7 Horse-Riding Day Trips Near London

Adventure-ready escapes—all reachable in under two hours

London life may be electric, but sometimes you just need open skies, fresh air and the rhythmic thunder of hooves. Whether you’re a total newbie or a seasoned equestrian, the rides below deliver big adventure without the long haul.

Each listing includes:

• Distance/Travel Time from Central London

• Typical Price (per rider unless stated)

• Rider Level (Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced)

• Season & Highlights

1. Gallop the Tide at Climping Beach, West Sussex

The Sussex Riding School

Distance: 61 mi / ≈ 1 h 45 m drive 
Price: £180 for 1.5-h beach ride
Rider Level: Strong Intermediate – Advanced
Season: Year-round (low-tide slots)

Nothing screams freedom like cantering across a wide-open shoreline, spray flying and the sea breeze in your face. The Sussex Riding School meets at a country lane, hacks quietly to Climping’s sands, then lets confident riders open up across firm tidal flats—groynes optional for jump lovers. Expect a celebratory drink back at the local pub once the horses are rinsed off. Day-trippers can reach Barnham by train (1 h 40 m) then grab a quick taxi.

2. Western-Style Trail Ride in the New Forest

Burley Villa School of Riding

Distance: 82 mi / ≈ 1 h 50 m drive
Price: 90-min Western Trail £90-105 pp 
Rider Level: Beginner-friendly
Season: April – October

Trade English saddles for comfy Western ones at Burley Villa School of Riding. After a short arena intro, you’ll mosey through New Forest heathland spotting wild ponies and (if you’re lucky) deer. The slower Western pace is perfect for first-timers, families or anyone chasing their inner cowboy.

3. Royal Hack Through Windsor Great Park

Tally Ho and Wayside Stables

Distance: 25 mi / ≈ 40 m drive
Price: 2-h group hack £120 (weekdays) – £130 (weekends) 
Rider Level: Beginner +
Season: Year-round

Tally Ho and Wayside Stables hold coveted permits to escort riders along the Long Walk, Queen Anne’s Ride and oak-lined forest paths of the monarch’s 4,800-acre back garden. Expect castle views, red-deer herds and photo-ops you won’t find on the standard Windsor tourist loop.

4. Sunset Pub Ride in Richmond Park

Stag Lodge Stables

Distance: 11 mi / ≈ 30 m drive or 37 m train-plus-bus
Price: £95 (includes a pint at The New Inn)
Rider Level: Confident at all paces
Season: Summer evenings only

Stag Lodge Stables’ legendary “Pub Ride” leaves Robin Hood Gate at 4 pm, canters across flower-speckled parkland, then ties the horses at Ham Common while riders toast the sunset. Spaces vanish fast—book early and be ready for exhilarating stretches of open gallop.

5. Self-Guided Hacks in the Chiltern Hills

Cholsey Farm Riding 

Distance: 40 mi / ≈ 1 h drive to Ibstone
Price: From £15 (self-guided) or £35 (private guided) 
Rider Level: Confident in independent control
Season: Year-round

Cholsey Farm Riding hands you a fit hire horse, OS-mapped routes (17 circular loops), and says “see you at tea-time”. Canter ridge-top bridleways with red kites overhead, stop at a hill-pub, or picnic among bluebells. A rare chance to explore at your pace instead of nose-to-tail.

6. Learn Polo at Guards Polo Academy, Ascot

Guards Polo Academy

Distance: 29 mi / ≈ 45 m drive or train 📍 Ascot
Price: Beginner lesson from £250 
Rider Level: Total Beginner → Aspiring Pro
Season: April – September

Set on Coworth Park’s manicured fields, a pro coach teaches off-horse swing basics, then mounts you on a schoolmaster polo pony. Within an hour you’ll be cantering down the boards, mallet cracking the ball—a huge adrenaline hit and a brag-worthy day out.

7. Champagne Hack at Coworth Park, Ascot

Dorchester Collection

Distance: Same as above (Ascot)
Price: £155 for a private 1-h ride + glass of Champagne
Rider Level: Any (pace tailored)
Season: Year-round; book 7 days ahead

Prefer indulgence to intensity? Glide through Coworth’s wildflower meadows on a steady school horse, then clink flutes of chilled Champagne while the sun dips over Berkshire. Ideal for anniversaries, proposals, or just spoiling yourself after a rough work week.

Quick-Glance Comparison

How to Choose

1. Check Skill Requirements: Total beginners should target Windsor hacks or Coworth’s tailored rides.

2. Mind the Season: Beach rides depend on tides; pub rides run only June–August.

3. Book Early: Most providers cap group sizes (beach hacks often six riders max).

4. Ask About Weight Limits & Gear: Helmets are supplied, but some centres cap rider weight at 88 kg (Stag Lodge) or require own footwear.

5. Plan Transport: Trains reach every spot except the Chiltern self-hack (car recommended).