This is a very unique weekend break which combines glorious walking in The Chilterns with a chocolate-making lesson at the famous artisan Rumsey's Chocolaterie. Rumsey's is a local favourite of The Carter Company, and we are excited to present this joint collaboration which showcases what we think are the best of things to see and do in The Chilterns. It is, after all, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Arrive on Friday evening in Wendover, and head to the Red Lion hotel where you will meet your host and receive your route directions. Set off on Saturday morning on a stunning and varied circular walk through the Chilterns. Take in majestic hilltop views, shaded paths through beechwoods, chalk escarpments and rich agricultural land, and make a pit stop at one of our favourite cosy pubs in this area, The Russell Arms. On your return to Wendover, enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at Rumsey’s and indulge in some of their delicious cakes.
On Sunday morning, you will be transferred to Thame to attend a Rumsey's chocolate making lesson. We will transfer back to Wendover on Sunday evening to pick up your luggage and catch your return train home, or you can depart directly from Thame if travelling by car.
Holiday details
Price
- Classic
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from £480 per person
Based on two people sharing a room
What’s included?
1.5 hour chocolate figurine making course. See what’s included as standard
Duration
2 nights
Start & Finish
Starts on Friday evenings and ends on Sunday afternoons
Hotels
- Classic
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A charming 16th-century coaching inn with stylish period rooms, plus a traditional bar and British restaurant
Holiday type
Self-guided
This tour is priced without a guide and you are free to explore on your own. If you would like a guide for part or all of your trip, we are happy to provide a knowledgeable, local guide
Activity level
Gentle walking. More info...
Mileage
9 miles (15km)
Terrain
Hilly in parts
Traffic-free
100% apart from short section at start
Itinerary day-by-day
Classic
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1. Day one
Wendover
Arrive in Wendover on Friday at your leisure and check in to your hotel. Your host will meet you in the evening here to give you your Route Directions and help with any questions you may have.
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2. Day two
Circular Route from Wendover
Begin your walk from Wendover town, where you make your way towards a track that leads onto the Ridgeway, a route used since prehistoric times by travellers, herdsmen and soldiers. Climb up this path until you reach the very top of Coombe Hill, the highest viewpoint in the Chilterns. The route then wends its way past the Chequers Estate, which is known as the official country residence of the British Prime Minister. Soon you'll find yourself in the lovely village of Great Kimble, where you can enjoy a cosy pub lunch, before continuing on your way. The rest of the route leads you through agricultural landscape before arriving back in Wendover, where we suggest you head to Rumsey's cafe and reward yourself with a delicious cake!
9 miles (15km)
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3. Day three
Chocolate making in Thame
Relax at your leisure this morning and enjoy lunch in Wendover. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Thame, home of the second Rumsey's cafe and its special chocolate school. You'll have the chance to make your own chocolate figurine. This is a short session, purely for fun, and an ideal time to make something for yourself or a gift for someone special. On arrival you'll receive a special welcome. Put on your apron, hat and hairnet, then join the chef for a demonstration on how it's done. Next you'll choose your figurine mould and learn how to decorate your figurine. Once you've filled your mould, enjoy a house hot chocolate as you wait for it to set. Then wrap your chocolate masterpiece to take away with you, and enjoy a small gift of Rumsey's award winning chocolates too! Once you're done, we will transfer you back to Wendover for you to collect your luggage and catch your return train home.