• Alston
• Allonby And Aspatria
• Ambleside And Troutbeck
• Appleby In Westmoreland
• Askam In Furness
• Barrow In Furness
• Bassenthwaite
• Borrowdale
• Bowness On Windermere
• Brough
• Buttermere
• Brampton
• Broughton In Furness
• Carlisle
• Cartmel
• Cleator Moor
• Cockermouth
• Coniston
• Dalston
• Dalton In Furness
• Dent
• Grange Over Sands
• Grasmere
• Greenodd
• Grizedale
• Hawkshead
• Kendal
• Keswick
• Kirkby Lonsdale
• Wasdale And Gosforth
• Kirkby Stephen
• Longtown
• Loweswater
• Maryport
• Melmerby
• Milnthorpe
• Nenthead
• Newby Bridge
• Orton
• Penrith
• Pooley Bridge
• Ravenglass And Eskdale
• Sedbergh
• Seascale
• Shap
• Silloth And Solway
• St Bees
• Skiddaw
• Staveley
• Tebay
• The Duddon Valley
• Threlkeld
• Ulverston
• Vale Of Lorton
• Wasdale
• Wetheral
• Whitehaven
• Wigton
• Windermere
• Workington
• Spa Hotels In Windermere The Lake District
• Hotels With Hot Tubs In Windermere
• Hot Tub Hotels In Windermere And The Lake District
• Romantic Breaks In Windermere And The Lake District
• Themed Hotels In Windermere And The Lake District
• Weekend Breaks In Windermere
• Windermere Attractions And Boat Trips
• Boutique Hotels And Accommodation In Windermere And The Lake District
• Windermere In The Rain
• One Way Ticket To Windermere Por Favor
• Horse Riding In The Lake District
• Walks In The Lake District
• Windermere Boutique Hotel Bedrooms
• Holiday Accommodation Wanted In The Lake District

Horse riding in the Lake District

Horse riding in the Lake District offers visitors the chance to explore the beautiful countryside and discover some of the most unspoilt scenery in Europe.

Depending on your level of experience, horse riding schools offer a wide range of treks and trails around the Lake District to suit all ages and abilities, and you can enjoy a gentle walk around the nearest village or a gallop along the beach at Whitehaven.

First class instruction is given at affordable prices throughout the Lake District, and if you want to see England at its best, there´s no better way to do than on horseback. Horse riders can enjoy the freedom and open spaces of the Lake District, along with stunning panoramic views of the lakes and surrounding fells.

Horse riding in the Lakes can be rewarding and fun for all the family, and if you are planning to stay for a few days, take advantage of one of the fabulous boutique hotels around Bowness and Windermere, or a hot tub hotel in the Lake District, offering every luxury for exhausted horse riders.

Whether you want to try horse riding for the first time or improve your skills while you are in the Lake District, here are some useful things to think about before you leave home:

1.  Book with a reputable horse riding centre in the Lake District

Make sure you book your lessons or horse riding holiday at a reputable centre or stables. Check out the reviews before you book and make sure you ask as many questions as you deem necessary, particularly where safety is concerned. You will find plenty of professional horse riding centres in Windermere which offer incredible rides in the surrounding countryside.

2.  Fully qualified and professional staff

Lake District riding schools are renowned for their professional and qualified staff, but feel free to ask more details before you book. There is nothing worse than going for a riding lesson or trek with an instructor or guide who is not properly qualified. Not only is this dangerous but it could prove expensive.

3. Choose a riding holiday in the Lake District to suit your ability

Choose a riding holiday in the Lake District which will work well with your riding skills, and don´t bite off more than you can chew. Remember your riding holiday should be enjoyable, and not a scary experience. Only book lessons and rides that you are confident of taking part in, and don´t book a two week intense riding experience if you are going to be left saddle sore and miserable.

4. The best time of year to ride in the Lake District

The best thing about equestrian holidays is you can go any time of the year, although the winter months are only recommended for hardier visitors to the Lake District. If you can go riding in the Lakes out of season, you will enjoy a much quieter time, before the hordes of tourists descend for their summer holidays. Spring is a beautiful time in the Lake District, and you can enjoy the beautiful woods and fells around Windermere without having to avoid excessive traffic and sightseers.

5.  Riding equipment and clothing

Make sure you pack the right riding equipment and clothing, as it can be easy to forget the bare essentials when you are going on holiday. Remember to take your hat (although these will normally be provided if you don´t have one), boots, gloves, jodhpurs or comfortable trousers and a lightweight jacket.

6. Holiday insurance for riding holidays

Horse riding in the Lake District should be a fun-filled adventure for all members of the family, but make sure you have holiday insurance to cover you against any eventuality. It is easy to become distracted by late deals and cut price offers in local hotels, while overlooking the really important things like insurance. Check carefully that your holiday insurance covers horse riding, particularly if you are travelling to the Lake District from abroad, or check what insurance cover the riding centre has.

7.  Personal fitness wake-up call

You should be aware of your personal fitness levels before embarking on any type of riding holiday in the Lake District. The last thing you want is a fitness wake-up call when you are miles from anywhere on horseback and your backside feels like it has been rubbed with wire wool for the past three days. You need to be fit to ride, so if your fitness levels are not up there with the galloping gurus from the riding centre, start with a short trek around the countryside.

8. Family fun in the Lake District

If you are travelling to the Lake District with your family, you will find plenty of things to see and do away from the riding stables. If you want to combine horse-riding with sightseeing in the Lake District, take a trip to the Tales of Beatrix Potter at Bowness, the Michelin 2009 Pub of the Year, the Punchbowl at Crosthwaite or the Lake Aquarium near Windermere. Take trip down the lake in an old steamer, or enjoy a day out at the Brockhole Visitor Centre with its woodland walks, adventure playground and visitor shop and café. Equestrian centres throughout the Lake District offer beginners classes and a host of other activities to take part in.

9.  Riding centre safety Lake District

Always take your safety seriously when visiting a riding centre in the Lake District, and remember you are just as likely to encounter danger while riding in the Lakes as you are at home. Just because you are on holiday, you should always be aware of safety issues while out riding, and you can look forward to some of the best hacks of your life. The message is simple –enjoy yourself responsibly and don´t be tempted to book rides that will be too challenging for you.

10. Riding and relaxation in the Lake District

However fun-packed you want your holiday to be, make sure you take time to chill out and relax between trekking around the countryside and riding through the woodlands. Horse riding is fun but it is also very strenuous, so take the time to pamper yourself between rides. An active holiday does not mean one that is void of any relaxation, so take the time to enjoy a long lunch or a relaxing soak in a hot tub after a day out horse-riding.

If you are looking to book a holiday at a riding centre in the Lake District, check out the residential options online, or book individual day treks with qualified instructors to make the most of this stunning part of England. If you are looking for separate accommodation in the Lake District, check out the superb range of boutique hotels, themed hotels, B&Bs, guest houses, campsites and hostels in Cumbria and the Lake District.

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