Must-do Horsey things in the UK

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I'm a Canadian heading over for Burghley (first weekend in September) and I would like to have a few days before/after to spend in London or elsewhere. Since I don't have any non-horsey traveling companions to entertain, I'm free to check out horse related things.

Any must see places or things? I won't have a car, so keep that in mind. I thought heading up to Cartmel for the races sounded neat, but getting there appears to be a bit tricky.

Any tips for finding affordable accommodation in/near London would also be very appreciated!
 
Hello there!

In London, I'd go and see the Horseguards Museum and the changing of the guard. Also perhaps see Warhorse show.. You could perhaps go to a polo yard out around Ascot/Windsor. I think that there is a stables that does riding in Great Windsor Park and another in London that takes you on Rotton row.
 
The National Stud in Newmarket used to do a tour of the stud once a week, I really enjoyed my day of "being nosey" or Blenheim horse trials is being held on the 7th September if you still in the UK?

Have fun
 
Royal Mews really isn't that horsey and not worth the price. Deffo see the changing of the guard at Horseguard's. Think it's 11am/half 11 depending on day.

Warhorse for definite too :D

Racing could be an option as a number of racecourses are on decent railways connections into central London - Sandown, Windsor, Epsom, Ascot, Goodwood (would be do-able for def as the public transport links are great), Newmarket :)
 
also kempton race course has a train that stops basically in the race course car park. If racing was something you wanted. They have all weather flat racing and will have started jump racing meets again by september.
Hope you have fun over here whatever you decide to do. And Burghley is a great event to go to. I have always enjoyed days out there.:)
 
Would definitely say to go racing. Not sure where you are going to be based/staying but you can look for meetings on the following site so that you can pick one to suit you. As someone said preciously, one of the big courses (Kempton) has a meeting on just before Burghley
You can search fictures under the "Go Racing" area

www.britishhorseracing.com
 
If you can make it up there, hire car or even train (should only be a few hours) go to ride at Cumbrian Heavy Horses in Millom, Cumbria. They do all types of rides from beginners round the farm to half day beach ride and multi day holiday rides and the best bit is you're on one of their well trained, very responsive Clydesdale/ Shire or Ardenne horses! You honestly will not regret it, I try and go twice a year at least!

heres there website

http://www.cumbrianheavyhorses.com

AND (I'm famous!) there is a video all about them athttp://www.lakestv.net/index.php go to the 5th video down (and at about 5 minutes are me and a group of friends on one of our beach rides! - i'm in the burgendy jacket) hope this helps!
 
Jousting! See the knights of Middle England. Never tried it but seen them a few times and it's something I would love to do when next down south.
 
Thanks all - this is a great start. I think I will definitely head up to Newmarket at some point as well as Kempton since it seems to be easy to reach without a car. I will also have to see the changing of the guards during my London wanderings!

After Burghley, I think I might like to spend 1-3 days further away from London. Are there any particularly horsey towns further afield?

Also, any really good tack shops with used saddles? I suspect the trade fair at Burghley will help me get my tack/apparel fix but I'm also on the hunt for a new saddle and thought it would be worth checking out!
 
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