Equestrian Escapes Traveller Reviews

Just returned back from weekend riding break in Cheshire organised by Equestrian Escapes. Hatty and Sarah organised this trip and were always on hand to answer any enquiries. Pleasant professional and helpful. We had lessons and hacks at Willington Hall Riding Centre. What a wonderful place this was. Excellent standard of instruction lessons with Chris and those that took us out on the hacks. Chris assessed our abilities and tailored our lessons to suit and inspired confidence in our riding. Sandra and her team made us so welcome and we were provided with beautiful horsed to suit our needs. The stables were immaculate and it was evident that they loved their horsed which were exceptionally well schooled. We all definitely left feeling much more confident riders. All riding equipment was cleaned before and after use loved it so much booked again to return for mid-week 3 night stay in October. We stayed at McDonald Portal Hotel needing a little TLC but overall accommodation etc was good and staff very helpful. Breakfast was excellent. However, during out stay the rooms were not cleaned and would have like a change of towels. This may have been due to the current covid situation but was not informed if this was the case.

Whole trip organised by Hatty and Sarah and always on hand for any enquiries. So pleasant helpful and professional.

I had long promised my granddaughter a weekend riding together and did a big internet search. I found Equestrian Escapes the most helpful in narrowing down my options and meeting my needs. Discussing directly on the phone was wonderful as they proposed three alternatives for a ten year old. a dog and a granny. We settled on the New Forest because it wasn't far to travel. The Arniss Riding Stables was fantastic, situated right on the edge of the beautiful forest so there was no road work. The staff were highly professional, safety conscious and good fun. My granddaughter had a lovely time on a horse called Pippin, hacking out and enjoying lessons in the ring, where she learned to jump. I was cautious, having not ridden for quite sometime, but I had a lovely hack out and am smitten again. The rest of the time I was able to walk freely with my dog, while my granddaughter was occupied. We stayed at a nearby caravan park which was great for young children with swimming pool, cafés and shops. I would certainly go back to these stables and am very tempted by the other opportunities that Equestrian Escapes offer elsewhere.

Equestrian Escapes specific skill was tailor-making a three-day break over the phone, whereas going through other web sites didn't offer me the flexibility I needed. They also inspect and verify the quality of all the riding establishments and associated accommodation that are on their books.

Suffolk beach riding. A magical weekend away. A beautiful Sea-Front hotel with stunning sunrises and night skies from the comfort of our bed. Gorgeously kind hosts and delicious breakfasts. A lift in the hotel / very useful as I can’t climb stairs easily. Out of season free parking in the car park opposite the hotel. The riding school a few minutes away from the hotel, had so much on offer. My daughter had lessons, private & group, poke work, skills, jumping, dressage, a woodland hack and a magical beach ride. Everything perfectly organised for us to the letter, with love and kindness, by the lovely ladies at Equestrian Escapes. All we had to do was turn up and let the magic happen. Simply perfect 🥰 (we were even invited in for a sandwich/cake reception and a cup of tea, when the local MP visited to see the disabled facilities the riding school had on offer)

I’m so glad we have found Equestrian Escapes. The ladies will go the extra mile to make sure your trip is perfect. They clearly care about their customers and want everything to run perfectly. We will be back for sure

This Malaga Retreat was a great find from Equestrian Escapes. We stayed at an amazing location in Andalucia. Here are a few highlights... From the minute you arrive at this Malaga Retreat prepare to be delighted.
 Darren and Sarah the owners have created a holiday experience that is centred about the guest enjoyment, and having as much fun as possible. We stayed here for three days at the end of February 2020. It was my daughters 18th Birthday and as Inez loves horse riding this is what she wanted to do. I’ve done some riding in the past, but was super rusty having had just a couple of refresher lessons in the UK the week before. My wife booked the trip for us, so like most blokes I arrived in Spain not really knowing what had been arranged, only that at some point we were going riding. The minute Darren collected us at the airport I started to realise this wasn’t going to be an ordinary experience. He started to tell me what was arranged for the next few days and I was thinking wow this is going to be great. The highlights of our three days are below. Darren’s experience and stories 
Darren was a Jockey for 20 years. So his experience fills you full of confidence when you are out riding. I soon felt at ease with my riding. Darren has a natural love and understanding of horses. Plus his many stories of jockey life are cracking. Beer with Brad Pitt anyone? Sara’s hospitality
 When you stay here you are part of the family. Sarah has created a welcoming atmosphere at this Exclusive Malaga Retreat and whether you want to hang out in your apartment, in the pool area, or just chill with their super friendly dogs, you can feel comfortable to just please yourself. It’s like staying at a family or friends house. Quite a special experience. Alyesha and Leah
 Darren has an experienced and knowledgable team who are brilliant with horses and expert riders too, so when you are out on the trails you feel confident that you are in good hands. Plus the banter between Leah, Alyesha and Darren is an added, and entertaining part of the ambiance. The riding We did two rides. The first was a morning ride. We rode through wonderful countryside winding its way up the mountain to a plateau where Sara was waiting with a fully laden breakfast table. The horses were tied into the shade of the trees whilst we sat in the sun, had breakfast and enjoyed the far reaching mountain views. Our second ride was an afternoon ride to a bar in a local village. Once again we rode through amazing landscapes of orange and olive groves, climbing up to a traditional village for a few drinks outside a local bar before heading back. The eating 
On our first night Darren, Sarah and their son took us out for dinner. The second night Sarah cooked a lovely Paella and we all had a family meal and sat by the fire in the bar area chatting till well after midnight. On the third night we had the pleasure of heading to Lorenzo’s at the top of the mountain above the local village. The food was off the scale amazing and all I can say about the experience is that this is a must do trip if you stay here. The accommodation We stayed in the one bedroom, two single beds apartment, and it was luxury personified. From the thoughtful decor to the futuristic shower, lovely kitchen and chill out lounge we could not have asked for more. Lovely views from the windows and an outdoor terrace made it complete. The location The location is idyllic. Incredible mountain views all round. Orange, lemon and avocado trees all in the extensive grounds. Plus a huge lake of fish. We flew into Malaga and the transfer to our holiday couldn’t have been easier. It was pretty much one road all the way. Getting involved If like my daughter Inez, you love horses and want to get involved then you are encouraged to do do so. Inez fed and cleaned the horses with Darren and his team and got them ready for our rides. She loved every minute of it. The laughing 
This is a holiday with plenty of laughing. It’s clear to me that Darren, Sarah, Alyesha and Leah have two hobbies. And those are Riding and Laughing (and they quite like a few beers too!). I can’t quite believe I have written so much. But there is so much to say to recommend this holiday Darren and Sarah have created something really unique, and from what I heard from them this is just the start, and I have a feeling that the Luxury Malaga Retreat experience we booked through Equestrian Escapes at Cortijo el Chenil will just get better and better.

My wife did the booking and she says everything was spot on. Certainly the holiday itself was brilliant, so I would recommend them to future travellers.

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We had fantastic time on a Nottinghamshire ride Nd spa break. The hotel was good but the equestrian centre made it great - high quality and personalised, caring service. We were looking forward to a relaxing enjoyable few days but felt like we achieved something too. It was fab! I would definitely recommend.

Easy to contact and accommodating to changes requested.

Bulgaria Spa and Ride September 2019: This year my wife and I decided to try the Spa and Ride Trail in Bulgaria – a country we knew nothing about. From the moment we came through the arrivals at Sofia to our departure we were extremely well looked after by the team in Plovdiv. They were keen to help us know more about their culture and history and so as well as riding superb horses we enjoyed a journey through the unspoilt countryside with regular reference to the Roman, Thracian and Communist past. The icing on the cake for this trail were the quality spa hotels each night with great value G&T! We experienced long canters across cultivated land and walks through magical forests on mountain sides. It was hard to believe that by the time we returned to our start point after 6 days riding we had covered nearly 130 miles. Great hosts, great horses – Bulgaria is full of surprises!

From being able to talk to the team about the best holiday for us, booking, being given advice on what to bring, to being met at the airport - all the travel arrangements were spot on.

My daughter ride twice a day and I followed on foot, as I am a non rider! The beach was beautiful and a pleasure to experience. This was our first equestrian holiday and a great success. The staff at the stables were very friendly and welcoming. My daughter was matched to a lovely horse called Miller and loved each day - the rain was no problem on our final day.

They made sure we were well informed about our accommodation and directions to get there. Also let us know what we might need to take with us.

Equestrian Escapes Rose Cottage, Common Ln, Tarporley CW6 0HG Tour operator Gary Smith 110 points   49 minutes ago Being both a single traveller and a novice rider I spoke to Equestrian Escapes who recommended their Malaga riding holiday. I can't recommend this place enough, I was made to feel so welcome from the off and instantly part of the group. I was expertly assessed by the fantastic and patient instructors who offered the perfect mix of hacking in the beautiful hills and olive groves and schooling on amazing horses. The accomodation is superb with great food and the staff really can't do enough for you. I can honestly say when the time came I didn't want to leave such a beautiful place, but did so a far more confident rider. It's definitely a place I'll visit again.

Equestrian Escapes were so helpf and knowledgeable, they recommend the perfect holiday... superb

This was our third trip to Portugal at Antonio's place. We went this year to enjoy the riding and for Golega Horse Festival. It was an absolutely amazing experience - horses everywhere! And the riding was - as always - exceptional. Antonio is a fantastic host and caters for all riders. Highly recommend.

Booking through Equestrian Escapes has always been quick and easy - probably why we keep coming back. The staff are very helpful and knowledgeable about all the holidays available.

This was a fabulous riding break at a very professional, yet very friendly yard. Sandra, all her team, and the wonderful, happy and healthy horses inspired confidence and fun. With the excellent standard of instruction, the stables being minutes away from the accommodation and lots of lovely countryside to hack in, this is a perfect break for every level of rider.

Everything was arranged for me within 24 hours of requesting a ( last minute) break and went off without a hitch !