AITO: The Association of Independent Tour Operators
Absolute Escapes

Absolute Escapes Traveller Reviews

Reviews of Absolute Escapes

Overall Company Rating
99%
Excellent 776
Good 22
Average 4
Poor 1
Terrible 0
Reviews Submitted: 803
Reviews Accepted: 803
Reviews Rejected: 0
803 reviews
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Absolute Escapes by Mar, 7 Jul 2025
Holiday Rating:

Perfect!!

We walked the West Highland Way as a 60th birthday gift to myself. It was wonderful!!

We walked the West Highland Way as a 60th birthday gift to myself. It was wonderful!!

Rating for tour operator:

Zoe was very helpful with all our arrangements. She was knowledgeable and patient with all our questions. Very professional.

Absolute Escapes responded to this review on 08 Jul 2025:

Thank you very much for your lovely feedback, Mar. It was a pleasure to assist you in planning your walk on the West Highland Way to celebrate your 60th birthday. If we can be of assistance with any future adventures, please don't hesitate to get in touch. Best wishes, Zoe Kirkbride

Absolute Escapes by Cumbria Neill, 3 Jul 2025
Holiday Rating:

Cumbria Way June 2025

We had a great holiday walking the Cumbria Way organised by Absolute Escapes. This company provided a bespoke itinerary based on our requests to walk 2 days then have a rest day. We used rail travel to get to the start at Ulverston from our home in Nottingham and made the return journey back from Carlisle. Our holiday was 10 days in length, we were fortunate in that our rest days coincided with the wet weather, otherwise we walked in sunshine ...

We had a great holiday walking the Cumbria Way organised by Absolute Escapes. This company provided a bespoke itinerary based on our requests to walk 2 days then have a rest day. We used rail travel to get to the start at Ulverston from our home in Nottingham and made the return journey back from Carlisle. Our holiday was 10 days in length, we were fortunate in that our rest days coincided with the wet weather, otherwise we walked in sunshine on our walking days. The scenery was very varied and it was amazing how isolated we felt at times particularly walking from the Langdales to Rosthwaite. Our longest day was 15 miles walking through particularly boggy sections at times, with our shortest day being 8 miles. Our accommodation varied from B&B to small independent hotels/pubs; all were of excellent standard with helpful friendly staff. The breakfasts and evening meals were excellent, with local beers often available to complement the meals. On our rest days we caught a bus from the New Dungeon Ghyll Inn to Ambleside to grab a coffee/cake and wander round the shops. In Keswick we enjoyed a film at the cinema in the morning when it was raining and in the afternoon met up for beers at the Keswick Brewery with my brother-in-law. It was good to have a self catering option in Carlisle at The Halston Hotel.

Rating for tour operator:

Absolute Escapes were excellent from the start of the booking process, taking into consideration our requests to extend the holiday by including rest days after 2 days walking.   They communicated well particularly about the need to change our start date due to constraints on booking available accommodation.   After the initial itinerary organising, a second team the final booking team took over and were very professional in their dealings.  All communication was by email with comprehensive itinerary details, a digital guide book to the Cumbria Way provided, and lots of tips on how to get the most out of your accommodation with suggestions of where to eat in the evenings, where to pick up lunch and when it was necessary to book a picnic from your accommodation.   This is the second holiday we have used them for and would definitely use again in the future.

Absolute Escapes responded to this review on 04 Jul 2025:

Thank you for your kind words, Neill, and I am delighted to hear that you and Karen enjoyed your time on the Cumbria Way and exploring the Lake District. It's great to hear that the weather lined up for you, and I am glad you were able to make the most of your time away.

It was a pleasure to assist with your arrangements Neill. If there is anything we can do to help with future travel plans, please don't hesitate to get in touch. Best wishes, Jack McKenna. 

Absolute Escapes by Shunner Social Club, 18 Jun 2025
Holiday Rating:

Pennine Way Mid Section

Nine retired people set out to achieve a bucket list item for one of them to walk a good chunk of the Pennine Way. Despite challenging weather in parts, we managed it all, had tons of laughs and shared in a memorable experience for all.

Nine retired people set out to achieve a bucket list item for one of them to walk a good chunk of the Pennine Way. Despite challenging weather in parts, we managed it all, had tons of laughs and shared in a memorable experience for all.

Rating for tour operator:

Accommodation and Food were well above expectations and very good indeed. All logistics worked well. Helpful staff.

Absolute Escapes responded to this review on 23 Jun 2025:

Hi Nigel, many thanks for your excellent feedback. It's fantastic to hear that you enjoyed the Pennine Way despite some difficult weather, and that your group shared many a laugh on the trail! If we can be of any assistance with future travel plans, please don't hesitate to get in touch as we would be delighted to work with you again. Best wishes, Zoe Kirkbride

Absolute Escapes by SallyDee, 14 Jun 2025
Holiday Rating:

Spectacular Scottish Islands

We were on a 6 day self drive exploration of the Outer Hebrides. We enjoyed the experience travelling through the breath taking scenery of Scotland's west coast then crossing onto the Isle of Skye and further out to Lewis, Harris and Uist. We enjoyed some hiking experiences, particularly the Old Man of Storr, some hair-raising driving experiences like the Golden Road on the island of Harris and were spellbound with the beauty of the remote beaches...

We were on a 6 day self drive exploration of the Outer Hebrides. We enjoyed the experience travelling through the breath taking scenery of Scotland's west coast then crossing onto the Isle of Skye and further out to Lewis, Harris and Uist. We enjoyed some hiking experiences, particularly the Old Man of Storr, some hair-raising driving experiences like the Golden Road on the island of Harris and were spellbound with the beauty of the remote beaches. Our accommodation was excellent and we enjoyed the local produce ( including the whisky!)

Rating for tour operator:

Absolute Escapes was first rate at every stage of our holiday, from the planning stages, organizing accommodation and ferry crossings, providing fantastic information on local sights and dining experiences and keeping us informed of any changes to ferry timetables.

Absolute Escapes responded to this review on 16 Jun 2025:

Thank you so much for your lovely feedback, Sally. I’m absolutely delighted to hear how much you enjoyed your self-drive adventure through the Outer Hebrides. It’s fantastic to hear that the accommodation, local food, and of course the whisky, all added to the experience! Your kind words mean a great deal to us and if we can be of any further assistance in the future, please do not hesitate to reach out. Best wishes, Nairne McBeath

Absolute Escapes by Paradise , 30 May 2025
Holiday Rating:

A great experience

The hike was made extremely relaxing knowing the AE team was always there to support. Professionally organized and attention to detail made us very comfortable.

The hike was made extremely relaxing knowing the AE team was always there to support. Professionally organized and attention to detail made us very comfortable.

Rating for tour operator:

Professional team from start to finish. Everything was arranged according to our needs.

Absolute Escapes responded to this review on 02 Jun 2025:

Thank you for your kind words, Barry. I'm delighted to hear that the Cleveland Way provided a relaxing experience and that our team’s support and attention to detail made you feel comfortable throughout. If we can assist with any future travel plans, please do not hesitate to get in touch! Best wishes, Hamish Cameron

Absolute Escapes by LWC77, 30 May 2025
Holiday Rating:

Perfectly tailored to my needs

I walked the St. Cuthbert's Way, solo, with baggage and accommodation support from Absolute Escapes. They helped me feel confident that I could do this on my own and I did!

I walked the St. Cuthbert's Way, solo, with baggage and accommodation support from Absolute Escapes. They helped me feel confident that I could do this on my own and I did!

Rating for tour operator:

They really have a conversation with the client to make sure they understand what will work best and then make it happen. The materials they provide are accurate and their service is reliable.

Absolute Escapes responded to this review on 02 Jun 2025:

Thank you for your lovely feedback, Lauretta. It's fantastic to hear that you felt confident walking the St Cuthbert's way solo, and it was a pleasure working with you. If we can be of any assistance with your future travel plans, please don't hesitate to get in touch! Best wishes, Zoe Kirkbride

Absolute Escapes by Awestruck Visitor, 30 May 2025
Holiday Rating:

We didn't waste one minute.

We spent time in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Callander, Oban and Inverness. We drove to each destination, taking detours and walks along the way. I was so surprised at the variety of landscape! I expected everything to be beautiful, I did not expect so many different landscapes. Forests, meadows, farmland, mountains, rivers and lochs. Every turn was something new and different, but always beautiful. There was sunshine our entire trip, that certainly ...

We spent time in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Callander, Oban and Inverness. We drove to each destination, taking detours and walks along the way. I was so surprised at the variety of landscape! I expected everything to be beautiful, I did not expect so many different landscapes. Forests, meadows, farmland, mountains, rivers and lochs. Every turn was something new and different, but always beautiful. There was sunshine our entire trip, that certainly helped show off the scenery!

Rating for tour operator:

Absolute Escapes had the perfect level of communication. They asked questions before providing an itinerary so that what we hoped to do and see would be achieved. They were friendly and timely in all communication.

Absolute Escapes responded to this review on 30 May 2025:

Thank you for your kind comments Cara, I am so glad to hear you enjoyed your visit to Scotland and the lovely weather we've been having! It's great you were able to experience all the different landscapes, and it sounds like you enjoyed them all! If we can be of any assistance with your future travel plans, please don't hesitate to get in touch. Best wishes, Anna Lamb.

Absolute Escapes by Borderer, 23 May 2025
Holiday Rating:

Excellent All Round

The Heritage Coastal section of The Cleveland Way was excellent holiday in a beautiful part of Yorkshire. The scenery is stunning. The route hugs the coastline very closely and the panoramic views are out of this world. Each section has a slightly different feel and every coastal village hwe passed through as its own unique charms. The larger towns were enchanting in their own ways and all had points of interest to experience. This was my first ...

The Heritage Coastal section of The Cleveland Way was excellent holiday in a beautiful part of Yorkshire. The scenery is stunning. The route hugs the coastline very closely and the panoramic views are out of this world. Each section has a slightly different feel and every coastal village hwe passed through as its own unique charms. The larger towns were enchanting in their own ways and all had points of interest to experience. This was my first distance walking holiday and I wasn't disappointed.

Rating for tour operator:

From start to finish everything about our Absolute Escapes holiday was first class. Right from the initial enquiry to the the final email checking our holiday had gone well,all communication was caring,informative and confidence inspiring. The accommodation provided was first class,clean,comfortable,friendly and perfectly placed for our route. Luggage transfer was slick and problem free. The trail information was spot on. Excellent all rou

Absolute Escapes responded to this review on 27 May 2025:

Thank you for the lovely feedback, Evelyn. It's fantastic to hear you had an excellent holiday on the Cleveland Way, and enjoyed your accommodation and the scenery. If we can be of any assistance with any future adventures, please don't hesitate to get in touch and we'd be delighted to work with you again. Best wishes, Zoe Kirkbride

Absolute Escapes by The Walking Dynamo, 22 May 2025
Holiday Rating:

Trekking and driving Adventure

I did the Cumbria Way walk and also the Scotland driving experience this year. Both were excellent and well organised by the team. I loved all the places I visited and the accommodation in all destinations was exceptional! I have done two other walking adventures with Absolute Escapes two years ago and that is why I booked these trips with the team again!

I did the Cumbria Way walk and also the Scotland driving experience this year. Both were excellent and well organised by the team. I loved all the places I visited and the accommodation in all destinations was exceptional! I have done two other walking adventures with Absolute Escapes two years ago and that is why I booked these trips with the team again!

Rating for tour operator:

Very professional, knowledgeable and responsive. Great team!

Absolute Escapes responded to this review on 26 May 2025:

Thank you so much for your review, Cathy, we appreciate your kind words. We have been delighted to assist with your various holidays across the UK & Ireland over the past couple of years and we hope to hear from you again. Best wishes, Daisy Andrews

Absolute Escapes by Minnesota Traveler, 12 May 2025
Holiday Rating:

Two Great Walks on National Trails

We walked portions of the Cotswold Way and the SW Coast Path. The itinerary was arranged by Absolute Escapes, and included lodging and luggage service. We loved walking the countryside, and spending time in the small towns. The scenery was fantastic (especially along the coast) and we met so many wonderful people. A wonderful vacation!

We walked portions of the Cotswold Way and the SW Coast Path. The itinerary was arranged by Absolute Escapes, and included lodging and luggage service. We loved walking the countryside, and spending time in the small towns. The scenery was fantastic (especially along the coast) and we met so many wonderful people. A wonderful vacation!

Rating for tour operator:

I was so happy with the service from Absolute Escapes. I worked with two specialists, and they were very responsive to my specific needs while we planned a custom itinerary. And they answered all my questions as the trip approached. We were very well prepared for our walk. If we return to the UK for a walking holiday, we will definitely use them again.

Absolute Escapes responded to this review on 13 May 2025:

Thank you so much for your kind words, Fredrick. We're thrilled you had such a wonderful experience on both trails and that everything ran smoothly. We'd love to help plan your next walking holiday when the time comes, so please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. All the best, Nairne McBeath