AD | One of my favourite horsey memories is the first time I rode on a beach. It was in Corfu and we were on ex-racehorses, who used to be taken to the beach for their training gallops. Safe to say it was a wild ride that I have never forgotten! Nowadays my daughter, Flora, is a firm convert to the joys of riding horses too. And horse riding in Cornwall in particular, because on holiday last summer we were lucky enough to go on some brilliant beach rides on the Lizard Peninsula.
Horse riding in Cornwall – a safe and fun staycation activity
Travel abroad remains off the cards for many of us, but I’m choosing to see that as a silver lining. There are so many gorgeous places right here at home for a safe and fun-filled staycation, and Cornwall is definitely one of those top spots. If you’re looking for accommodation in Cornwall, there’s a wide range of locations and special offers to choose from. Alternatively, if you own your own motorhome or camper van, then don’t forget to check out some affordable motorhome insurance before you go.
Because riding holidays really are one of the safest options this year – fresh air, exercise, and eco-friendly too. Of course it goes without saying, you should always purchase some travel insurance* too, even if you’re only going away in the UK.
Horse riding in Cornwall is a unique way to explore the coastline, with beach rides, coastal trails, and countryside hacks available for all experience levels. Popular locations include Perranporth, Newquay, St Ives, and the Lizard Peninsula, where riders can enjoy everything from gentle treks to exhilarating gallops along wide sandy beaches. Many experiences are guided by professional stables, making it a safe and memorable activity for beginners and experienced riders alike.
Horse riding near me – where do I look?
Some of the most popular places to go horse riding in Cornwall on the beach are St Ives, Newquay, Bude, Perranporth, and Padstow. But there are stables all over the county to choose from too. Here are my top 5 brilliant beach rides and riding experiences that I’d recommend for your Cornish holiday.
Beach rides at Perranporth
Only 8 miles from Newquay, Reen Manor riding stables offer a two hour hack over the Perran sand dunes and down onto Perranporth beach, with its huge 3 mile expanse of sand. Just imagine all that space, you’d feel as if you were in Poldark, wouldn’t you?
Or you could opt for a half-day pub ride and enjoy the views of Perranporth and the sand dunes instead. Then follow quiet leafy lanes through to a local 16th century inn for a pub lunch and drinks before riding back to the stables.
Beach rides on the Lizard Peninsula
Flora and I enjoyed one of Newton Equestrian‘s beach rides last summer and we’re hoping to try the others this year too. Our Polurrian Cove ride took us through the village of Mullion, before heading down an enclosed bridle path onto the beach.
Their Kynance ride maps around the edge of Predannack Air Field towards the very popular Kynance Cove and covers lots of bridle paths and open heath land with fantastic scenery and views. And their last ride, across the National Trust run Penrose Estate down to Loe Bar, covers beaches, woodland, a lake, fields and bridle paths. We can’t wait to go back to Mullion for our next horse riding in Cornwall beach experience this summer!
Hen or Stag group rides in Newquay
It’s not just overseas family holidays that are trickier to organise right now, so are the traditional Hen or Stag parties in European cities. So why not look at some beach horse riding in Newquay instead? Because it’s very hard to maintain a hangover while you’re out riding a horse 🙂
Trenance Stables offer discounts for large groups with some beautiful scenic and coastal rides to choose from. After which you could try catching a few waves in one of the top surf spots in Cornwall if you’ve got any energy left.
Beach rides near Penzance and St Ives
As backdrops go, you can’t get much more iconic that St Michael’s Mount, so the two hour beach ride from Tremenheere Riding Stables is one not to be missed. Trekking down to Marazion beach, experienced riders can take advantage of the long stretch of golden sand for a splashy gallop along the shoreline at low tide. Or, you can stay on the lead rein if you’re less confident. Small groups of 5 riders are led by an experienced instructor, so you can feel perfectly safe, whatever stage of riding you’re at.
Swimming with horses
How amazing does this sound? Cornwall Swimming Horses riding stables use their local beach at Long Rock with St Michael’s Mount as the backdrop to swim in the sea at high tide. And they also offer exhilarating beach rides for experienced riders at low tide.
Swimming with horses is a unique and unusual experience, that’s exciting, therapeutic and fun. Riders and non-riders, young and old, fit and unfit, can all benefit from this amazing experience as each swim is tailored to the rider’s needs and requests, and each horse is accompanied by its own trained handler.
Beach rides – what do I need to know?
Local authorities prefer horses are not taken on the beach between 10am-6pm during the peak season, which is usually from April to September. So, you can’t just hop on a horse and go for a gallop, scattering picnicking families in your sandy wake. Your horseback experience needs to be with a registered riding stables or equestrian centre, who’ll know the rules for their local area. And that usually means either an early morning ride or a late evening one.
My top tips for the best riding experience
If you’re heading for a beach ride, be prepared to get wet! Riding in the surf kicks up a lot of spray, so old clothes are a must, as any experienced riders will tell you. Of course if beach rides aren’t your thing, then you could go trail riding or pony trekking across the moor.
Or, if you’re a complete beginner, you could book yourself a few lessons first with a friendly riding school, before going out on a gentle hack around the country lanes. Riding has so many positive benefits. The physical exercise increases core strength and burns calories, and being on a horse outside in the fresh air has a massive improvement on mental health.
So however you plan your riding holiday, don’t forget your travel insurance*, and I sincerely believe you’ll have the time of your life – and quite literally enjoy the ride!
Have you ever gone horse riding in Cornwall? Or tried an equestrian escape? What type of riding do you think you’d love to try most? An exhilarating beach ride, an all-day pony trek, or a gentler hack around the countryside?
* This post is written in collaboration with Hotels.com but all views are my own. This post also contains affiliate links, please see my Disclaimer.
Cornwall is idyllic to go horse riding isn’t it? A great location and activity for the family. I can imagine the excitement on your daughter’s face when it’s time to go horse riding.
Do you think our friends Joshua and Lemara would love that?
Oh yes, it is, some of the beaches are almost tropical – and yes, I rather think Joshua and Lemara would love it too!
Fantastic suggestions! All these sounds fun!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Thank you, they are 🙂
Aaaah my hubby took me horse riding for my birthday a few years ago in Derby, but I had no idea we did horse riding on a beach in the UK!!!! This sounds like such a dream, and Cornwall is a beautiful part of the country,…. I really want to go now! Thank you so much for sharing <3
Oh yes, it’s not uncommon, but you do have to find the right stables and the right beach – it’s an amazing feeling, I can’t wait to go back again! x
I’ve never rode a horse before but this sounds amazing! I’ve been to Cornwall on holiday before and can imagine how amazing this would be with how beautiful of a place it is!
Honestly, it’s the best feeling, especially if you can do it on a beach, it’s like flying!
This sounds so fun. I have always wanted to ride a horse on the beach. I will added Cornwall to my list of places to go. Thank you for sharing.
It’s one of those bucket list activities, isn’t it? Very movie-inspired!
Oh, I missed so much riding lately and this post was truly what I needed! The girls and I have been having a look around to check some spots for a staycation and really need to convince them to try a ride on the beach, it would be dreamy! They have never ridden a horse, so it might need some work! I went on a horse trek in Sicily and went regularly in the woods around the riding school I used to go back home and have such great memories x
I think it’s one of the best life skills to have – if you can ride a horse, you get to explore in a way that’s just not possible in a car or even on a bike. And the connection between horse and human is something that is really quite magical – so good luck, I hope you can persuade the girls this year! x
Okay I’ll admit you would not see me on a horse in Cornwall or anywhere for that matter because horses terrify me. Not to look at or anything but they’re just such powerful creatures and it really intimidates me so I wouldn’t get on one. But I love Cornwall and I’d definitely love to go back!
Ah no, it all depends on the horse! They are among the gentlest creatures imaginable. My horse I had when I was younger was a fruit loop with me, but when my mother got on her back, she was the perfect angel because she knew my mother couldn’t ride as well as me. They know, and they will look after you! x
All of these beaches look amazing and I can imagine riding a horse on the beach is a unique experience. Great post xx
Thank you – yes, it is, highly recommended if you get the chance! x
oh wow I cannot tell you how much I’d love to do this in the summer. I absolutely love Cornwall and can’t wait for new adventures!
Rosie
Go for it, you honestly won’t regret it, it’s such a thrill!
I really want to try horse riding though I’m so scared haha, what more when on a beach?? That would be so much fun, looking at the sunset. The peninsula is my favorite! Great tips you have there, Lisa. Will keep this in mind when I can convince my dad to go horse riding haha. Thanks for sharing!
Oh no, you shouldn’t be scared, you’d be on a horse that’s used to beach rides and you could stay on a lead rein too – hope you can experience it though, it’s amazing!
Something I’ve never thought of.
I’d love to swim with horses 😀
Me too, it looks amazing!
I adore horses and this is a lovely idea for a day out! Cornwall is such a beautiful spot to go horse riding in as well! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Oh yes, it really is, just perfect! x
A beach ride in Cornwall?! WOW!!! I love the idea. I’ve been to Cornwall, but didn’t think this is possible. I will have to do it next time. I think my husband would love the whole “Poldark” vibe too. :)) Fantastic post!
Oh it is, and I can personally attest to how much FUN it is! Hope you can book something next time you go!
Wow……I believe this activity is also good for mental health. Would like to try it if I travel to Cornwall in the future. Thank you for sharing.
Yes, it is, I hope you can try it if you come to Cornwall – or maybe there might be some beach rides near you in the meantime?
I have watched, several times, the horse riding groups in Cornwall and I always think it looks so liberating. I adore Cornwall.
But I am quite allergic to horses! Sadly!
Brilliant post Lisa, really useful x
Ah no, that’s such a shame – actually, so is Flora but we stuff her full of antihistamine so she can power through! xx
I really enjoyed this post! I had one experience many years ago riding a horse on a beach and I loved it! Thanks for reminding me about this experience and the many opportunities around us!
Ah, you’re welcome, Jodie, glad to have brought back some happy memories!
I used to do riding as a kid and loved going for hacks in the countryside! I’d have to take some lessons but would love to go on a riding holiday!
Daisy xoxo
It’s like riding a bike, you never forget 🙂
If there is one good thing that has come from the current travel restrictions, it’s the fact that it is encouraging all of us to explore our own backyards. I know that we have also been having fun with the ‘staycation’ approach over the last year and there are things nearby that I didn’t even know were an option!
I grew up around horse farms and have taken many trail rides over the years, but I’ve never been on a beach ride. That looks like such a beautiful experience. Have you ever found yourself reading about something and realizing that it’s the newest item now on your bucket list? That’s what’s happening for me right now! lol
Aw, Britt, that is just the loveliest thing to say, wow, I feel so happy that a beach ride is now on your bucket list! It’s such an amazing experience, I’m sure you won’t regret it 🙂
My sister and I are going on a three hour mountain horse ride this weekend! It was a treat to see some of the amazing locations that people can go riding in Cornwall; a sunset beach ride sounds perfect to me, but I am most thrilled by the thought of swimming with horses. Never done that before, but what an adventure!
Thanks for sharing some of the memories behind this writing, Lisa. 🙂
Ooooh, lucky you, although I bet you’ll be stiff next Monday! I know, swimming with horses sounds amazing, it’s definitely on my bucket list now 🙂
It must be over 10 years since I last rode a horse, and it was soooo good for my (now-puny) muscles 😅 I live in Cornwall, and I’ve always wanted to visit Reen Manor, so maybe this post is just the sign I’ve been waiting for!
Ohhhh, you are so lucky! I would love to live near Perranporth, I’d be on that beach every day, whatever the weather! I hope you do get to Reen Manor now 🙂
I’ve never ridden a horse, I’ve certainly never swam with a horse (who knew that was a thing), and I’ve never been to Cornwall either. Not sure how safe is feel riding a horse with my PPPD. But it certainly looks like an amazing experience
I think you’d need to visit a stables and see how you felt. Perhaps if you went out on a lead rein that might give you more confidence? Riding is such a wonderful feeling though, I hope you can try it!
i love horseback riding, especially beach rides and have tried swimming with horses too. Cornwall looks beautiful and I can’t wait to someday try it there!
Oh lucky you, swimming with horses is HIGH on my bucket list!
I would love to go horse riding one day. I have always loved horses and would love to go on a vacation and ride horses. Hopefully one day I will be able to.
I hope you can too, it’s a wonderful thing to do 🙂
Oh WOW! I always want to ride a horse. We have one in Bali but I haven’t got the chance to ride one. I have to try it this year!
Oh you do, you do, you definitely won’t regret it!
I’ve never been to Cornwall and never ridden a horse before so I’m not sure if it would be one for me. However, I’d love to visit Cornwall so who knows, maybe if I visit I might decide on a beach ridE!
You could always go out on a lead rein first, to build up your confidence – I hope you can try it, Hannah, it’s such a wonderful feeling!
I’ve never done horse riding in the beach before but it looks like so much fun! Especially swimming with horses that sounds amazing x
The swimming part looks fantastic, doesn’t it? What an experience!
Horse riding in St Ives sounds divine, really loved all the hints and tips on how to make the most out of the experience, would be a wonderful bit of self-care to get out into the ocean air on a majestic horse, great post!
I love the way you look at this, yes, I agree, it would be the ultimate in self-care for me too!
Such a fab post!
I love perrnporth, such a beautiful place 🙂
Emma
Thank you, I do too 🙂
Very informative article; it looks like an amazing place to go horseback riding.
Thank you, yes, Cornwall is great for horse riding!
Lovely suggestions, I would love to try 😃
Thanks for sharing
https://uncuaderno4cero.wordpress.com/
Thank you, I hope you can some day 🙂
It has been YEARS since I’ve been horse riding, but I grew up riding horses & when me & my parents went on vacation we always went on trail rides.
A beach ride sounds so fun & I wonder if they do that here in Denmark!
Oh, your holidays sound so much fun though – and I’m sure Denmark must have some beach rides, you have some beautiful beaches!
I went horseback riding on the beach in Jamaica once and really enjoyed it. I never thought to go with a group of friends though. That would be really fun.
Yes, it would, I think it would make an ideal group activity, something to really remember 🙂
I used to have horse riding lessons as a child, but I have never ridden on a beach. These rides sound absolutely beautiful! x
Don’t they just? I can’t wait to try them later this year! x
Oh wow, this sounds like something out of a movie!
It really does, doesn’t it? 🙂
Lovely post! Thank you for sharing this! I’ve been to Newquay a few years ago and the beaches were lovely there! I’ve never ridden a horse before but I would love to do it especially on the beach on holiday!
It’s definitely an amazing experience you’ll remember for a loooooong time!
I absolutely adore Kynance cove and didn’t realise you could ride the beaches there. Sounds like a memory I would like to create.
It’s definitely one of my bucket list items too 🙂
We’ve always wanted to go to Cornwall, but it’s such a long journey for us that we haven’t quite gotten there yet. Horse riding on the beaches sounds amazing though!
Claire.X
http://www.clairemac.co.uk
Doesn’t it though? We can’t wait for summer now!
Ohh wauw i’ve never been to cornwall, but this sounds and looks amazing! Thanks for sharing 🙂
xoxo Annaleid
http://www.actuallyanna.com
You’re welcome – I hope you can visit sometime 🙂
Cornwall isn’t local to me, but I love dreaming about future vacations 🙂 I’ve gone on a horseback riding tour in Costa Rica before and that was a lot of fun. Swimming with horses sounds both scary and exhilarating! What a cool idea!
Costa Rica sounds wild though, that must have been amazing!
Never knew you could fo this in Cornwall. Will have to take the kids if we get over this year
Oh yes, I hope you enjoy it if you can get down!
This sounds soo lovely! Horse riding on the beach is actually on my bucket list! So this was a dreamy read.
Thank you so much – I hope you get to go sometime soon!
I really want to visit Cornwall this year and these activities look amazing! Horses are so beautiful so it’s nice to have a list of all the places that offer horse riding! Thanks for sharing!
I hope you can get down there – and try some horse riding, it’s an experience not to be missed!
This does look like fun, although I get a little anxious when horse riding (due to past experience).
Ah, I’m sorry to hear that, Nikki. Maybe going out on the lead rein might help you enjoy it more?
These landscapes are breathtaking. Hope to enjoy them one day. Thanks for let us experience your own emotions. Best hugs 🙂
xx Dasynka
I hope you can too, thank you!
I would love to do this! I’ve never been on a horse ride at the beach before! 🙂
Hope that you had a good weekend 🙂 It’s a relaxing long weekend for us!
You should definitely try it, it’s amazing! And yes, thank you, same here too 🙂
Thanks for sharing, I have always wanted to do a beach ride when I used to ride, I only managed to do a trek through a forset as trees had fallen so we could not make it to the beach, this was in Wales. I do hope that one day I can do one of these rides 🙂
I went pony trekking in Wales many years ago, it was amazing! Like you, it was through a forest, and it was a wonderful day 🙂