking • Boot room and drying room • 2 travel cots & 4 high chairs • Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and information for self-guided walks • Books and games to borrow • Licensed bar • Three lounges • Garden • Electric vehicle charging point - Please note, you will need to bring your own cables to use this EV charging point

Seasonal dining, tailored for you

Our team of skilled chefs design our dinner menus to showcase the best of each season, from warming winter comfort food to vibrant summer dishes, including vegetarian, vegan and high-protein options. We also source fruit and vegetables within a 40-mile radius of each house, open every break with a Chef’s Special menu inspired by dishes and flavours of the local area, and are able to adapt dishes to suit special dietary requirements.

Welcome Cream Tea

What better way to start your stay than with a cream tea, served fresh on arrival to make you feel instantly at home. A quintessentially English tradition, our scones are baked in-house and served with preserves and clotted cream, providing the perfect opportunity to meet fellow walkers.

A hearty breakfast to start the day

Start the day with a freshly-prepared cooked breakfast and a wide choice from our continental buffet, including hot drinks, juices and fresh fruit. Our team offer a quick and friendly service, leaving you fuelled and ready for your day’s adventures.

Our famous picnic lunch

Our personalised picnic lunches are perfect for a day out walking, ready to enjoy when hunger strikes. Choose from a large selection of fresh sandwiches and salads, freshly baked cakes and snacks, including the ever-popular Freddos chocolate bar! Everything is designed to fit neatly into your rucksack, and all of the packaging we provide is recyclable or compostable.

3-course evening meals

Our à la carte evening menus feature a wide choice of starters, mains, and desserts, made with seasonal ingredients and, wherever possible, herbs and vegetables from our own gardens. Shared around sociable tables, dinners are relaxed occasions, with drinks available to order at the table or from the bar, and a traditional Sunday roast to round off the week.

Designed with your comfort in mind, Freshwater Bay House has 43 well-appointed guest rooms available in three categories: Classic, Premium, and Superior.

Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV.

Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.

Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surroundings*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.

We love: Rooms 19 and 20 on the first floor for their lovely sea views. Rooms 18 and 22 are both corner rooms overlooking the bay and Tennyson Downs. The more spacious Room 24 has five large windows overlooking the gardens and bay as well as a private sitting room. Room 39 on the second floor is a corner room with a bathtub.

The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply.

Check in & check out
You are welcome to check in from 4:00pm at the earliest. For members check in is available from 2:00pm (2026). On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team.

On the day of departure, we kindly ask all guests to check out by 10:00am. You’ll be asked to settle your bill prior to leaving. You may, of course, make a charitable donation to our HF Holidays Pathways Fund if you wish. Please note that we only accept card payments.

Room supplements

Superior	Premium single	Premium double/twin	Choose your room
£25 pppn	£20 pppn	£20 pppn	£30 per room

*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location

*Please note, pool opening hours are: 07:00am – 09:00am and 16:00pm – 18:30pm

For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Freshwater Bay House

View more details View holidays here

More Information

Walks may be changed for safety reasons and are subject to a maximum and minimum number of guests.

Leaders always consider the safety of the group as a whole, and may need to alter or curtail the walk if the conditions dictate. Your leader may refuse to accept a guest where clothing, equipment or behaviour is unsuitable. In the event of a problem all leaders carry a mobile phone, first aid kit, group shelter, spare maps and a compass.

Please note: If you choose to leave the group your leader is no longer responsible for you.

If you have a particular health condition or disability please put this on your guest registration form. This information will be confidential to your leaders and the house manager, but leaders do need to take account of any issues when planning walks. Please carry a copy of these trip notes with you, or note down the contact phone number for your accommodation (details in the travel section) should you need them in case of emergency.

Bridge

All your Bridge stationery and equipment will be supplied. You may, however, like to bring a notebook and pen to make your own notes. EBU Members - don’t forget to bring your EBU membership number to earn Master Points on this holiday.

Walking

To enjoy your walking comfortably and safely, it is essential that your footwear, clothing and equipment are suitable for the conditions likely to be encountered. Britain is famous for its changeable weather, so our advice is to come prepared for all eventualities.

Bring a rucksack, a thermos flask for a hot drink, a water bottle (at least 1 litre) and spare high-energy food such as a chocolate bar, a small torch (in spring, autumn and winter) and first aid kit – your leader’s first aid kit doesn’t contain any medication or blister kits (such as Compeed). Many guests find walking poles useful, particularly for descents. Insect repellent, sun hat, sunglasses and protection cream and a camera are all optional extras you may choose to bring.

Carbon Footprint

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

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Reviews

Code: FRW07-BRW05

2026

Back to dates

Sat 27 Jun – Sat 4 Jul 2026

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Single Price - Land Only

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Non-members

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Single Supplement

Members

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Non-members

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Itinerary: 7 Nights - Itinerary

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.

7 Night Bridge & Walking Holiday in the Isle of Wight

What You’ll Love

What's Included

Trip Suitability

Itinerary

Daily Walk Options