Home Dorset Wimborne St Giles The Riding House
Back Overview Features Reviews Days out

The Riding House, Wimborne St Giles

Dorset » Wimborne St Giles
18
1
8
9

The Riding House is a 17th-century barn conversion sleeping 18 guests on the St Giles House estate near Ringwood in Dorset. This award-winning property underwent restoration in 2018 and now offers social spaces and modern facilities. Groups get access to 5,500 acres of parkland and a fully stocked honesty bar for celebrations.

The estate sits in rural Dorset between Wimborne St Giles and Ringwood. You're 20 miles from the coast and 2ΒΌ miles from local shops and pubs.

The property features multiple sleeping areas with kingsize or super kingsize beds with Egyptian cotton bedding. Ground floor rooms include a 5ft kingsize and 4ft 6in double bed, a room with a 5ft kingsize, a room with a 6ft super kingsize and a room with a 5ft kingsize.

Read More
Check Prices & Availability »
At Cottages.com
Check Prices & Availability »

About The Riding House

The Riding House is a 17th-century barn conversion sleeping 18 guests on the St Giles House estate near Ringwood in Dorset. This award-winning property underwent restoration in 2018 and now offers social spaces and modern facilities. Groups get access to 5,500 acres of parkland and a fully stocked honesty bar for celebrations.

The estate sits in rural Dorset between Wimborne St Giles and Ringwood. You're 20 miles from the coast and 2ΒΌ miles from local shops and pubs.

The property features multiple sleeping areas with kingsize or super kingsize beds with Egyptian cotton bedding. Ground floor rooms include a 5ft kingsize and 4ft 6in double bed, a room with a 5ft kingsize, a room with a 6ft super kingsize and a room with a 5ft kingsize. Additional bedrooms each have 5ft kingsize beds and Smart TVs. Two living rooms and a dining room with banquet tables provide social spaces.

Visit Moors Valley Country Park (6 miles, 15 minutes) for outdoor activities. Kingston Lacy House (8 miles, 20 minutes) offers historic tours. Bournemouth Beach (20 miles, 35 minutes) provides coastal walks. New Forest National Park (10 miles, 20 minutes) has forest trails.

The Riding House suits multi-generational families and celebration groups wanting space and period features with modern facilities.

Check Prices & Availability »

Need To Know

More Group Cottages You May Like

Brightmer Villa >
Pet Friendly Near Beach Open Fire Garden

Brightmer Villa

East of England, Suffolk

Sleeps 9 4 Bedrooms Pet Friendly

Brightmer Villa in Southwold, Suffolk, offers a spacious and comfortable retreat for up to nine guests. This period villa features four bedrooms and three bathrooms, providing ample space for...

View Cottage
Porthilly Brook >
Pet Friendly WiFi Open Fire Near Pub

Porthilly Brook

South West of England, Cornwall

Sleeps 12 5 Bedrooms Pet Friendly

Porthilly Brook is a stylish, detached bungalow resting in Rock, Cornwall. Close to amenities and beach. Ground-floor living. Pet-friendly. Contemporary. Padstow 2.4 miles on foot; Polzeath 2.6...

View Cottage
Greenway Sandpiper >
Hot Tub Pet Friendly Near Beach WiFi

Greenway Sandpiper

South West of England, Devon

Sleeps 8 4 Bedrooms Pet Friendly

This beautifully furnished and styled holiday home is set in the seaside town of Westward Ho! on Devon’s Atlantic coast. The town is popular with visitors and locals alike, thanks to its...

View Cottage
Argoed >
Pet Friendly WiFi Garden Near Pub

Argoed

Wales, Gwynedd

Sleeps 9 4 Bedrooms Pet Friendly

Argoed is a charming Victorian property which has been renovated to provide a wonderful family home in lower Llanbedrog with sea views, four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The property is a stones...

View Cottage
Riechip >
Pet Friendly WiFi Open Fire Garden

Riechip

Scotland, Perthshire & Kinross-shire

Sleeps 16 8 Bedrooms Pet Friendly

Former hunting lodge in own grounds with hunting on site accommodating up to 16. Near to nature reserve and spectacular walking. Dunkeld 6 miles.

View Cottage
Ynys Faelog Cottage >
Near Beach WiFi Open Fire Garden

Ynys Faelog Cottage

Wales, Anglesey

Sleeps 10 5 Bedrooms

A lovely five-bedroom home situated on Ynys Faelog, overlooking Menai Strait upon Anglesey. Ground-floor living. Stunning views. Close to amenities. Stylish. Llanfairpwllgwyngyll 2.3 miles;...

View Cottage
Min Y Mor Trearddur Bay >
Pet Friendly WiFi Garden Golf

Min Y Mor Trearddur Bay

Wales, Anglesey

Sleeps 10 4 Bedrooms Pet Friendly

Cheerful seaside holiday cottage in Trearddur Bay, Anglesey. WIFi. TV, DVD with Sky Sports. 5 minute walk to local restaurants and shops. A supermarket is 4 miles away.

View Cottage
Aelfor >
Hot Tub Pet Friendly Near Beach WiFi

Aelfor

Wales, North Wales & Snowdonia

Sleeps 8 4 Bedrooms Pet Friendly

Aelfor is a delightfully-spacious and contemporary cottage with a hot tub, exceptional countryside and far-reaching sea views, perched in Harlech, Gwynedd. Barmouth 10.2 miles; Porthmadog 10.7 miles.

View Cottage
Firm Anchor >
Pet Friendly Near Beach WiFi Open Fire

Firm Anchor

South West of England, Devon

Sleeps 8 5 Bedrooms Pet Friendly

Firm Anchor is a beautiful, detached holiday home perched in Salcombe, Devon. Close to amenities and a beach. Dog-friendly. Estuary and countryside views. Kingsbridge 5.2 miles; Dartmouth 18.4...

View Cottage
Eades Mill >
WiFi Open Fire Near Pub Fishing

Eades Mill

East of England, Norfolk

Sleeps 10 4 Bedrooms

Nestled within the small market town of Reepham, this 200-year-old mill, peacefully situated one mile from the town centre, offers a delightful escape for friends or family with its captivating...

View Cottage

Local Insights: The Riding House

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Wimborne St Giles, Dorset

Weather & Local Conditions

14Β°C

Mainly clear

Updated: 28 Aug 2026, 3:07am

🌑️
14.10Β°C
Temperature
πŸ’¨
6 km/h
Wind Speed
πŸ’§
95%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever August throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • βœ“ May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for big group days out, gardens and BBQs
  • βœ“ October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • βœ“ December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • βœ“ March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A large cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film with the whole group beat a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

The Riding House sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • βœ“ New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • βœ“ Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • βœ“ After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • βœ“ Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
πŸ“±
Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share with the whole group.

Location & Elevation

59m

(194 feet above sea level)

The Riding House sits in a peaceful Dorset setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a group getaway.

πŸ”οΈ
59m
Elevation
πŸ“
Wimborne St Giles
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • βœ“ Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • βœ“ Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • βœ“ Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • βœ“ Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
πŸš—
Driving Note: The roads to Wimborne St Giles are typical Dorset lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 50.9019500Β° N | Longitude: 1.94885Β° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Wimborne St Giles (Friday, 28 August 2026):

5:13am

Sunrise

6:04pm

Golden Hour

7:04pm

Sunset

πŸŒ…
5:13am
Sunrise
πŸŒ‡
7:04pm
Sunset
πŸ“Έ
6:04pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • βœ“ Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • βœ“ Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • βœ“ Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • βœ“ Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
πŸŒ™
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (6:04pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

August Daylight

This month in Wimborne St Giles, you have approximately 13.84 hours of daylight. The long summer days mean plenty of time for group adventures before a relaxed evening back at the cottage.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at The Riding House.

Mobile Phone Signal

πŸ“±

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

πŸ’‘
Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

πŸš—
Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Dorset. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 28 Aug 2026 | Location: 50.9019500, -1.9488500

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at The Riding House

Eight En-Suite Bedrooms

Every bedroom has its own bathroom with roll-top bath and walk-in shower. No queuing for facilities with 18 guests staying together.

5,500 Acre Estate Grounds

Access to thousands of acres of parkland for walks and outdoor activities. Perfect for groups wanting countryside space to explore together.

Fully Stocked Honesty Bar

Sample drinks from the honesty bar without leaving the property. Makes celebrations and evening gatherings easy for large groups.

Catering Kitchen Facilities

Professional-standard kitchen equipped for cooking meals for 18 people. Banquet dining tables seat everyone together for memorable group meals.

Wheelchair Accessible Throughout

Level access and ground floor wet room with grab rails. Four ground floor bedrooms make this suitable for guests with mobility needs.

Parking for 10+ Cars

Private on-site parking eliminates stress when multiple families arrive. Everyone parks safely without searching for spaces nearby.

Getting To The Riding House

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach The Riding House by car, take the A31 towards Ringwood and follow signs to Wimborne St Giles. The property is located on the St Giles House estate with convenient private parking for 10 or more cars upon arrival.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, the nearest station is Poole, approximately 16 miles away. From there, a taxi journey takes around 30 minutes to reach the estate.

Private parking for 10+ cars
Poole station (16 miles)
Accessible via A31 near Ringwood

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Moors Valley Country Park
Distance: 6 miles
BH24 2ET
Kingston Lacy House
Distance: 8 miles
BH21 4EA
New Forest National Park
Distance: 10 miles
SO43 7GH
St Giles House Estate Grounds
Distance: On-site
BH21 5NA
Cranborne Chase AONB
Distance: 5 miles
SP5 5PS
Badbury Rings
Distance: 7 miles
BH21 4HX
Wimborne Minster Town Centre
Distance: 6 miles
BH21 1JA
Ringwood Market Town
Distance: 8 miles
BH24 1AE
Ferndown Tesco Superstore
Distance: 9 miles
BH22 9TZ
Poole Railway Station
Distance: 16 miles
BH15 1SZ
Bournemouth International Airport
Distance: 15 miles
BH23 6SE
Wimborne St Giles Village
Distance: 2.25 miles
BH21 5NF
Moors Valley Country Park
Distance: 6 miles
BH24 2ET
Kingston Lacy House
Distance: 8 miles
BH21 4EA
New Forest National Park
Distance: 10 miles
SO43 7GH
St Giles House Estate Grounds
Distance: On-site
BH21 5NA
Cranborne Chase AONB
Distance: 5 miles
SP5 5PS
Badbury Rings
Distance: 7 miles
BH21 4HX
Wimborne Minster Town Centre
Distance: 6 miles
BH21 1JA
Ringwood Market Town
Distance: 8 miles
BH24 1AE
Ferndown Tesco Superstore
Distance: 9 miles
BH22 9TZ
Poole Railway Station
Distance: 16 miles
BH15 1SZ
Bournemouth International Airport
Distance: 15 miles
BH23 6SE
Wimborne St Giles Village
Distance: 2.25 miles
BH21 5NF

Is The Riding House Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
The 5,500 acre estate grounds offer space for children to explore and play outdoors. Moors Valley Country Park sits 6 miles away with play areas and cycling trails. Bournemouth Beach is 20 miles away for seaside days. The property provides a highchair and travel cot on request for younger children.
Groups Will Love...
The fully stocked honesty bar and banquet dining tables create perfect celebration spaces for groups of 18. Two separate living rooms give everyone space to spread out or gather together. The catering kitchen handles meal preparation for large numbers. Egyptian cotton bedding and luxury robes in every bedroom add special touches.
Pet Friendly
The Riding House welcomes up to 2 pets with charges applied at booking. The 5,500 acre estate grounds provide excellent walking space for dogs to exercise. Ground floor access and outdoor areas make it practical for pet owners. The rural Dorset location offers quiet countryside surroundings away from busy roads.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at The Riding House

The Bull Inn, Wimborne St Giles

Located 2.25 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: BH21 5NF

The Horton Inn

Located 4 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: BH21 7HL

The Coventry Arms, Corfe Mullen

Located 7 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: BH21 3RY

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about The Riding House

How many people does The Riding House sleep?
The property sleeps 18 guests across eight individually designed bedrooms. Bedroom 1 has both a kingsize and double bed, while the other seven bedrooms each have kingsize or super kingsize beds.
Is The Riding House pet friendly?
Yes, up to 2 pets are welcome at this property. Pet charges apply and should be confirmed when booking.
How many bathrooms are available?
There are nine bathrooms in total. Each of the eight bedrooms has its own en-suite with roll-top bath and walk-in shower, plus there's a separate ground floor toilet.
What kitchen facilities are provided?
The property has a fully equipped catering kitchen with electric oven, electric hob, fridge/freezer and dishwasher. The professional-standard facilities suit cooking for large groups of 18 people.
Is the property wheelchair accessible?
Yes, The Riding House offers full wheelchair access with level entry throughout. Ground floor facilities include a wet room with grab rails and four bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms.
What parking is available?
Private on-site parking accommodates 10 or more cars. This makes arrival straightforward when multiple families are travelling separately to the property.
Can we arrange catering services?
Catered services can be arranged by speaking with the house manager before your stay. The property also has banquet dining tables and a fully stocked honesty bar for celebrations.
What outdoor space is included?
Guests have access to the estate's 5,500 acres of parkland, though access is restricted to certain areas. The property also has its own garden or patio area for private outdoor space.

Popular Stays Near This Cottage

Beaminster
4 cottages
Blandford Forum
7 cottages
Bridport
6 cottages
Dorchester
9 cottages
Lyme Regis
10 cottages
West Lulworth
5 cottages
Weymouth
3 cottages
Wimborne
7 cottages

The Riding House Reviews

Leave a Review
Been to The Riding House? Please leave a review and share your holiday experiences.
Name
Month of stay
Year of stay
Review
Popular Group Cottages
Latest Blog Posts
Useful pages
Follow Us
Subscribe
Join our newsletter and get fantastic deals on UK hot tub cottages you won't find anywhere else. We respect your privacy and adhere to strict no-spam policies.
Copyright © 2026 - Large Holiday Cottages