Horse-drawn carriage rides through Richmond Park are returning for their fourth winter season thanks to a team-up between the Royal Parks and Operation Centaur, a working stable.

The 90-minute experience begins at Holly Lodge with a behind-the-scenes visit of the working stables and homemade sloe gin and mince pies.

After climbing aboard, majestic Shire Horses pull visitors for an hour-long trip along the park’s tracks to the gentle sounds of hoofs and bells.

Owner of Operation Centaur, Andreas Liefooghe, said: “It’s a unique way of seeing the park; even people who have seen it many times often go ‘Wow’! You get very close to the wildlife because it doesn’t go away if you are on horseback.”

He added: “Shire horses are rarer than giant pandas, there’s less than 18,000, eight in London.”

The Shire horses pictured, Roy, 22, and Aragon, 20, both weigh more than a tonne each are more than capable of gently trundling the carriage through the park.

The path goes near Pen Ponds, where striking Egyptian Geese wade, and through the woodland, where red deer and fallow deer are easily spotted.

Volunteer Barbara Avery worked with horses for many years and was a Metropolitan police officer based in Richmond Park, since retiring she’s been able to get involved with horses again.

She said: “Most people have described the rides as ‘magical’ and like ‘stepping back in time’. They are in awe with the sheer size and power of the shire horses.”

“A shire horse has to be worked. They are so they are so good with people, they love people. They are wonderful animals, very honest and sociable.”

“To see them working the land and the trust and connection they have with Tom, who works them, is amazing.

“I enjoy being around them and find It very rewarding to see them going out in all their finery knowing that I have played some small part in it all.”

Shire Horses were introduced into Richmond Park in 1993 as a sustainable way to manage the parkland.

Roy and Aragon’s other duties include road verge cutting, rolling bracken to preserve grassland and helping with timber extraction from the woods.

They also met Prince Charles last July, who launched the Royal Parks Charity after enjoying a carriage ride with them, so are well-versed in etiquette.

Essential booking information:

  • Book tickets through the Royal Parks website
  • The purchase of one £125 ticket admits two people on the ride
  • The cost for exclusive use of the whole carriage is £375
  • Children aged 8+ are welcome, with adults on a 1-2-1 ratio
  • Ticket price includes tea/sloe gin/mince pies before the ride