Relax and experience the hacking diversity of peaceful bridleways and the wooded valleys; nestling in the Village of Combe Hay, Homemead Livery is 3 miles from Bath and falls within the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

You can enjoy rides aimed as un-hurried exploration and not manic marathons – enjoy quality time with your horse.

Maintaining it’s historic character, rural tranquillity and atmosphere, Combe Hay, south of Bath is characterised generally by steep sided river valleys and brooks that meander across the valley.

Known in the Domesday book of 1086 as Cumb, the village includes a church with a 15th Century Tower, the Georgian Combe Manor and a spectacular weir on Cam brook with a bridleway running alongside that carries you up into open fields with spectacular views of the valleys below.

Riding out of the village will take you to Midford. On the hillside above is Midford Castle a late 18th Century folly castle, built in the shape of the ace of clubs. It was owned by the Briggs family before it’s sale in July 2007, to actor Nicolas Cage. From Midford you will pass through Monkton Combe and then down into the Limpley Stoke and Freshford valleys.

Bed and Breakfast Acommodation and facilities for your horse! – 1st Class accommodation awaits, for your horse or pony in our American Barn with a central walkway. All stables are hunter sized, are well ventilated and have rubber stable matting. Ad lib hay is included in the livery, as is 1 bale of straw bedding – additional may be purchased on site. If you require alternatives please let us know at the time of booking.

Since all horses have different dietary preferences we recommend you bring your own food. If you are staying for a long period of time or you cannot transport your horses food we have a very reliable local equine supplies store who would be happy to provide / order food on your behalf. Please ensure you provide details of requirements in advance of your arrival.

Secure quality grazing and turnout – Homemead Livery has about 12 acres of good secure grazing, divided into reasonable sized paddocks for mares and geldings and/or stabling is available all year round. The turnout areas are well fenced with hedging and / or post and rail fencing conveniently located near the stable yard and barn accommodation.

• Secure tack room, with saddle racks
• Separate lockable feed room
• Ample Parking at Friary Dene and Homemead Livery
• 6 Internal Stables
• Hay and Bedding
• Wheelbarrows, mucking out forks, yard brushes etc provided
• Emergency access to local vets, farrier and equine supply merchants

We offer a range of short breaks and horse riding holidays, from weekends based here at Friary Dene bed and breakfast and Homemead livery, to week-long vacations giving you the time to relax and unwind and simply enjoy yourselves.

With experience and knowledge of this area, we are able to alter routes to suit your needs, horses and weather, ensuring each day is enjoyable and offers just the right amount of challenge!

We are able to provide great accommodation for riders and your horses, and non horsey partners, family and friends are welcome, and may want to take in the Roman Baths, Longleat Safari Park or Stonehenge for the day.

Also available

• Packed lunch (must be pre-ordered) – £8 per person
• Escorted rides, subject to availability – from £25 per hour.
• Route maps – £8.50
• Continental Breakfast is included, with a selection of cereals, toast, fruit juice and tea or coffee
• Evening Meals, subject to availability – on a warm summer evening dinner may be a barbecue at Friary Dene or join the family for supper; Two courses with a glass of wine or soft drink, followed by tea or coffee, £18 per person

If you love horses and riding but have a partner who doesn't, we still have the holiday for you. We offer a selection of holidays where non-riding companions are welcome.

Additional Activities – For those wishing to go fishing or play a round of golf we provide a comprehensive choice of suitable, quality venues for all abilities, all within reasonable travelling distance from Friary Dene Guest House. We can also arrange activities below:

• Water Sports
• Walking
• Cycling
• Hang Gliding
• Climbing
• Bird Watching
• Photography
• Painting

Travel and Equine Insurance

It is a condition of booking with your horse that you and your horse must be fully insured against medical and personal accident risks. Please ensure that your insurance company covers relevant activities.

Booking: Please telephone to confirm availability before sending your confirmation and deposit.

Deposits: Payment via cheque drawn on a UK Bank (payable to 'Friary Dene' or via Sterling Draft. The balance is payable 2 weeks prior to arrival. Non payment at this time may be deemed to be a cancellation of the booking.

Cancellation: We reserve the right to obtain full cost of the holiday booked in the event of cancellation. We will endeavour to re-let and, if successful, we shall refund all funds received except for £25 administration costs. Please read our conditions prior to booking.

Please note: a minimum 2 night stay policy is often adopted at weekends and during mid/high season.

• Miles of off-road riding
• Superb scenery
• DIY, Part or Full Livery
• Stabling  and grazing

* Warm and friendly and relaxed accommodation for you and your horse.