The Journal

For the uninitiated, when it comes to leisure in London, riding a horse is never going to be the first thing that comes to mind. Yet for many who indulge in trotting or galloping through Richmond Park - a stunning 2,500 acre Royal Park in the south west of the capital - it often tops their list of pleasurable experiences in England’s glorious and endlessly surprising megacity. Learning to ride is undeniably one of life’s greatest joys, so why not do it in one of the world’s greatest cities. Horse riding has in fact been a deeply cherished activity within Richmond Park for centuries, and horses were absolutely critical to the park’s establishment by King Charles I in 1637. In this era, and for many centuries, riding was an everyday essential. These days, the motor car reigns - and so sitting astride a beautiful horse is unadulterated recreation. At Richmond Park, you’ll get fresh air, open space, pretty paths, and a deeper connection with nature. Here is our guide to getting started.