Sign up to receive our Cotswolds lifestyle journal and latest market analysis to your inbox

I’m a buyer I’m a vendor

5 horse riding tours in The Cotswolds

Sharvell-property-blog-post-3.jpg#asset:5896


Trotting through valleys, open fields and vast woodland, it doesn’t get more quintessentially English than traversing The Cotswolds on horseback.

Exploring these rolling hills on a horse riding tour is something anyone can do, whether you’re a complete beginner or experienced rider. So why not take that dream of galloping through the countryside with a trusty steed and turn it into a reality with one of these horse riding tours in The Cotswolds?

Bourton Vale Equestrian Centre

16_210414_162916.jpg#asset:5891

Bourton Vale Equestrian Centre have been sharing their passion for horses with locals and tourists since 1999. Their philosophy is to give everyone and every animal the best opportunity. That’s why so many of their horses and ponies are rescues.

One of their most popular tours are their river rides, perfect for kids or nervous adults who fancy giving horse riding a go! With guides walking alongside riders, the tour takes place at the river in Lower Slaughter where riders and horses can splash around in the waters.

For something a little more traditional, they offer hacks for experienced or beginner riders which take you through the picturesque Slaughter villages and if it’s a warm, sunny day, the route leads through a refreshing splash in the River Eye.

Find out more about Bourton Vale Equestrian Centre’s rides here.

Cotswolds Riding at Durhams Farm

19_210414_162918.jpg#asset:5894

Durhams Farm Riding School is a family run business situated in The North Cotswolds and is home to 32 rescued, retired and working horses and ponies. Their farm spans 60 acres of glorious countryside, set between the popular market towns of Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold and Chipping Norton.

Experiencing a hack in The Cotswolds is such a fantastic way to see the countryside and the team are happy to escort riders along one of the many wonderful bridleways or woodland trails in the area. For something a little different however, why not check out their pub rides? There’s no better way to travel to the local pub than on horseback.

Lasting between 3 1/2 - 4 hours, the ride involves a trip to The Greedy Goose or The Fox Inn at Broadwell for a delicious lunch and maybe a pint, before making the trip back with a full belly and grin on your face.

Find out more about the rides available with Cotswolds Riding here.

High Pointe Tours - Cotswold Country Estates Ride

17_210414_162917.jpg#asset:5892

If you’re looking for the ultimate equestrian escape to The Cotswolds with all the romance of olde English countryside charm, then a four day Cotswold Country Estates Tour might just be for you.

You’ll traverse The Cotswolds on horseback, visiting magnificent private country estates, magical gardens with stops for high tea and even stay in a manor home that’s not open to the public. Along the way, you’ll also enjoy delicious home-cooked lunches provided by the hosts and candlelit dinners.

This tour is a truly unique experience and an opportunity to rewind time and immerse yourself in rural England from days past.

See the full itinerary and contact the guide over on their website.

Cotswold Farm Park Fun Rides

18_210414_162917.jpg#asset:5893

If riding is already your thing and you have a horse to take on an adventure, then head to Cotswold Farm Park! The fun rides give riders exclusive access to their private estate in the heart of The Cotswolds with a route covering approximately 10 miles of woodland trails, grass gallops, open hillsides and a splash through clear waters in the river Windrush.

The fun rides at Cotswold Farm Park come with a number of perks, including a photographer to capture your day, 50 optional jumps to suit all ages and abilities plus access to hot and cold refreshments in their café.

To find out more about booking a fun ride, head over to the Cotswold Farm Park website where you can book a time slot. These slots ensure that all riders can take their time and enjoy their own space throughout the ride.

Cotswold Trail Riding

20_210414_162918.jpg#asset:5895

Located in the heart of The Cotswolds at Brookthorpe village, roam the rolling countryside and experience breathtaking views of the Severn Vale with Cotswold Trail Riding.

Their hacks can be tailored to work for you, whether that's a short ride through the local village or an all-day excursion along trails, woodlands, parkland and bridleways. Their pub rides are also a great option to unwind in style as you trot through organic farmland and open countryside, stopping off at a local pub for refreshments along the way.

Find out more over on their website.