
Shire Horse Magical Carriage Rides
Are you looking to start a new Christmas tradition? One that involves horses, crisp air and some magic? Then I would thoroughly recommend Richmond Park’s Operation Centaur carriage rides.
Travel in a traditional carriage drawn by two rare, majestic, grey Shire horses (there are fewer than 200 grey Shires in the world*) upon a six-person Park Brake. Heath and Nobby’s huge hooves clip clop into a bygone age, and you will get the chance to see the park’s famous deer and wildlife up close…
I can’t think of a more pleasant and relaxing way to spend an hour, taking forest bathing to another level. Snug under a blanket, you can enjoy the fresh air this Christmas with friend and family. It’s an enchanting Christmas event with all the innocence of our remembered childhood excitement about Christmas.
The 90-minute experience begins at Holly Lodge, where you’ll be met with sloe gin (soft drinks available) and a mince pie to get you into the spirit of things. You’ll then climb aboard the six-person carriage (ideal for social bubbles) to enjoy a 60-minute ride through the park pulled by the incredibly strong and patient Shire horses.
The Christmas decorated carriage ride meanders through the park in all its winter beauty! Off the beaten track you will see and experience a quieter Richmond park. You’ll also be treated to a unique behind-the-scenes visit to the working stables.
These festive carriage rides also help showcase and save working horses.Operation Centaur is a champion of the conservation of Shire Horses, whose numbers have been dwindling due to the modernisation of land management
Working horses play an important role in the park, cutting down bracken in acid sensitive grasslands. This less intrusive land management offers low noise disturbance, lower soil compaction and minimal impact to wildlife. By buying your tickets you will not only enjoy a delightful excursion but also help fund conservation initiatives in The Royal Parks.
I would highly recommend this experience to anybody, family, couples and friends. The staff were fabulous, skilled and attentive. They obviously love and respect the horse all of whom oozes health and wellbeing. The ticket costs £450 (+booking fee) for all six people in an exclusive carriage.
* they are rarer than pandas.
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By Penny McCarthy
Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.
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