Exmoor Farmhouse Getaway, England
Reviews
“I had a wonderful time. The house was comfortable, the food was fantastic and the horses were awesome. Everyone involved was friendly and helpful. And it was enjoyable, as a single rider, to have other riders to spend time with. The horses, as I said, were great - responsive and sure-footed, friendly and vice-free. They are also well cared for, and their friendliness surely speaks to the positive way they're treated by the staff. The rides themselves were amazing. We rode through a variety of landscapes: moors, valleys, hills, forests, and the seaside. And even when it rained, it was lovely: the mists curling over the hills was quite a sight! We cantered and even galloped some, so we weren't stuck only doing walks and trots. All in all, it was the favorite part of my trip (I was in the UK for a month).”
Horses
Type of horses:
Various from Arabs to Thoroughbreds, cuddly Cobs, Irish Draft halfbreds, an appaloosa, a part bred Lipizzaner and a little Spanish horse.
Nature of horses:
Kind natured, some are more reserved and gentle whilst others have more spirit
Height of horses:
14.2 - 16.2hh
Weight limit:
12 stone (168Ib), 76kg (riders up to 13.5 stone/85.5kg can be accommodated by prior arrangement)
Tack type:
English
Weather
Current Conditions:
Partly Cloudy, 7 C
Forecast:
Sun - Light Rain Late. High: 6 Low: 2
Mon - Drizzle. High: 6 Low: -1
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
Riding Week
2012: £660 per person.
This includes 6 nights full board accommodation (including delicious 2 course meals in the evening), riding (around 4 hours per day), all use of the farmhouse and its facilities and ad lib tea and coffee.
Easy-Rider (3 morning rides & 2 optional long rides): £550 per person.
There is no single supplement and singles are most welcome to enjoy time at the farmhouse and to meet like minded people.
Non rider price: £300.
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
Riding over the unspoilt heather moorlands of Exmoor National Park is the ideal way to escape from everyday life. This charming 17th century farmhouse, an adult only destination, is set in a secluded location with gates which open straight out onto the park. There is no roadwork required here, just miles of wild open land, fresh country air and spectacular scenery. What better way to enjoy the land than on the back of a fit, well-schooled and friendly horse?
The hosts have been running riding holidays for over 20 years and they offer fun and informal rides in a relaxed atmosphere. They do their best to help horse and rider understand each other, always wanting the best for their horses and the maximum enjoyment for their guests. The destination is neither a trekking centre nor a riding school and the horses are corn-fed to ensure optimum fitness and willingness for their work. They are regularly schooled so that they remain responsive and enjoyable rides, there is a mount to suit every level of rider. Guests are welcome and encouraged to help care for the horses (though of course this is not obligatory) as it helps to develop a good relationship between horse and rider.
When riding on the moorlands, views extend over the rugged North Devon coastline, down to the quaint harbour of Lynmouth and across the sea to the black mountains of Wales. There are salmon and trout rivers, hidden woodlands (which in Spring provide a carpet of primroses and bluebells) and a variety of rare animals and exciting wildlife. These include the famous Exmoor ponies, red deer, foxes, badgers, hares, buzzards, hawks, herons, skylarks, kingfishers, lizards, snakes and of course the infamous Exmoor beast.
The welcoming farmhouse serves delicious traditional farmhouse cuisine (including afternoon tea and freshly baked cakes!) and has a laid-back atmosphere. There are exciting rides for the confident and confidence giving rides for the nervous. Informal tuition is given throughout the holidays and as an extra, classical riding, natural horsemanship and horse whispering tuition can all be arranged (please contact us for further details). This is a top class getaway, perfect for a group of friends, a couple or the single traveller (who is welcome with no need to pay a single supplement). So enjoy the landscapes, the loveable horses, the delicious food and the opportunities to improve your riding and make new friends, all in the beautiful setting of Exmoor.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
Accommodation is in a quaint 17th century farmhouse with Victorian additions. It has a cosy lounge, light and airy dining room, four double bedrooms, Victorian bathroom, shower room and separate toilet. The house has full central heating and a woodburning stove, perfect for relaxing in the evenings and curling up on the sofa to enjoy the company of new friends. The farmhouse also has Sky TV and guests are welcome to take their own drink should they want to relax with a glass of wine, enjoy a chilled lager or have a nip of the "good stuff" to warm them up on a chilly day.
All guests are welcome to enjoy the pretty gardens and for those wanting more privacy, a delightful seperate lodge is sometimes available.
The food here is tasty, varied and plentiful. The chef cooks traditional meals using fresh local produce, home reared meat and locally grown vegetables and salad when in season.
Your day begins with a full English breakfast and is followed by a hot or cold lunch or your own choice of packed lunch. Afternoon tea is provided, along with a delicious homemade cake, and you will be served Devonshire cream tea on Fridays after your longest ride. Dinner is a hearty affair, in fitting with traditional farmhouse style, and consists of two courses.
Vegetarians and specially diets can be catered for (as can particular likes and dislikes).
Activities
Relaxing in the cosy farmhouse, sunbathing in the pretty gardens, enjoying the delicious food and getting to know your newfound friends.
There are also other various activities in the area available to the non-rider such as walking, bird watching, fly and sea fishing and visiting local historic sights. There are two attractive coastal villages a short distance away with museums and a good range of restaurants, cafes and arts/crafts shops.
Further Details
Languages: English
Health requirements: Fit & Healthy
Age limit: 18+
Tuition: There is an element of informal tuition when appropriate.
Included: Accommodation, meals as detailed (usually full board except during weekend or short breaks), all riding, use of facilities and ad lib tea and coffee.
Not included: Flights, insurance, transfers, drinks (which can be bought from the bar)
Travel Information
UK residents are advised to travel by car when possible. International guests should aim for Bristol airport and then consider renting a car. Nearest train stations are Barnstaple and Taunton.
Airport: Bristol
Programmes
Riding Week
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For a truly relaxing week at this 17th century farmhouse, guests arrive Sunday evening and stay until Saturday morning. Riding is for up to 4 hours a day and the farm gates open up straight onto the wild heather moors, no road work necessary here! There is a choice of well-schooled friendly horses, each with their own characters and strengths. They are all superb mounts for adventuring through the open countryside of Exmoor National Park due to their sure-footed but forward going natures. They are responsive rides and fit for their job, corn fed to ensure that they are keen and ready for the rides. There are horses to suit novice or nervous riders and there are those to suit the most experienced. The farmhouse offers warm and welcoming accommodation with cosy rooms. It is a peaceful getaway for a riding holiday as guests can feel at home here, snuggling up in the warmth of the house or enjoying the gardens and views. Accommodation is full board and the farmhouse cuisine is a real treat - full english breakfasts, filling lunches (hot, cold or packed), afternoon tea with freshly baked cakes and a two course dinner. Guests with cars may choose to explore the surrounding area in their free time, enjoying trips to Lynmouth or trying out some of the local attractions. This is a restful week in tranquil settings, a beautiful part of England. It is also an excellent opportunity to make friends and to improve your riding, whilst escaping the stresses of work and everyday life. |
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| Minimum group size: | 1 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Strong intermediate and above |
| Type of ride: | Based stay with hacks out. |
| Total riding time: | Around 4 hours per day. |
| Departure dates: | All year round with arrival Sunday evening and departure Saturday morning. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |