Midsummer horse-drawn carriage rides in Richmond Park

Enjoy Richmond Park like never before from the back of a four-person horse drawn Landau carriage. The 90 minute experience begins at Holly Lodge, Richmond Park, where you’ll be treated to a unique behind-the-scenes visit of the working stables.  You will then take your place in the carriage embarking on a 60 minute magical ride through the Park. 

All proceeds of the rides go to conservation and wellbeing projects in The Royal Parks, including equine assisted therapy for young people diagnosed with autism, anti-bullying workshops and community engagement. They are an important fund-raiser for the community work Operation Centaur runs.

The rides run from 12 -28 June, with three rides per day at 5:30pm, 6:30pm and 7:30pm

Book at http://www.supporttheroyalparks.org/shop/experiences/filter/horse+rides

Feedback from previous visitors:

“The carriage ride was a remarkable and memorable experience, both intimate as well as grand. The carriage, horses and all the staff were totally fantastic. And we loved returning to the yard after and being able to help a little with the horses and the carriage. We all left the park feeling very happy and calm. It was my mother’s 88th birthday and she tells me that her carriage ride was her best present ever. What you are doing is wonderful; the stuff of dreams.”

“Magical! The team were very welcoming and made the whole experience wonderful. Please pass on my thanks to all involved. Looking forward to doing it again next year! Many thanks.”

“We had a fantastic time on the carriage ride.  The ride itself was simply wonderful – a magical experience never to be forgotten. And the people that took us out fabulous. We can’t recommend it enough to people and the great work that you guys do.”

About Operation Centaur

Operation Centaur promotes the relevance of the horse as a contemporary working animal in urban communities. This takes the form of:

• Conservation projects, such as hay-making in Ham with Thames Landscape Strategy and the National Trust, conservation work in The Royal Parks, and mowing in Home Park;

• Cultural heritage work, with carriage rides in Richmond Park, tram rides at Hampton Court Palace, and open days in partnership with the Shire Horse Society;

• Well-being interventions, conducting equine assisted therapy with young people diagnosed on the autistic spectrum, coaching for organizations, and innovative projects with drugs and other rehabilitation;

• Community Engagement Programmes, focusing on cooperative group work, natural leadership development, and anti-bullying interventions in partnership with The Royal Parks Foundation.

There is also an active volunteer programme; find out more here:

www.operationcentaur.com