Horse Riding in & Near the Cotswolds Lakes
If you’re staying at the Cotswold Water Park, then venturing a little further afield for a horse-riding experience is one of the most magical ways to discover the wider Cotswolds.
Within a 20-mile radius of the lakes, you’ll easily find friendly, professional riding centres offering everything from gentle beginner rides through picturesque Cotswold villages to more advanced hacks in stunning parkland. These stables combine well-cared-for horses and qualified instructors in breathtaking countryside – perfect for families, couples or solo travellers looking to slow down and see the Cotswolds from a whole new perspective.
Here’s our carefully curated guide to the best horse-riding opportunities near the Cotswold Lakes, starting with those closest to the water park and moving outward.
Rein & Shine Equestrian Centre (Closest to the Cotswold Water Park)
Rein & Shine is a highly commended British Horse Society (BHS) riding school set in the rolling Wiltshire countryside and close to the Cotswold Lakes.
Visitors praise the friendly, inclusive atmosphere, encouraging instructors and the way staff make complete beginners feel right at ease.
Many families highlight the clean facilities, supportive environment and excellent horses that suit all abilities – ideal if you’re basing yourself at the Cotswold Lakes and want a relaxed, professional introduction to riding or a fun pony day. Reviewers often describe it as a welcoming “big family” feel with a focus on rider confidence and horse welfare.
Address: 1 Buryhill Farm, Braydon Road, Swindon, SN5 0AD
Opening Hours: Open seven days a week (office manned daily). Lessons and activities by appointment – from experience, we’d say that booking well in advance is essential.
Website: https://www.reinandshine.co.uk/riding-school/riding-school/
Phone Number: 01666 860068
Contact Email: info@reinandshine.co.uk
Talland School of Equitation (Ampney Knowle, near Cirencester)
Nestled in 120 acres of classic Cotswold pasture just outside Cirencester, Talland School of Equitation has been a family-run favourite since 1958.
Tripadvisor feedback repeatedly highlights the “marvellous” top-class training, super-friendly and patient staff (especially instructors like Pippa and Pammy), the fab Talland café and wonderfully schooled horses that make every session enjoyable and confidence-boosting.
Guests love the family atmosphere, beautiful countryside and how even nervous riders can leave feeling accomplished. Whether you’re after a single riding lesson, a short series of lessons or a riding holiday, it’s a perfect next step for quality tuition.
Address: Dairy Farm, Ampney Knowle, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 5FD
Opening Hours Lessons and visits by appointment (yard typically operates daytime hours).
Website URL: https://www.talland.net/
Phone Number: 01285 740155
Contact Email: office@talland.net
Greenhill Equitation (Daglingworth, Cirencester Park)
Tucked into the breathtaking countryside of Cirencester Park in the village of Daglingworth, Greenhill Equitation offers:
- Professional coaching
- Excellent livery standards
- Scenic hacking right on your doorstep
People who have been mention the friendly team, immaculate yard, well-cared-for horses and peaceful hacks. Many also note the supportive learning environment and high standards of horse welfare.
Address: Manor Farm Stables, Lower End, Daglingworth, Cirencester GL7 7AH
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 07:30 to 17:30 (Sunday closed)
Website: https://www.greenhillequitation.com/
Phone Number: 01285 644982
Contact Email: lesson@greenhillequitation.com
Bourton Vale Equestrian Centre (Bourton-on-the-Water)
A short scenic drive north from the lakes brings you to Bourton Vale Equestrian Centre in the heart of the Cotswolds.
This popular spot is loved for its dreamy hacks through the picture-perfect villages of Lower and Upper Slaughter, often including a paddle in the River Eye.
Tripadvisor reviews glow about the professional yet friendly guides (Verity gets special mentions), kind and well-behaved horses, fabulous views, and how welcoming the team is for complete beginners, nervous riders and families. Many describe it as a “beautiful hack in a dreamy setting” – the perfect way to experience classic Cotswold countryside. Prices typically start from around £50–£75 per person depending on ride length (check the website for current rates).
Address: Stow Road, Bourton-on-the-Water, GL54 2HN
Opening Hours: Typically 09:00 to 17:00 (rides by appointment; confirm when booking)
Website: https://bourtonvaleequestrian.co.uk/
Phone Number: 07910 138465 (also WhatsApp)
Contact Email: bvecyard@gmail.com
Cotswolds Riding (Stanton, near Broadway)
Cotswolds Riding, run by the highly experienced Jill Carenza, has been delighting riders since 1975, from a picturesque 17th-century Cotswold stone house in the charming village of Stanton.
Tripadvisor reviewers praise the exceptionally well-cared-for horses along with the knowledgeable, encouraging instructors who help riders of all levels make progress.
Guests love the splendid hacks through classic Cotswold countryside, the friendly welcoming atmosphere and how even beginners are made to feel confident.
With over 50 well-schooled horses, it’s an ideal spot for a memorable Cotswolds riding experience further north from the lakes, combining quality tuition with stunning views.
Address: Washpool Equestrian Centre, Stanton, Nr. Broadway, Worcestershire, WR12 7NE
Opening Hours: Riding stables: 08:00 – 18:00 daily
Website: https://www.cotswoldsriding.co.uk/
Phone Number: 01386 584250
Contact Email: info@cotswoldsriding.co.uk
Durham Farm Riding School / Cotswold Riding (Chastleton area, near Moreton-in-Marsh)
This friendly, family-run riding school sits on farmland in the glorious North Cotswold countryside. Visitors highlight the lovely, relaxed atmosphere, friendly and welcoming staff and the well-loved horses and ponies that are clearly happy and well cared for.
Tripadvisor visitor feedback often mentions excellent instruction suitable for children and adults, combined with beautiful surrounding countryside that makes every session enjoyable and safe.
Families return year after year, appreciating the caring team and the opportunity to ride in peaceful Cotswold farmland – a lovely option when exploring a little further from the lakes.
Address: Upper Woodhills Farm, Lower Lemington, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 9NW
Opening Hours: By appointment (typically daytime hours; contact to confirm)
Website: https://www.cotswoldriding.com/
Phone Number: 07766 363550
Contact Email: info@cotswoldriding.com
Barton End Stables (Nailsworth)
Barton End Stables is a welcoming, BHS-approved riding centre set in beautiful Cotswold countryside near Nailsworth. Reviewers recommend the friendly staff and owner, lovely well-cared-for horses that appear happy and healthy and the fantastic facilities that create a supportive learning environment for all ages and abilities – from tiny beginners to experienced riders.
Many highlight the beautiful hacking routes with amazing views, the professional yet relaxed approach, and how the team makes everyone feel comfortable and confident. It’s particularly popular with families and those wanting quality lessons or scenic hacks in a peaceful setting, making it a worthwhile short drive from the Cotswold Lakes.
Address: Barton End, Nailsworth, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL6 0QF
Opening Hours: Generally 08:00 to 20:00 Tuesday to Friday; until 18:00 Saturday & Sunday (confirm when booking)
Website: https://bartonendstables.co.uk/
Phone Number: 01453 834915
Contact Email: enquiries@bartonendstables.co.uk
Horse riding in and near the Cotswolds offers a wonderful contrast to the water-based fun of the Cotswold Lakes. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a returning rider, these stables provide safe, scenic, and memorable experiences that showcase the very best of the area.
Ready to saddle up?
Contact your chosen centre directly above or visit their websites to check availability and current details. Enjoy your Cotswolds adventure on horseback – it might just become the highlight of your lakeside break!
