Horse drawn carriage ride near York: private countryside tour
A quiet hour through woodland tracks and country lanes, spotting deer and buzzards from your own carriage.
A private horse drawn carriage ride around Escrick Park Estate near York lasts approximately one hour, with your group aboard your own carriage and a driver who knows the woodland tracks and country lanes. Hot drinks are included; you can choose an open-top carriage in warm months or an enclosed one with blankets and hot water bottles when it's cold. Service animals are welcome, and the ride suits all fitness levels.
1h–2h
Step-by-step itinerary
Horse drawn carriage ride and tea
- Meet driver and horses in Skipwith Village
- Board carriage and start countryside tour
- Enjoy views of woodland and country lanes
- Spot deer or buzzards along the way
- Stop for tea and coffee selection
- Complete approximately one-hour carriage ride
- Visit village tea room for treats
The Experience
You meet your driver Gordon and one of his carriage horses at Skipwith Village on the outskirts of the park. The carriage is yours alone — never shared with another group — so you set the mood and pace from the moment you climb aboard. Gordon takes the reins through the private grounds of Escrick Park Estate, steering along woodland tracks and country lanes where deer and buzzards sometimes appear among the trees.
The ride lasts roughly an hour. What you wear matters: the operator advises dressing warmly and bringing gloves in the colder months, since you're moving through open countryside. The carriage itself adapts to the season. In warmer weather, an open-top carriage lets you feel the air and see without obstruction. When it's wet or cold, you ride in an enclosed carriage with windows, fluffy blankets, cushions and hot water bottles to keep you comfortable. Either way, hot drinks are waiting for you.
After the ride, the tea room in Skipwith Village is open if you want to stay longer — afternoon cream teas and ploughman's lunches are on offer, though you'll need to book those in advance. The whole outing is built around your group, with no strangers sharing the carriage and no schedule pressure beyond the hour on the road.
What’s included
- Hot drinks during the ride.
- your own private carriage for your group.
- an enclosed carriage with blankets and hot water bottles in cold or wet weather, or an open-top carriage in warmer months.
Operated by Little skipwith carriage rides
Is this one for you?The ride moves at a walking pace through countryside, so it suits anyone who can sit comfortably for an hour — no walking required, and the enclosed carriage option means you stay warm and dry no matter the season.
Traveler reviews
Top questions
What's the difference between the open-top and enclosed carriage?
The open-top carriage runs in warmer months and gives you an unobstructed view of the estate. The enclosed carriage operates in wet or cold weather and comes with windows, blankets, cushions and hot water bottles so you stay warm while still seeing the woodland and country lanes.
Will we actually see deer or buzzards on the ride?
Deer and buzzards do live on Escrick Park Estate, and visitors sometimes spot them while riding through the woodland tracks. The operator describes it as a possible glimpse rather than a guarantee, so it depends on the day and the time of year.
Is the carriage shared with other groups?
No. The carriage is reserved for your own group only and never shared with other visitors, so you have privacy for the full hour.
What happens if the weather turns bad during the ride?
The enclosed carriage with windows is designed for wet or cold weather, so your ride goes ahead as planned. You'll have blankets, cushions and hot water bottles to stay comfortable inside.
Can we bring young children or babies?
Yes, the ride is suitable for all the family. Infants must sit on an adult's lap, and the operator notes that service animals are also welcome.
Do we need to book the tea room visit in advance?
Yes. If you want to visit the tea room in Skipwith Village after your carriage ride for cream teas or ploughman's lunches, you'll need to book that separately before you arrive.
Horse drawn carriage ride near York: private countryside tour
1h–2h · EN
from £ 125 per group
★★★★★★★★★★4.6285 reviews
