Pembrey Park Riding Centre

If you're after a proper riding session in South Wales, Pembrey Park Riding Centre near Burry Port is where you'll find decent horses and instructors who actually know what they're doing. The centre operates from the grounds of Pembrey Country Park, so you're not stuck in some dingy indoor arena - there's open space, fields, and a genuine rural feel to the whole setup.

The centre caters mainly to riders of varying abilities, from complete beginners through to more experienced folk who want to hack out properly. Lessons and rides are the main offering here, and they run a tight ship when it comes to matching you with suitable mounts. You'll spend most of your time either in instruction sessions or out on the bridleways around the park itself, which is far more enjoyable than endless laps of a menage.

If you're staying at Pembrey Country Park Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite just down the road, this is genuinely convenient - you could do a morning ride and be back for lunch. Even from Shoreline Caravan Park a couple of miles away, it's no hassle to get to. The wider Carmarthenshire coast offers plenty for non-riders in your group - Burry Port itself has a harbour worth exploring, and the nearby country park has walking trails that'll keep families occupied.

You'll need to book ahead and expect to pay for rides - this isn't a free attraction. Allow a couple of hours minimum for a decent session. Best to visit outside peak summer holidays unless you enjoy queuing.