England - Hunting in the Cotswolds

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Overview

England - Hunting in the Cotswolds
England
Duration: 5 days
Group size: 1 - 6
Equescapes Equestrian Adventures image
Equescapes Equestrian Adventures
$0

About this trip

Indulge in a refined escape into the heart of the British countryside, where tradition, sport, and understated luxury come together seamlessly.

Your journey begins with settling into your luxury rural accommodation before an evening at a classic British pub. From there, each day unfolds: a cross country clinic to build confidence with your hireling, the quintessential British hunt, a morning of clay pigeon shooting and a pub ride hack, and finally a tour of the hound kennels and a session exploring the rich history of the hunt. Throughout, exceptional locally sourced cuisine, thoughtful hospitality, and the quiet exhilaration of the English countryside accompany you at every turn.

We work with The Cotswold Hunt (est. 1858), situated in the stunning Cotswolds region.

Horses

The horses are primarily with Irish Sport Horses, Thoroughbreds and Cobs at a range of heights. Our partner horses have extensive experience in the field meaning you can rely on them to do their job whilst you do yours, when matching horses and riders we have a pre trip call to discuss riders comfort level riding out and their experience, from there we choose the horse best suited to support them through their experience, whether that's steadily enjoying the atmosphere or pushing out of the comfort zone!

Riding

Riding Level: Intermediate-Advanced

Speed: Walk-Trot-Canter-Gallop

Tack: English saddles

The land presents a dynamic terrain — rolling hills, varied hedgerows, and technical jumping opportunities create a faster-paced experience. Riders here encounter natural obstacles and canter/galloping stretches, jumping is not essential, and the experience remains rich for those who choose to bypass the jumps, however for those who choose to it is an exhilarating challenge, with plenty of jumping opportunities throughout the day.


Accommodation

Guests will stay in a traditional English private residence in the country, shared and private rooms available.

Dining

Immerse yourself in the authentic traditions and communities that sustain the British countryside. Menus are built around produce sourced directly from local farms, post-hunt lunches and some dinners are taken in traditional country pubs, every element of your stay is designed to offer not just an escape, but a deeper connection to the land, its traditions, and the enduring spirit of rural Britain. Meals will be a mix of homecooked English cuisine and pubs lunches, and dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advanced notice.

What's included

Accommodation

Shared or private rooms

Meals

All meals from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the last day

Riding

Horses, tack, equipment, guides, saddle bags, water bottles

Activities

Clay pigeon shooting, afternoon tea, kennel tour

What's not included

International Flights

Flights to/from England

Travel Insurance

Compulsory for all guests

Additional Activities

Additional activities not included in the itinerary

Airport Transfers

Can be booked as add-on

Day 1

Day 1 image

Welcome to the Cotswolds

Day one is unhurried by design. An optional airport pickup is available at 1:00pm, offering a relaxed transfer directly from Heathrow or Gatwick airport to your accommodation with no need to navigate unfamiliar roads or timetables. If you are travelling independently, we simply ask that you arrive by early afternoon, giving yourself time to settle in before the evening ahead. Once you have had a chance to unpack and find your feet, the evening is yours to ease into. We will head out together to a classic British pub for dinner, the kind of establishment that has been at the heart of rural life for generations. Whether you are drawn to a quintessential fish and chips, a rich steak and ale pie, or something equally satisfying from the menu, the evening offers a warm and sociable introduction to the weekend where will will walk through what to expect from the days ahead.

Day 2

Day 2 image

Cross Country & Afternoon Tea

Day two begins with the morning’s main event: a cross country jumping clinic led by our hireling experts, lasting a half day. Here, you will meet your carefully selected hireling for the experience; a horse matched to your ability and riding style, chosen to give you the best possible foundation ahead of the hunt. The clinic is designed not simply as a warm-up, but as an experience in its own right. Under expert guidance, you will develop rhythm, trust, and technique to tackle British cross country, learning to read your horse, build confidence over natural cross country obstacles, and refine your position across varied terrain. Whether you are an experienced rider looking to sharpen your eye or someone who simply wants to feel secure and prepared, the session is tailored to meet you where you are. The afternoon brings a change of pace. Following the clinic, we will enjoy a enjoy a traditional afternoon tea — a moment of genuine rest and indulgence, with all the warmth and ceremony that the tradition deserves. The evening meal is prepared in-house by our team, drawing on seasonal, locally sourced produce, and served in the comfortable surroundings of your lodgings.

Day 3

Day 3 image

The Hunt

Day three is the heart of the experience. The day begins with an early start and a hearty breakfast, featuring fresh, locally sourced produce to prepare you for the day ahead. You will then be transported to the meet, where your hirelings will be tacked and ready for the day’s hunting. Riding alongside an experienced guide, you will be supported throughout the day to enjoy the hunt in a way that suits you best — whether that means tackling jumps, keeping a steadier pace, or simply taking in the atmosphere. The hunt runs from around 9 or 10 in the morning, depending on the time of season, through to around 1 or 2pm. After the hunt, we will gather for a well-earned lunch at a local pub: a classic English roast is usually our guests indulgence of choice. These meals represent more than sustenance; by bringing our guests to these establishments, we are ensuring their survival and celebrating the role they play in British heritage. After a social lunch, we will return to our lodgings for a restful late afternoon, with time to stay in or explore the local area as you choose, followed by a homecooked meal and evening drink.

Day 4

Day 4 image

Clay Pigeon Shooting & Pub RIde

The morning of day four is given over to clay pigeon shooting, led by an expert instructor and open to all levels of experience. Clay pigeon shooting evolved in the 19th century as an alternative to live bird shooting, allowing enthusiasts to practice and refine their marksmanship in a controlled setting. The sport demands focus, timing, and technique; as the clay targets are launched skyward, you must track, aim, and fire in a seamless motion, making each successful hit deeply satisfying. It offers a different kind of skill-building and friendly competition within the group, while remaining rooted in the same country pursuits and traditions that define the British countryside. This is a beginner-friendly experience, and many of our guests are new to the sport entirely — our instructors are well practiced at making it accessible and enjoyable for all. The afternoon takes to the saddle for a pub ride hack, a relaxed, scenic ride out across the countryside, culminating in a well-deserved stop at a local pub. It is a gentler complement to the intensity of the hunt day, allowing you to enjoy the landscape at a quieter pace before the final evening of the experience.

Day 5

Day 5 image

Kennel Tour & Departure

The final morning offers something that goes beyond the saddle: a guided tour of the hound kennels and a dedicated session exploring the history of the hunt. This is a rare and quietly fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of an institution that has shaped the British countryside for well over a century. You will meet the hounds, hear from those who care for them, and gain an understanding of the centuries-old traditions, the working relationships between horse, hound and rider, and the role hunting has played in the rural communities you have been moving through all week. It is a fitting close to the experience — a moment of reflection and education that leaves you not simply with memories, but with a genuine appreciation for what you have been part of. Following the morning’s session, we will wrap up and make the journey home. An optional airport drop-off is available, with our team happy to accommodate your onward travel wherever possible. As always, do let us know if there is a preferred drop-off location and we will do our best to facilitate.

Map of the trip locations

A. England

England

About your organizer

Equescapes is female-owned and operated and specializes in horseback riding trips for intrepid equestrians and avid travelers, providing curated travel experiences and inspiring adventures on horseback around the world. Equescapes offers both set group departures and private, custom trips, with itineraries tailor-made for riders of all ages, ability levels, riding disciplines, and budgets.

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England - Hunting in the Cotswolds