Cycling
Welcome to England's Cycling Country. Whether you regularly cycle and take your bicycle on holiday, or simply like the idea of spending a few hours, or maybe a leisurely day or two exploring on two wheels - the open fields, gentle hills and wooded valleys of the East of England are perfect for all ages and abilities.
National and Regional Cycle Routes
The region is criss-crossed by our network of long distance routes - suitable for short breaks and longer holidays.
The National Cycle Network consists of over 12,000 miles (19,321 kilometres) of well-signed routes on traffic-free paths, quiet lanes and traffic-calmed roads. Look out for the white numbers on a red background which indicate the way-marking of the network. One of the key routes is National Route 1, which runs along the east coast (Chelmsford Colchester Ipswich Norwich Fakenham King's Lynn-Wisbech). By using Route 51 from Colchester to the ferry port of Harwich, a 369 mile (594 kilometre) route can be followed which connects with the port of Hull. This ride guides you through the historic and traditional area of eastern England, where you can enjoy some of the country's finest cathedral cities, attractive towns and picturesque villages, as well as peaceful countryside.
There are three fully-signed regional routes. All use a mixture of mainly quiet roads and well-surfaced tracks. The circular Suffolk Coastal Cycle Route (88 miles/142 kilometres) runs through peaceful, undulating countryside, and beside a unspoilt coastline of lonely shingle beaches and crumbling cliffs. The linear Norfolk Coast Cycleway links King's Lynn and Great Yarmouth, covering 103 miles (166 kilometres). This route takes you just inland, with pretty villages, magnificent views of the sea and teeming bird life. The Heart of Suffolk Cycle Route (78 miles/125 kilometres) explores the gently rolling landscapes and market towns of Mid Suffolk. All three routes link with the National Cycle Network.
Day Rides
The region has thousands of miles of quiet country lanes and roads to explore. To help you, East of England Tourism has developed a range of circular Cycling Discovery Maps of between 13 and 30 miles (21 and 48 kilometres). These wind through agricultural land and along unspoilt coastline, visiting historic market towns and picturesque villages.
Why not follow The Thatcher's Way through enchanting picture book villages, or the Apples and Ale route with a pint or two at a Georgian brewery. Go in search of broomsticks and black cats on The Witchfinder's Way, whilst Literary Landcapes will take you to the home of playwright George Bernard Shaw. Visit the grand country estates of the rich and famous with Lords of the Manor, or discover the turning sails and water-wheels of The Miller's Trail
Check out our full range of maps
Cycling Holidays
We have several companies which offer cycling holidays in the region, including the booking of accommodation and luggage transfer during your trip. Check out our listing of cycling holiday operators
Cyclists Welcome Scheme.
A UK wide scheme, the Cyclists Welcome Scheme gives cyclists the confidence that they are booking quality accommodation that meets their particular needs.
Why not follow The Thatcher's Way through enchanting picture book villages, or the Apples and Ale route with a pint or two at a Georgian brewery.
Traffic Free Routes
Enjoy family-friendly rides along former railway lines, around reservoirs, and through forests and woodland. Many of these locations also offer cycle hire (as indicated with a *).
The Marston Vale Millennium Country Park * has a ‘figure of eight' cycle path, with one loop circling the wetland reserve with its rare bird-life. Many of the country parks in Essex have trails open to cyclists, such as the wildlife-rich Flitch Way, along the former Bishop's Stortford to Braintree railway line. Grafham Water * is Britain's third largest man-made reservoir - follow the 10 mile (16 kilometre) circuit around its shores. More watery routes at the River Lee Country Park * with various tree-lined pathways and canal towpaths to explore. Full steam ahead - go ‘Huff and Puff' and combine a ride through the mature woodland of the Kelling Heath Holiday Park * with a trip on The Poppy Line. For more railway routes, follow the Marriott's Way from Norwich to Aylsham; or The Alban Way in Hertfordshire. The country piles of Blickling Hall *, Holkham and Ickworth House offer trails through their fine landscapes. Loose yourself with a peaceful cycle ride under the trees at the High Lodge Forest Centre * or Rendlesham Forest Centre * - both offering excellent traffic-free routes.
Useful Information
If you are travelling from overseas - then most airlines and ferry companies will carry your bicycle. But we advise you to check well in advance with the operator to confirm exact details and any charges that might be involved. Once here our excellent train network will carry you and your bicycle around the region.
If you are travelling within the UK - then why not leave your car at home, and bring your bicycle on the train? There are two main train operators in the region: First Capital Connect and National Express There is normally a small charge, and you may need to reserve a space in advance. Another very useful source for public transport information - trains and buses (including timetables) is Traveline
Places to Stay
The region offers a wide range of accommodation options for cyclists. Stay in one of our eco-friendly hostels, in the great outdoors on a campsite, or try a welcoming bed and breakfast.
Cycle Hire
Check out our listing of cycle hire centres
