Exciting news about New Experience Holidays

We are pleased to announce that New Experience & New Experience Pilgrims have been acquired by Headwater.

It is a coming together of two kindred spirits, as Headwater is an award-winning specialist in self-guided walking and cycling holidays with over 37 years of experience and knowledge, while New Experience has been creating and perfecting walking and pilgrimage holidays around the world for over 20 years. Both businesses were founded from humble beginnings; led by husband-and-wife teams and offering a more personal approach, centred around customer experience and exceptional service.

We're looking forward to combining our expertise and local knowledge to bring you more of the experiences you love. So, rest assured that you can continue to enjoy all of the wonderful New Experience trips you are familiar with, and also explore the Headwater walking and cycling portfolio across Europe, North America and Asia too - complete with detailed trip notes and our own GPS navigation app available on many trips if you wish, meaning that you can now discover an even bigger world of self-guided holidays.






Paul & Deborah Sawyer, New Experience's Directors commented:

"After 20 successful years' operating and growing New Experience, we are delighted to see the business we love join Headwater. We want to thank our fantastic team, our customers and suppliers for the wonderful support over the years. We will cherish the memories we have made as we move into retirement.

We look forward to seeing New Experience go from strength to strength under its new ownership and we encourage you to entrust New Experience and Headwater with your self-guided walking holidays in the future."

Self-guided walking holidays

On our self-guided walking holidays, you take the lead and determine where you want to go and what you want to see. With your comprehensive route directions and detailed maps in hand, perhaps you feel like spending a little longer admiring a view, dipping your toes in a stream to cool down, or listening to musical birdsong whilst you finish your lunch. You’re free to do it your way – and when you’re ready to head to your next hotel (usually every two days), your luggage will be waiting for you.

When exploring on foot, you can choose the pace you move and which walking routes you take. From ambling along country lanes to challenging yourself on mountain passes, each one offers chances to capture iconic photographs, take in the atmosphere and enjoy your surroundings.

View our self-guided walking holidays

Guided walking holidays

Our guided walking holidays are perfect for people who want to experience an escorted tour in a small group of like-minded people. On our tours, share cheerful moments with new friends, stroll together through beautiful countryside admiring the landscape, and cap off days enjoying a glass of luscious local wine over dinner.

Whether travelling alone, as a couple or with friends, everyone is welcome on our walking tours. There are plenty of opportunities to socialise with group members, as well as your expert guide. All are based locally and are either Headwater employees or local partners - and all are passionate about their homelands and committed to sharing their experiences with you. That way, you experience a refined, hand-picked and high-quality walking holiday with every detail expertly taken care of.

View our guided walking holidays