Riding Weekend in the Cotswolds

I love a weekend away but a weekend in the stunning Cotswolds countryside, with horse riding, stunning hotels and delicious food certainly can’t be beaten, even if it does rain… a lot.

Perfect for groups with or without children. Doggies welcome on this trip! So if you’re looking for a family and dog friendly active weekend away with friends this is a winner.

We stayed in the Lygon arms in Broadway, which if you have never been to think The Holiday. Quaint village high-street, surrounded by chocolate box cottages. Mixed in with a great Deli, shops and a few estate agents so you indulge in a little fantasy shopping while you’re there.

The Lygon arms is a large hotel that manages to behave like a boutique one. The bar area is made up of lots of knoocs and crannies where you can easily hide away next to a lovely roaring fire. First, before enjoying this it was time to earn our dinner with a two hour hack at Jill Carenza’s riding school which is based a ten minute drive away in Stanton. Another stunning village, this definitely ticks all the boxes for a very ascetically pleasing spot. Apparently the area is usually incredibly busy with tourists who come for its very British country style, Covid isn’t helping much on that front. The village is however still full of very enthusiastic riders venturing off into the hills that sit behind it.

If you’re looking for a great riding weekend that suits all levels then Jill’s is a great spot. You can mix the levels of riders on the hack too because if needed they will send someone out to lead people while the others go off galloping along with the hack guide. You can also choose to have a lesson or do a lesson/hack combo. They of course provide body protectors and hats but I would always recommend some chaps and boots, Ariat are both stylish and comfortable if you’re in need of some new boots.

We got absolutely soaked on our ride and sadly couldn’t see the amazing views that this part of the country has to offer. The horses were quick to respond and you didn’t feel that you had to chase them to get them to keep going. At the same time they were relaxed and put the rider at ease straight away which if you have been to many riding schools you know is a good thing.

Once we finished our hack we headed back to the hotel to spruce up a bit (I looked more like a drown rat than anything else). Rooms where smallish but cosy and had clearly been recently decorated. They also had some amazing heat coming off the old fashioned radiators which was handy to dry all our sodden clothes.

Drinks and snacks at the bar, all of which were delicious. Then a quick taxi ride to the local pub. If you have time make use of the hotel bar as its a great place to spend a couple of hours in comfort while people watching.

The next day, feeling well rested because pubs have to close at 10pm, which judging from my head may have been a blessing in disguise we had a quick walk around Broadway. I always like an early morning run or strole when a place is at its most quiet. After looking at lots of houses that we can’t afford, back to the hotel for breakfast which as you suspected was gorgeous, relaxed and plenty of it. We had breakfast included in our room rate so the endless coffee, drinks, hot food etc was fantastic.

Now to earn our lunch, seeing as after breakfast we weren’t that hungry and we had lunch at the Mount booked. Back to Stanton as some of our party had hacks booked for the Sunday too, my bum didn’t fancy that. You can park in the pub car park and then as you come out and turn to the left is great walk up to hills. You can easily walk for a couple of hours and loop back around before finishing at the pub. You can eat inside or out but obviously its pretty cold so inside it was. You can also stop there for a drink however at the moment (wrap up warm as drinks where served outside only).

A nice relaxed vibe for a pub where they are use to walkers with muddy boots. I can’t recommend the roasts enough but also the vegetarian burger was a goodie too. Again dog friendly!

You can also book a room at Jill Carenza’s BnB. I haven’t stayed there myself but have only heard great things about it. It is a cheaper option than the Lygon arms and still fantastic. Although maybe without children as I’ve heard the breakfast can get a little boozy.

Useful links

Riding - http://www.cotswoldsriding.co.uk

For an extra special weekend away - https://www.lygonarmshotel.co.uk

Pubs - https://www.themountinn.co.uk

Walk - we joined the Cotswolds way

Riding boots - https://www.ariat.com/gb/en/women-footwear-riding