Kate W
13 July 2021
The Lake District is known for its unforgettable scenery – so just imagine taking it all in on horseback! You could go hacking along the banks of Windermere or galloping along Silecroft’s sandy beach, soaking up the sights of the spectacular coast.
There’s a range of possibilities for beginners and experienced riders to explore this region on four hooves, with local stables offering equipment and expertise to ensure you have a wonderful horse-riding experience during your holiday. There are pony treks and activity days for families and children too!
Lakeland Pony Trek
Head out into the beautiful Troutbeck Valley on a horse-riding experience
Based in the historic valley of Troutbeck, just 2 miles from Windermere, Lakeland Pony Trek provide a range of off-track beginner rides through the valley, ensuring easy, memorable experiences for everyone.
The characterful horses at the stables are waiting to welcome you to their beautiful home. If you’re truly brand new to horse riding, there’s the option of a Lead Rein Ride so you can get used to the feel of riding a horse before taking the reins into your own hands.
Park Foot Pony Trekking Ullswater
If you’re hoping for magical lake views during your hack, head to Park Foot Pony Trekking set right by beautiful Ullswater.
With an unbeatable location, Park Foot is a great choice for taking in breathtaking Lakeland scenery during your ride – not to mention snapping that perfect holiday pic! The treks are off-road here too, as you can trot straight onto the fells from the stables.
Happy Hooves Riding Centre
Happy Hooves Riding Centre is a registered Riding For The Disabled Accessibility Mark Centre – so if you or a family member has additional needs, this is a wonderful place to visit on your holidays.
They are based just outside of Penrith and offer equine therapy, pony days for children and adults alongside more advanced hacks. They also have a fantastic Horse Simulator called Mr Williams; a great start for nervous riders or anyone who would like to perfect their dressage techniques.
Cumbrian Heavy Horses
This family-run equestrian centre is best known for the gentle giants they care for – they happen to be the UK's only specialised Heavy Horse Riding establishment.
If you love horses and horse riding this is a unique experience that you won’t be able to try anywhere else. Set in the scenic Whicham Valley, near Duddon Valley, Cumbrian Heavy Horses offer three types of experiences - farm rides, fell rides or beach rides - for everyone from novices to pros.
Murthwaite Green Trekking Centre
Murthwaite Green is all about horse riding beside the sea! Their beach hacks take place on 7 miles of shimmering sands, so you can enjoy the thrill of cantering through lapping waves or relaxing on a gentle stroll with coastal views.
They are based 1 mile from Silecroft beach, down the coast from Ravenglass, which gives the horses a nice warm-up before you hit the sands, and they offer fells rides too if you fancy a trek into classic Lakeland landscapes.
Witherslack Hall Equestrian Centre
Boasting the largest semi-natural woodland in Cumbria, this 2,500-acre estate is a true beauty spot for forest hacks. Witherslack Hall Equestrian Centre near Cartmel offer a wide range of classes whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced who fancies getting to grips with dressage or showjumping.
Explore the Lake District on a half-hour jaunt through Witherslack Estate Woods or a four-day experience out and about in this picturesque region.
Parkers Equestrian
Catering for all levels, Parkers Equestrian near Cockermouth offer a couple of delightful options for young pony enthusiasts like pony care days and Tiny Pony Time for children below 6 years.
For those with a bit more experience who are keen to head out on a horse-riding trek, you can enjoy a completely off-road hack or take part in a longer riding adventure through the delightful Lakeland villages of Brigham, Eaglesfield and Dean.
Leacett Cottage Riding Centre
Scenic Penrith countryside you'll discover on a trek with Leacett Cottage Riding Centre
With miles of trails to follow through dappled forest and open countryside, enjoy a horse-riding adventure with Leacett Cottage Riding Centre, near Appleby-in-Westmorland. Book ahead for a taster session or an advanced woodland hack over more varied terrain.
They have gentle cobs, white-nosed Clydesdales, 14.2hh ponies - perfect for older kids - and miniature Shetland ponies with big personalities!
Bank House Equestrian
With an indoor and an outdoor arena, you can enjoy a private beginner’s lesson come rain or shine at Bank House Equestrian or head out into the rural surrounding Eden Valley on horseback.
Besides traditional classes and training, they also run fun activities and experiences like their groom and ride sessions, club nights, and pony care days.
Holmescales
Finally, Holmescales near Kendal is a wonderful choice if you’re planning a horse-riding holiday to the east of the Lake District.
Enjoy discovering over 100 acres of private hacking with varied terrain and stunning Lake District views, and pick from a choice of novice, intermediate and experienced treks – they run mixed groups too!
Plan your horse-riding holiday
Get up close to these gentle giants on a beginner’s experience, plan a fun activity for children, or enjoy days of national park exploration on horseback from one of these horse-riding stables in the Lake District.
We have a wide range of holiday lets throughout this remarkable region. Browse our collection of cottages in the Lake District and find your perfect base to return to after busy, fun-filled days out.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.