Horse Riding Beaches
Love horse riding? Check out the amazing beach rides and riding holidays around the UK coast.
Horse Riding Beaches UK
There is lots of opportunity to ride horses on the beach in the UK. There are of beaches around England, Ireland and Wales you are allowed to ride on. For a wonderful exhilarating experience read on to find out where you can go riding on the beach.
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Horse Riding South East England
Horse Riding South West England
Horse Riding North West England
Horse Riding on the South East Coast
Horse riding along the South East Coast of England offers an exhilarating blend of scenic beauty and adventure. Here’s a quick guide to the best beaches for horse riding in Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, and Hayling Island.
Kent
- Camber Sands: Low tide riding only, with summer restrictions (before 8:30 AM and after 7 PM).
- Thanet Beaches: Riding allowed, restricted between 9 AM and 7 PM from May 1 to September 30.
- Greatstone Beach: Expansive sands ideal for careful exploration.
Sussex
- Camber Sands (East Sussex): Same restrictions as listed under Kent, excellent for early morning or evening rides.
- West Wittering: Perfect for miles of sandy gallops; arrangements with local stables recommended.
- Ferring Beach: Restricted between 10 AM and 6 PM during summer months.
- Bracklesham Bay: Easy access via slipway; great for relaxed rides at low tide.
Hampshire
- Hayling Island (West Beachlands): Restricted from 10 AM to 7 PM between Good Friday and September 30; best during low tide.
- Hayling Billy Trail: Scenic coastal path for equestrians with views of Langstone Harbour.
Isle of Wight
- Bembridge Beach: Winter rides with Sally’s Riding School.
- St. Helen’s Beach: Summer routes with guided options extending to Priory Bay.
- Compton Bay: Rugged and serene, with some restrictions; best outside peak hours.
General Tips
- Check tide times and local regulations.
- Respect restricted riding hours, particularly during summer.
- Always be considerate of other beach users and the environment.
The South East Coast offers diverse equestrian adventures, whether you’re seeking tranquil trails or invigorating gallops along the shoreline.
Riding Schools on the South East Coast
ISLE OF WIGHT
Island Riding
Island Riding on the Isle of Wight has wonderful beach rides.
WEST SUSSEX
Ferring Country Centre
Offering group and private lessons and hacks including beach rides.
SUSSEX
Sussex Riding School
Enjoy horse riding in the Sussex coast.
Horse Riding on the South West Coast
Horse riding along the South West coast of England offers an unforgettable experience, combining stunning scenery with the exhilaration of riding across sandy shores. Here’s a quick guide to the best beaches for equestrian adventures in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, and Somerset.
Best Beaches for Horse Riding on the South West Coast
Cornwall
- Perranporth Beach: 3 miles of golden sand; Reen Manor Stables offers rides for all experience levels.
- Gwithian and Godrevy Beaches: Scenic rides with a chance to spot seals; half-day rides from Cornish Riding Holidays.
- Sennen Beach: Long stretches of sand (check local regulations).
Devon
- Woolacombe Beach: 3-mile stretch; Woolacombe Stables provide rides for all levels, including countryside trails.
- Exmouth Beach: Accessible during non-peak hours; riders should respect local guidelines.
- Bantham Beach: Beautiful crescent-shaped shoreline with views of Burgh Island.
Dorset
- Studland Bay: 3 miles of sandy beach with views of Old Harry Rocks; beach rides available October to June.
- Chesil Beach: Dramatic seascapes (check permissions for riding).
Somerset
- Brean Beach: 7 miles of open sand; ample space for galloping and parking for horseboxes.
- Sand Bay: Quiet and scenic; follow tide lines and avoid dunes.
- Weston-Super-Mare Beach: Time restrictions apply in summer; stick to the tide line.
Riding Schools on the South West Coast
DEVON
Woolacombe Riding
Discover the Devon coast on horseback near Woolacombe beach.
CORNWALL
Cornish Riding Holidays
Cornwall riding holidays are a fantastic way to explore the coastline. Rides for all levels on Gwithian and Godrevy beaches.
DORSET
Studland Stables
Go riding along Studland beaches on the stunning Dorset coast.
CORNWALL
Cornish Swimming Horses
Swim and ride with the horses – beautiful Cornish horses. A beach riding holiday you will never forget.
Horse Riding on the North West Coast
A Brief Overview of Beach Horse Riding on the North West Coast
Horse riding on the beaches of North West England offers unforgettable experiences, from gallops along golden sands to peaceful trots with breathtaking coastal views. Here’s a quick guide to the best beaches by county:
Cumbria
- Silecroft Beach: Perfect for all riders, with views of the Lake District and beach rides by Cumbrian Heavy Horses.
- Haverigg Beach: Long, open sands ideal for galloping or scenic coastal rides.
Lancashire
- Blackpool Beach: Open sections for riding outside summer restrictions near North and South Piers.
- Lytham St Annes Beach: Horses allowed outside the designated bathing area.
- Morecambe and Heysham Beaches: Expansive beaches with minimal restrictions—ideal for quiet rides.
Merseyside
- Ainsdale Beach: Permits required; offers regulated access and vast sandy spaces.
- Formby Beach: Horsebox-friendly access via Lifeboat Road car park; scenic bridle path to the beach.
- Wirral Beaches: 10km of coastline from Lower Heswall to Hoylake, but watch for mud and soft sand.
Quick Tips for Riders
- Check local rules and permits before planning your ride.
- Plan for low tide for maximum space and safety.
- Respect seasonal restrictions during busy summer months.
- Wear safety gear and be mindful of other beach users.
From the dramatic Cumbrian coastline to the wide-open sands of Merseyside, the North West’s beaches are perfect for memorable equestrian adventures!
Riding Schools on the North West Coast
LANCASHIRE
Halsall Riding
Beach rides are available for experienced riders at Halsall Riding Stables.
CUMBRIA
Murthwaite Green Riding
Murthwaite Green Beach Riding at Silecroft beach in Cumbria.
Horse Riding on the North East Coast
The beaches along the North East coast of England offer some fantastic opportunities for horse riding. One of the best beaches in the North east is Druridge Bay as well as toward Holy Island. Horses are allowed on all East Riding beaches except Bridlington, Hornsea, Withernsea and Sefton.
Here’s a quick guide to the best beaches for horse riding in each county.
Northumberland
- Druridge Bay: Wide sands; ideal for galloping; ample horsebox parking.
- Beadnell Bay: Ride in north and south sections; seasonal restrictions (May–August).
- Goswick Beach: Long stretches with views of Holy Island and Bamburgh Castle.
- Bamburgh Beach: Iconic rides past Bamburgh Castle and the Farne Islands.
- Holy Island Beach: Expansive sands available through local riding centres.
- Alnmouth Beach: Quiet beach with easy access from Boathouses Car Park.
Durham
- Hartlepool Beach: Open for horse riding; check with local council for details.
Yorkshire and East Riding of Yorkshire
- Fraisthorpe Beach: Flat and open sands; accessible year-round.
- Filey Beach: Riding allowed year-round, with summer restrictions lifted October–April.
- East Riding Beaches: Riding permitted on all beaches except Bridlington, Hornsea, and Withernsea.
Tyne & Wear
- Marsden Bay: Grass cliff-top rides (the Leas); beach inaccessible for horses.
- Blyth to Seaton Sluice: Beautiful stretch accessible from Ranch car park or Fountain Head.
Riding Schools on the North East Coast
YORKSHIRE
Farsyde Riding Centre
The Farsyde Riding Centre offers horse riding on Robin Hood’s Bay Beach.
NORTHUMBERLAND
Kimmerston Riding
Go horseriding along the stunning beaches of Holy Island of Lindisfarne.
NORTHUMBERLAND
Slate Hall Riding Centre
Specialising in beach rides, along Seahouses beach overlooking the Farne Islands and Holy Island.
Horse Riding on the East Anglia Coast
The East Coast of England offers spectacular beaches for horse riding, with golden sands and stunning scenery. Some of the best places to ride horses on the beach are here. You will often see early morning riders along Holkham beach in Norfolk.
Here’s a quick guide to the best beaches for equestrians in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex:
Norfolk
- Holkham Beach
- Miles of golden sands, no seasonal restrictions.
- Parking available for horseboxes.
- Holme Beach
- Horse riding permitted, but avoid sand dunes (protected areas).
- Brancaster Beach
- Restrictions May–September (ride before 9 am or after 6 pm).
Suffolk
- Pakefield Beach
- Suitable for all levels, year-round access.
- Local riding school offers guided beach rides.
Essex
- Frinton Beach
- Riding allowed year-round.
- Restrictions May–September (before 9 am or after 8 pm).
- Shoebury East Beach (Southend)
- Riding permitted during summer before 9 am and after 9 pm.
Riding Schools on the East Coast
NORFOLK
Hot to Trot Riding
Why not go on an exhilarating beach ride with Hot to Trot.
SUFFOLK
Pakefield Riding School
BHS Qualified Instructors with well mannered horses and ponies suitable for all ages.
Tips for Riding on UK Beaches
If you are planning to go riding on the beach, check whether you need a permit. Some councils have permit systems and/or horsebox charges. Horses are allowed on the beaches during quieter periods.
- Check tide times and local regulations before riding.
- Wear safety gear (riding hat, hi-vis vest).
- Respect protected areas and other beach users.
- Clean up after your horse.
- Early mornings or evenings are the best times for quieter rides.
Enjoy the stunning beaches of the East Coast and make memories galloping by the waves!
UK Beach Guide
Go to the Beach Guide
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