Witherslack Hall Equestrian Centre
Witherslack Hall Equestrian Centre
Witherslack Hall Equestrian Centre
4.8
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Situated in the Lake District between Kendal and Grange we have access to wonderful hacking and trekking in our own quiet valley with a diverse choice of bridleways, woodland, fell and quiet lanes. We have lots of horses and ponies who will all help to make your riding experience the best ever. We can even stop at the pub on the way - spectacular views guaranteed. We also have a large farmhouse within the yard which offers residential holidays for adults and children and also Bed and Breakfast for anyone 12 months of the year. The house dates back to the 17th Century and was originally Witherslack Hall, it has some lovely old features and yet all the home comforts we would want. Equestrian Centre offering lessons,hacking and Riding holidays to everyone whether children, adults, beginners, experienced riders, disabled riders.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingWhat is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
8 within 3 miles
Attractions
42 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.8
134 reviews
Excellent
121
Very good
6
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
4
akontour
York, UK13 contributions
Aug 2022
We booked a horse riding weekend for two (two private lessons and two private hacks) over three days, and couldn't have been happier with our experience. We were complete beginners and a little anxious to say the least, but the staff were friendly, encouraging and professional at all times. The horses were well chosen for us in size (I am a larger lady) and temperament, and to our surprise, we were riding independently in the arena and our hacks (walking speed) before long. Clearly we were not naturals at riding (or indeed getting on/off the horses), but the staff never let on. We are definitely keen to return and learn more based on this weekend. Thank you!
Written August 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alice M
Perth, UK6 contributions
Sep 2021
We went on a 2 hour intermediate hack. The horses looked great, and mine (Pearl) was lovely to ride. Deana and Honor were professional and friendly and made sure everyone was comfortable and happy. The ride was very accommodating, returning to the stables after 1 hour to drop off a man who wanted a shorter outing, and continuing with the rest of us.
The ride was a bit slower than I expected though – lots of walking along roads and tracks which the horses seemed to find a bit slippery (but they all coped with it extremely well). The canters were fast, if short, and the horses generally keen to go.
I would recommend this for a relaxing ride with peaceful surroundings and incredible views. The Hall and its surroundings are beautiful and quiet – I wanted to stay there all day!
The ride was a bit slower than I expected though – lots of walking along roads and tracks which the horses seemed to find a bit slippery (but they all coped with it extremely well). The canters were fast, if short, and the horses generally keen to go.
I would recommend this for a relaxing ride with peaceful surroundings and incredible views. The Hall and its surroundings are beautiful and quiet – I wanted to stay there all day!
Written October 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pringletina
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK45 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
Spent the last week at Witherslack and could not recommend enough. Our regular horses adventures taken us around the world but this year we decided to stay closer to home. What a gem of a find within just over 2 hours drive from home. Where to start , the location with the lakes is idyllic, peaceful, relaxing and with stunning views. The horses were so well looked after and it was fantastic to see children enjoying their pony club weeks being outdoors, active and loving their pony adventures. We went on a 3 day riding (but added extra days to visit the area) with a fantastic 3 hour hack each day, down country lanes, through woods and across fell s and fields, plenty of time to enjoy the scenery with lots of trotting and great opportunities to canter in the woods and fields. I have ridden multiple horses horses on my riding adventures these were top notch, well cared for by the team and they matched each rider with a horse to suit their ability. Evenings were spent at the centres beautiful farmhouses B&B where the hospitality and food was fantastic , some of the best nights sleep I have in a longtime. Deana and her team were brilliant and we didn’t want to come home so planning our return visit for next year
Written August 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your review.
We are so please you both enjoyed your time with us, hope to see you again soon.
Kind regards
WHEC x
Written September 4, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nadia Barker
Lancashire, UK5 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
Please be mindful when booking this experience. Was made to feel very uncomfortable, very put on the spot without warning, not the experience you want when you pay so much and come from so far. Can’t even ride next to the person you want to, far too regimented for something that is supposed to be fun. The manager lacks communication and just general people skills. What a shame!
Written September 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gemma B
2 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
Unfortunately we have had an awful experience at this riding school. I bought a voucher for my sisters 21st. She had an accident in the car on the way to the hack which was 2 hours from home and due to being late she was treated appallingly. She was shouted at by the stable manager who was extremely rude to her ( I had previously spoken to the same lady earlier who was also very short with me). The manager said she would give them an hour instead of two and would ask the ride to pick them up half way. After receiving a phone call from my sister in floods of tears about how she had been spoken to I rang the stables. I spoke to the same lady again who was again very rude. I should have been attending with Chloe but unfortunately my dog had an accident that morning so she took her friend. I explained that the reason I couldn’t go was because of the accident snd I had to care for my toddler whilst my husband took the dog to the emergency vets, she replied with ‘well my dog was put down yesterday and I still turned up’. I told her I thought she was rude and that this should be a nice experience for my sister and it had turned into a disaster. She left the phone call with me and shouted again at my sister saying I was rude.
She stopped a lesson and took my sister in the arena to assess her riding in front of the group turned in watching, whilst giving her the cold shoulder and was described as being very intimidating. She shouted at my sister saying ‘do not kick my horse or pull on its mouth’. My sister was understandable upset at this point. Deana then told her to get off as she cannot join the ride as she isn’t a good enough rider. She asked her to leave and said it was her own fault for saying she was an intermediate rider. I’m an experienced rider and have owned/loaned for over 20 years. I have ridden on a forest ride and a beach gallop ride with her and she’s a solid intermediate rider but isn’t confident to jump which she stated on the registration form.
She left extremely upset and after numerous calls and voicemails left/emails I have received an email stating that I need to read the terms and conditions.
Its such a shame that this establishment is run by a lady with such poor communication skills and professionalism as my sister described it as a beautiful place.
Be cautious about booking as they will not refund even in an emergency if it’s not 48 hours prior plus it’s impossible to contact anyone.
She stopped a lesson and took my sister in the arena to assess her riding in front of the group turned in watching, whilst giving her the cold shoulder and was described as being very intimidating. She shouted at my sister saying ‘do not kick my horse or pull on its mouth’. My sister was understandable upset at this point. Deana then told her to get off as she cannot join the ride as she isn’t a good enough rider. She asked her to leave and said it was her own fault for saying she was an intermediate rider. I’m an experienced rider and have owned/loaned for over 20 years. I have ridden on a forest ride and a beach gallop ride with her and she’s a solid intermediate rider but isn’t confident to jump which she stated on the registration form.
She left extremely upset and after numerous calls and voicemails left/emails I have received an email stating that I need to read the terms and conditions.
Its such a shame that this establishment is run by a lady with such poor communication skills and professionalism as my sister described it as a beautiful place.
Be cautious about booking as they will not refund even in an emergency if it’s not 48 hours prior plus it’s impossible to contact anyone.
Written June 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I don't even feel the need to defend myself with this review as most of this is untrue and blown out of proportion!
Yes you do need to read the terms and conditions, they are there for a reason. If you turn up for a 2hr ride 45min late, with a different rider than who was originally booked in without giving us 48hrs notice you would not be able to participate on the ride, as it would have left on time without you!
On this occasion I tried to be accommodating knowing they had travelled some distance to us. I changed the horse we had down for the original rider as their height and weight was different, re-routed the ride to come back to pick them up so they could enjoy the rest of the ride. Upon assessment Gemma's sister was not balanced or confident enough to go on an intermediate ride, she had a very aggressive manner towards the horse and then me as they got off the horses and just left them in the middle of the arena shouting and swearing at me in front of children and parents.
Had I not been sworn at and spoken to in such an abusive manner by a 21yr old girl, who has no respect for anyone or anything for that matter, I would have offered them to rebook this ride.
I think in the circumstances I was very accommodating, after this awful experience, next time I wont be.
Written June 25, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mairi
Brechin, UK1 contribution
Sep 2021
Unfortunately, I had a disappointing holiday here. I booked the Lakeland Adventure 4-day stay and was there with a friend in the last week of September. The horses are very well cared for and the yard is tidy. The accommodation is clean, and the rooms are well appointed. Sadly, the customer service just wasn’t there when we were. The atmosphere on the rides was unfriendly. I felt unwelcome, uncomfortable and that by being there, was some kind of problem. By Day 2, despite riding through glorious countryside and having a nice time with my friend, I couldn’t quell a sinking feeling that I just wasn't enjoying my much anticipated holiday. The bedroom was cold on the first night (warm for the remainder of the stay) and when I asked if I could light the fire in the living room area, was told it’s not winter and the heating’s on. Returning home, the feeling of disappointment was almost palpable, and I'll be more circumspect about looking forward to holidays in the future.
Written November 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Keisha D
1 contribution
Jun 2021 • Friends
As regarding the review below we had an awful time, as the second rider I can say we rang multiple times to say we was going to arrive a little bit late due to having an accident on the motorway causing the cars wingmirror to come off meaning we had to pull over to reattach it, the manager also pulled us up on this saying “I thought your wingmirror fell off” the attitude of this woman was very intimidating like we wasn’t already shook up enough!, they then rang us asking how long we would be which the satnav said 10 minutes NOT 45, when we arrived we apologised for being late and was very thankful they had managed to found a way for us to ride, during the phone call we had I was asked for my height and weight which she then said the horse would NOT have to be changed. We then waited an hour to be assessed when we got round to this the manager was very intimidating once again towards my friend telling her not to move at all while the horse was coming to the mountain block as it didn’t like fast movements! We both mounted our horses and went into the school had one walk round and a little trot and was then pulled in to be told we couldn’t go on the ride, I am an experienced rider and have loaned horses of my own and been on many hunting rides with 40 other horses, we dismounted our horses and did not leave them in the middle of the school i in fact gave my reigns to the manager and then left to go to the office where we then tried to reason and either rearrange or get a refund. The manager was then very rude saying that she had had to put up with us for 2 hours. We then left the premises and said that she was the most unprofessional and rude person we have ever met.
Written June 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louise B
1 contribution
Jul 2021 • Friends
I have been riding regularly at Witherslack Hall for 7 years and cannot say enough good things about Deana, her brilliant team and the well mannered and safe horses. Today I took a friend who had not ridden for a long time and was a little worried. Everyone went out of their way to make sure that she was comfortable, well looked after her and gave her a really lovely riding experience . Thank you all for your patience and kindness today
Written July 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review.
Your very welcome, I'm glad she enjoyed her birthday treat.
Kind regards
WHEC x
Written September 4, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rachel K
13 contributions
Sep 2021 • Friends
Went with 2 good friends on a riding holiday. Horses and guides were fantastic and adding in horseback archery made it even more unforgettable.
Deana and Honor were both fabulous leading the rides...and nothing was too much trouble including getting a last minute pub lunch booked in when the original was shut! Rides really suited us as experienced riders and we had fast canters as well asphoto opportunities.
Really rate the B and B as well with the wonderful Janet. Her homemade soup on Friday was delicious.
Deana and Honor were both fabulous leading the rides...and nothing was too much trouble including getting a last minute pub lunch booked in when the original was shut! Rides really suited us as experienced riders and we had fast canters as well asphoto opportunities.
Really rate the B and B as well with the wonderful Janet. Her homemade soup on Friday was delicious.
Written September 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alison U
Greater London, United Kingdom11 contributions
Aug 2020
The location of Witherslack Hall is stunning and very peaceful. The staff were the friendliest and most helpful that I've ever encountered at any riding centre in the UK - so welcoming and professional. The horses were great too: my daughter is still raving about Pumpkin. It was a very hot day so Honor took us on a route mostly through the woods which was maybe not as scenic as I'd hoped, but just gives us another reason to go back one day.
Written August 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your review!
I'm so please you enjoyed your hack out with us. I hope you may return and experience some of our other trails.
Kindest Regards
Team WHEC
Written August 22, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Can my wife come and ride with daughter tomorrow
Written February 16, 2019
Hi Mark, Please give us a ring to make a booking. 015395 52244
Written February 17, 2019
Can my wife come and ride with daughter tomorrow
Written February 16, 2019
Showing results 1-3 of 3
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing