Suffolk has a long heritage with horses. Newmarket is the home of horse racing and the Newmarket Races are well worth a visit whether you are a horse rider or just love the thrill of the race. The National Horseracing Museum is an excellent place to start your experience or pay a visit to The National Stud for one of their guided tours.
If your desire is to sit in the saddle then Suffolk is a great place for horse riding. Its numerous bridleways, many of which are well away from main roads, quite country lanes, varied countryside and miles of coastline are there to explore in peace and quiet away from the bustle of everyday life.
The Munnings Trail is a circular 26-mile route on the Suffolk-Norfolk border by Harleston. The route is named after Sir Alfred Munnings, the famous artist, and takes you through Mendham, the village of his birth.
The Icknield Way Path is over 120 miles of bridleways which passes through Suffolk linking Buckinghamshire with Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire.
The Stanton Rides are 18 miles of paths in 3 circular trails. Stanton is located off the A143 between Diss and Bury St Edmunds.
Easton Farm Park, near Wickham Market has 4 different horesriding routes over 15 miles of waymarked trails.
If holidaying, you can bring your own horse or hire one from the many riding stables to be found across the county. There are a number of promoted horse riding routes in Suffolk and an agreement between the British Horse Society and the Forestry Commission gives horse riders permission for free access to many forests. Please check with the local Forestry Commission office to verify where to ride. Forestry centres at Thetford Forest Park, Rendlesham Wood and Tunstall Wood all offer excellent opportunities for horseriding.
The British Horse Society is the UK’s largest equestrian charity and their website is a useful place to discover approved riding schools and livery yards throughout the UK. If you are interested in learning to ride then contact one of the many approved riding schools in Suffolk or if you need a livery yard then contact one of the many approved livery yards in Suffolk.
Using the 'Interactive Suffolk Map'
Explore the Interactive Suffolk Map for information on all Suffolk County Council managed country parks and picnic sites, RSPB sites and Suffolk Wildlife Trust reserves. Simply click on a brown information icon for further details of that site. Many sites have visitor centres, bird hides and information on the local environment and nature.
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