The UK really does have some beautiful countryside to explore, and what better way to do so than by seeing it on horseback? More specifically, while riding your own horse. There are numerous stables around the country which offer temporary horse accommodation for holidaymakers, and even some which offer B&B stays for you and your horse. So load up your horsebox, and head off to one of these five superb destinations for a horsey holiday.
Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales
The Brecon Beacons are a patchwork of peaks and valleys, waterfalls and charming South Wales towns and villages. Its popularity as a destination for horse holidays means that there’s plenty of accommodation on offer for you and your horse. One of the rides that you really must take whilst there is a section of the famous Three Rivers Ride, which stretches from Hay Bluff to the Brecon Beacons Visitor Centre, past picturesque mountain scenes.
Exmoor, Somerset/ Devon
The expansive open moorland of Dartmoor is conveniently criss-crossed by bridleways and peaceful country lanes, and you’ll certainly find no shortage of routes to canter along. If you fancy a challenge, why not embark on the 33 mile-long Coleridge Way Bridleway route, which stretches from the Quantock to Dartmoor. You can find more information about horseriding in Exmoor at the official website for the National Park .
Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales is home to numerous riding centres and stables where you and your horse can find yourselves right at home. The Dales are easily reachable from all parts of the country and offer an invigorating and rugged landscape of rolling green hills, stone-built villages and traditional towns. There are lots of well-marked rides to enjoy, and you can see some of these over at Ride Yorkshire.
The New Forest National Park, Hampshire
The New Forest is a great place to take your horse to meet some new friends, as there are more than three thousand New Forest Ponies roaming freely throughout the forest. There are plenty of accommodation options for you and your horse, and there are more than 200sq miles of forest and countryside to explore, offering a welcome weekend hacking holiday for anyone living in the cities and suburbs of Southeast England.
Holy Island, Northumberland
Easily one of the most atmospheric and historic destinations for a horse holiday, Holy Island (also known as the Holy Island of Lindisfarne) has a rich history stretching back to the fifth century. Though the island measures just a few miles across, there are plenty of horseriding routes to explore, and many people rave about the experience of riding along the island’s beaches. You’ll easily find a place to stay with your horse, but do book ahead as the island is only small. At low tide it is possible to cross to Holy Island from the mainland. You can find out more information about the picturesque island on the Lindisfarne/Holy Island official website (
Before you set off for some hacking holidays with your hoofed friend, don’t forget to make sure that your horsebox insurance and your horse insurance are in order. Park Insurance are expert insurers with more than thirty years of experience, and we can provide all the insurance you need for you, your horse and your vehicle.