Robinsons Basingstoke.

Not been for a while as finances have been somewhat restricted and I did tend to go a little mad as the prices are better than nearer to home. But I used to like going there. Understand from some others though that it may not be quite as good as it used to be. If you're a Robbies fan you'll probably like it. My drive is also around an hour from Berkshire.
 
I certainly wouldn't drive an hour to go there but I might to another tack shop. It is quite a big store but I think it depends what you are going for?
 
It's better than the average tackshop, more choice, often have deals. Worth going for rugs, tack, clothing bundle, not for odd small item from surrey. Watch checkouts, I was double charged for overreach boots. Called to report it, manager never did promised return call, I've lost receipt now so can't get money back.
 
Thanks guys! I'm looking for Mountain Horse or Ariat long boots. I want to try on as opposed to buying online and taking a risk with sizing as I'm a shorty so don't want them too long and consequently unusable and then I have to return etc! Don't have time for the messing around! I really don't want to drive there to find that I've wasted my time and petrol on going there for them not to have what I want! I thought about phoning them to check prior to leaving but obviously stock levels etc change all the time depending on what people buy. I've heard really mixed things from it being fab to a load of rubbish and a waste of time. I do like Robinsons and get a lot of my stuff from there as I think it's good value and nice quality but the delivery is painfully slow so another reason for visiting the store as opposed to buying online. I used to like a 20 min drive from Ingatestone saddlery in Essex which is amazing (I miss it so much! OH resulted in a move to Surrey which is was totally worth doing for and my bank balance is now a lot healthier thanks to this lol) but I don't really have the time for a trip there this weekend (Though I am tempted!) and my current boots and half chaps look abysmal, so really do need to replace them asap.
 
Last edited:
Nope. Not worth the visit.

If you like Ingatestone you will be severely dis-appointed with Robinsons Basingstoke. I would try and hold out until you can get back to Ingatestone.
 
Not worth it. I've been a couple of times, and every single time I've come back with a bag of treats or equivalent because they didn't have what I was looking for. Sometimes that something was as basic as a plain white salt lick, or a pony-sized rain sheet (any brand) and still they didn't have it. Also, the little cafe they have is pretty disappointing (if you were planning to stop for a cuppa). Long wait, and not particularly good food.
I would suggest Eileen Douglas instead. I've been to the Wokingham branch a few times, and it's absolutely packed with stuff. I've had a much better time rummaging there.
 
Now a trip to Eileen Douglas I would definitely agree with - no hesitation whatsoever, the shop is an absolute gold mine of stuff. At decent prices and a good selection to choose from.
 
I'll have a look and see how far away Eileen Douglas is from home. I've always been impressed with breeches, feed bowls, head collars etc that I've brought from there at shows such as Hickstead.
 
Definitely not worth it. I sometimes pop in if I am passing, but only if I need something specific and fairly routine. I have been to Eileen Douglas, don't remember thinking it was amazing, but nice enough. My favourite tack shop ever is Wadswick (thanks _GG_ for introducing me to it) - that place is awesome and definitely worth the hour's drive for me. :)
 
It's okay but not my favourite tack shop. It has most things you'll need/want though at reasonable prices.

Cafe has closed down now, I took my poor old Mum (completely non horsey) up there, promising her a coffee and a bun. Cafe was closed so she got in a grump and waited for me in the car!!!
 
I'd vouch for Eileen Douglas too, rather than Robinsons. Used to live in Wokingham and miss it, especially now I'm buying everything under the sun for a new horse! If you decide to visit Eileen's, you could also check out Milwheels while you're in the area. It's about 15 mins away, but always have quite a bit in stock
 
I live a lot closer but also wanted some boots for my daughter. Was going to phone but realised that it wasn't a cheap number to ring. As I knew exactly the boots I wanted, I ordered them online as I figured the petrol was the same as postage costs. If you do decide to go I would definitely ring and ask as when I have been in the past, they don't have what I want. Most of the stuff is their own brand.
 
I love eilleen douglas, used to have one her in henley on thames, now have to go to wokingham but it's worth a 20 min trip. I don't think it is worth coming up from surrey, but then neither is robinsons.
 
Visited it last weekend. Everytime I got (probably about once every six months) I always hope it has got better than last time I visited but it is always worse. Limited range of stock, ingatestone is far far superior!
 
It is about a 40 minutes drive for me and the first time I went I came back with a horsey car freshener and some Kendal Mint Cake! I would agree - it is good for a browse and certainly if it were closer I would probably go there more. However, I would phone up if it were something specific I were after to ensure my trip wasn't wasted. Good luck - hope you find what you are looking for (I'm short too so always try on long boots /chaps as well) : ). xx.
 
I think I'm going to give it a miss tbh! It's had such mixed reviews, I'm not sure I want to chance it! I'm going back to Essex for a day for my Grandads funeral in the next couple of weeks so I might pop in to Ingatestone. Will be nice to round the trip off with something a bit happier I think. My OHs aunt lives in Woking so I might detour as it's only about 30mins away from there. That way I might not feel *quite* so bad if it's not all that great! Thanks for your comments everyone! :)
 
I posted exactly the same question on here in November. I went against everyone's advice, and went anyway (1 1/2 hr drive for me) and was very disappointed. The store was FREEZING cold, deserted, their stock was rubbish and the cafe was CLOSED ! This was on a Monday, during the day. I wont go back. Very disappointed indeed.
 
I have found robinsons disappointing, they never seem to have stock of everything and all sizes which you expect from a shop of that size. I went to buy a front zipped fleece of any type/colour/ make and there literally was not one in stock !
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top