A journey through history, art and countryside in Umbria, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Italy.
Call us on 01707 817260
Or, email us at customersupport@rambleworldwide.co.uk
Call us on 01707 817260
Or, email us at customersupport@rambleworldwide.co.uk
Quote code SPRING25 to save up to an extra £100 per person. Learn more
Staying in a hotel 100 yards from the seafront, this is a great holiday taking in country views, lovely walking and historic towns.
England
Coast & Islands
Culture
Landscape
May
Jul
Aug
Sep
Average group size: 12-14
What does this mean?
What does this mean?
The perfect blend of guided shorter walks, sightseeing trips, and quality accommodation for a more leisurely way to discover the world.
Overview
This new holiday reimagines our classic Poole & Swanage holiday and adds an extra dimension. So we have guided tours of Poole and Swanage with a Blue Badge Guide, fascinating towns both. The afternoon of the Poole day is spent on Brownsea Island. At the centre of the second largest natural harbour in the world (after Sydney, Australia). Brownsea is the original home of the Scout movement and a haven for red squirrels.
After looking around Swanage we walk out to Durlston Castle for more outstanding views. We have a day in and around Corfe and walk from under the ruined ramparts of Corfe Castle onto the Purbeck ridges for some sublime views across the Purbeck Hills and back down to Corfe. The silhouette of Corfe Castle is perhaps the most distinctive castle view in Britain.
This new itinerary also adds a fascinating day at Christchurch and Mudeford. A local bus ride takes us to Christchurch where a short walk around covers the highlights. Then we enjoy a lovely walk out across generally flat coastal paths to Mudeford Harbour mouth. From here we catch a ferry across the harbour to catch the bus home. During our stay there will also be a chance to explore Bournemouth’s Chines, an odd and intriguing geological feature.
Click the button below for a detailed Holiday Information Sheet containing all the particulars about this trip.
NOTE: Itineraries and Holiday Information Sheets can vary by a specific date chosen
50210
Follow in the footsteps of Chaucer’s pilgrims to discover the delightful city of Canterbury in the Garden of England.
Explore beautiful North Devon. A memorable holiday amongst some of the finest gardens in the south west of England.
Immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of the Marches.
The warm waters of the Gulf Stream ensure the Scilly Islands have an exceptionally mild climate and their relative remoteness has an Englishness of a bygone age in an unspoilt sub-tropical paradise.
Itinerary & Travel
Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local conditions can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that routes and timings need to be amended or the order of days may change, sometimes at short notice.
Meals
Accommodation
Travel independently to the Collingwood Hotel where you will be greeted by your leader and enjoy dinner with your fellow holidaymakers. Check in at the hotel is from 3pm.
Meals
Accommodation
Time
Distance
Ascent/Descent
After breakfast we will take the public bus to Poole. Here we will meet our Blue Badge Guide for a morning's walking tour of Old Poole. It is a fascinating place with history stretching back to the Romans. Great wealth came from the back of the salt cod trade with Newfoundland in Georgian times. It maintains an aura of prosperity to this day.
In the afternoon we will take the ferry into Poole Harbour and walk around Brownsea Island. The views across the harbour to the mainland are outstanding. The obvious attraction here is a colony of red squirrels, some of the very few to be seen in Southern England. However, those who prefer culture might want to return to see the Russell Cotes Museum (entrance not included) in Bournemouth.
Meals
Accommodation
Time
Distance
Ascent/Descent
We start the day with a bus ride to Corfe with surely one of the most picturesque castles in the land, towering above the village. We will take a little time to explore this fascinating village before walking up above the village for, hopefully, stunning views across the Isle of Purbeck. We enjoy hired transport for the journey out and back to Corfe. This gives us plenty of time to explore the pleasant little village. There will be time to visit the castle, entrance is not included but is free to National Trust members.
This afternoon we head out to walk up West Hill to enjoy fine views across Corfe and the Dorset hills.
On arrival back at Bournemouth those who like can join the leader for a walk exploring Bournemouth's chines. These are steep sided dry river valleys that run down to the sea. Our walk will explore three, Alum Chine, Middle Chine and Durley Chine. The walking is gentle underfoot on good paths.
Meals
Accommodation
Time
Distance
Ascent/Descent
You have slightly earlier start today to catch the public bus. This is your first foray east of Bournemouth heading to Christchurch where your tour leader will introduce this intriguing town with an orientation walk. Later, to start your walk, take a ferry ride across the River Stour and walk out across salt marsh and along beach paths to Hengistbury Head. There is a hill in the middle of the walk which, if climbed, offers views along the coast from Swanage to the Isle of Wight. At the end of the walk take the ferry across the mouth of the Stour to catch a bus back to the hotel.
Meals
Accommodation
Time
Distance
Ascent/Descent
We have another day out, this time in Swanage, a lovely slice of seaside Victoriana. To get there is an adventure in itself. Again, we take the public bus and cross the mouth of Poole Harbour to continue to Swanage. Highlights of the town include the seafront and beautifully restored train station, our Blue Badge Guide will bring everything to life. This is now home to the Swanage railway which runs steam trains up to Corfe and beyond.
This afternoon we will take a gentle stroll up onto the cliffs above town for some fine sea views before returning to the hotel, again by public transport.
Your holiday has sadly come to an end. Check out is by 10am.
We hope you have enjoyed your holiday and look forward to welcoming you on another soon.
From (GBP)£799
Departure dates for your selected tour
11th May 2025 - 16th May 2025 (5 Nights)
6th Jul 2025 - 11th Jul 2025 (5 Nights)
31st Aug 2025 - 5th Sep 2025 (5 Nights)
23rd Sep 2025 - 28th Sep 2025 (5 Nights)
A mixture of local public buses and private hire transport will be used to get you to and from your destination each day to fulfil the holiday itinerary.
The cost of all transport is included in the price of your holiday.
Accommodation
Below is the accommodation featured on this holiday across all departure dates. Please refer to the Itinerary for more detail about each night's accommodation for each departure date.
Just 5 minutes’ walk from Bournemouth Pier and Seafront and 400 yards from Bournemouth International Centre (BIC), the Hotel Collingwood features a traditional restaurant, modern leisure centre and spacious bedrooms. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout and EV charging stations are available in the car park. Rooms all have en-suite bathroom, TV, hairdryer and tea & coffee facilities.
Guests can enjoy free use of the heated indoor swimming pool, hot tub, games room and billiards. Each morning, a freshly cooked full English breakfast is served, as well as a selection of cereals, pastries and fresh fruit. The bar and lounge offer a relaxed atmosphere, with hot drinks, snacks and lunches served all day. The sun terrace can be enjoyed for drinks during the summer months.
Trip Information
We class Grade 3 as leisurely; walks are generally a little longer than level 2, with undulations but over a longer distance. Where sightseeing distances are longer, we take a full day with opportunities to stop, rest and refuel. Generally, itineraries involve easy countryside walking with plenty of breaks,
Usual daily walks - Distance: 4 miles; Ascent/Descent 300m; Terrain: generally good paths and tracks; Walking Time: Half Day or Full Day walks.
The above statistics are generalisations of a day’s keys walk, it does not include distance covered during general sightseeing or daily activity. Detailed information of the daily walking requirements are specified in the specific holidays ‘Daily Itinerary" .
We use a mix of privately hired vehicles, taxis, and public transport which gives us some flexibility in our itinerary. We have a wonderful programme of walking, sightseeing and visits planned to let you fully experience the area along with opportunities to relax at our wonderful hotel and enjoy your surroundings.
Holiday Budgeting
As you plan your holiday budget, it's essential to account for expenses such as drinks, meals not covered in the holiday price, entrance fees not included, optional local excursions, and any souvenirs or additional services like laundry. For a rough estimate, budgeting around £10-£20 per person per day for lunches and drinks is a helpful guideline.
Local Transport Costs
In the holiday cost, we have included all local transport expenses related to the advertised activity program for your convenience. If there are additional visits or excursions to enrich your experience, you can choose to participate and cover the costs locally. Depending on the itinerary, local transport may involve a mix of private hire coaches, taxis, local buses, and ferries.
Tipping
In your holiday price, we've included tipping for our local suppliers, covering hotel and restaurant staff, local guides, and drivers. Should you wish to make an extra contribution for a specific service, this should be given directly to the recipient at your discretion.
Your Leader
Your tour leader plays a crucial role in enhancing your holiday experience, and they share your passion for exploring the world on foot. In addition to being resourceful and organized they are also well-travelled and deeply enthusiastic about showing you new destinations. Your tour leader takes care of all the local, ensuring you can fully enjoy your holiday without worrying about the logistics. While leading group holidays, they always keep in mind that each group is composed of individuals. Each tour leader brings their unique style, talents, and professional background to the table. Rest assured, they are all trained, qualified, experienced, and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting, and inspiring as possible. Remember, your leader, while on holiday, is your first port of call for any issues, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience for you.
Leaders Evening Briefing
Each evening, your tour leader will meet with you to review the programme for the next day. This is your chance to discuss details and ensure that the planned activities align with your walking ability. If you have any concerns about clothing or equipment, feel free to bring them up during this discussion. If, for any reason, you prefer not to participate in the organised group programme, please inform your leader. Your preferences are important, and your leader is there to make sure your experience aligns with your expectations.
Group Size
We believe that the best things come in small packages, and our Adagio holidays prove just that. We limit our groups to a maximum of 18 persons, plus the Adagio Leader, so that everyone has the opportunity to mix, share their love of travel and return home with new friendships. Small groups also have less detrimental local impact, allows us to use public transport on some days, eat at small local restaurants and, we believe, offers a better experience.
Getting to your Holiday
Check-in at the hotel is from 3:00pm. Your Leader will meet with you prior to your evening dinner for a group welcome meeting.
Bournemouth is located on the south coast of England is a very accessible by road or public transport.
The nearest train station is Bournemouth station which is a 25 minute walk or a 3 minute taxi journey which will cost approximately £10 to the hotel.
Morebus is the local public bus operator serving Bournemouth. If you wish to have information on bus timetables, please search for this operator online.
Route planning to and from Bournemouth:
The AA and RAC both offer free and detailed on-line route planning facilities on their websites which may help you find the hotel.
An excellent website to assist in your travel plans is Rome2Rio.
Personal Details Check
To ensure the accurate administration of your holiday arrangements, kindly verify that the personal details we have for you are current and correct. Confirm that you've given us all the necessary information for securing your travel and accommodation. Please review your passport details, date of birth, and any other pertinent information crucial for the management of your holiday.
Additionally, please make us aware of any dietary allergies or intolerances you may have. Your well-being is important to us, and this information will help us make appropriate arrangements for your meals during the trip.
You can access and update the provided information or add missing details through the "Manage My Booking" feature on our website at www.rambleworldwide.co.uk. Alternatively, reach out to our Sales and Reservations team at +44 (0)1707 331133. Upon receiving your booking confirmation, promptly check the details. Your cooperation ensures a seamless and enjoyable holiday experience.
Breakfasts and evening meals are included and taken in the hotel.
The hotel is passionate about food. They carefully source the very best Dorset has to offer, working with likeminded individuals throughout the county to ensure the highest quality produce available is served. They have a fantastic network of farmers and producers from whom they source meat, fish, and local dairy. They also offer various locally brewed beers and ciders at the bar.
There is no supermarket close to the hotel so you may wish to bring items like fruit, mineral bars, packet drinks and bottled water with you. The hotel can provide a packed lunch with sandwiches etc, which you can order the evening before.
Footwear
Comfortable, broken in, walking boots or shoes with a good sole are recommended for this holiday. Walking shoes or other comfortable footwear will be suitable for sightseeing days.
General Kit List
Outdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared.
If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:
This list is not exhaustive and every traveller is different and may have their own preference.
Travel Document Checklist
To ensure your holiday gets off to a good start, please make sure that you bring the following documents and information with you:
The Map Shop
If you cannot find the maps or books locally we recommend:
The Map Shop
5 High Street
Upton upon Severn, Worcs
WR8 0HJ
England
Tel: 01684 593 146
Website: www.themapshop.co.uk
If you key many of the local places mentioned in this holiday fact sheet into YouTube, you will find a vast array of spectacular footage of the area.
Further Health Advice
For further advice please visit:
You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.
Travel Insurance
It’s a condition of booking that you obtain adequate travel insurance, from a reputable provider, to undertake the holiday, including UK trips chiefly due to the cancellation element of cover.
The policy must cover the period from the date of booking to the last day of your trip and should include, as a minimum, cover for: medical expenses, mountain rescue including helicopter rescue, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment and shall not have exclusion clauses limiting cover for the activities you will partake in on your trip, including altitudes reached in the holiday arrangement. It is your responsibility to check that your policy is adequate for the nature and destination of the holiday booked.
Once you have obtained your travel insurance, please provide us with the name of your travel insurer, the policy number and the insurer’s 24 hour emergency assistance number.
In the event that you fail to obtain suitable Travel Insurance we shall not be liable for any costs incurred or claims made against us due to your failure to comply with this term.
If travelling outside the UK you must carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if reasonably requested to do so by RWH Travel staff, tour leaders or suppliers. No refunds will be made should you be excluded from the walking programme through being uninsured or you being unable to demonstrate that you are insured.
Responsible Travel
We are dedicated to promoting responsible travel practices that prioritise the well-being of both the environment and local communities. We believe in the transformative power of travel and aim to minimize our ecological footprint by selecting eco-friendly accommodations, encouraging waste reduction, and supporting sustainable transportation options where possible. Our walking tours are designed to immerse participants in the local culture, fostering meaningful connections with the communities we visit. We strive to leave a positive impact by engaging in responsible tourism activities, respecting local customs, and contributing to the preservation of natural landscapes. Through our commitment to responsible travel, we aim to create enriching experiences for our guests while actively contributing to the conservation of the destinations we explore.
The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust
Unlike many other tour operators, we take pride in our unique approach. Ramble Worldwide channels its surplus profits back into various outdoor, walking-related, or environmental conservation projects in the UK through our own trust. When you choose us, you contribute to this impactful initiative.
The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust is passionate about making the outdoors more accessible for more people from all communities. We grant funds to many organisations and have recently partnered with Mind Over Mountains, Adaptive Grand Slam, and other groups to create an enduring impact on people’s lives and to support them to enjoy the outdoors. In addition, the Trust makes many small grants to local organisations such as Ramblers Groups, Walkers are Welcome, My kind of Books and recently provided a small grant, via his scouting group, to enable a young man whose family had fallen on hard times to complete his DofE Gold award.
Patron of the Trust is the renowned explorer, Mark Wood. Over 20 years Mark has undertaken expeditions to some of the most remote parts of our planet. Our shared values make for an exciting partnership, and we believe that by standing shoulder to shoulder we can encourage people from all communities to enjoy being active outdoors in whatever way suits them best.
For more comprehensive details, please visit the 'About' section on our website and click on the Charitable Trust link. Your choice to travel with us goes beyond a memorable vacation; it contributes to meaningful projects that have a positive impact on our community and environment.
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