Features

Our Best Cycling Breaks in the UK and Europe

27 September 2023

With around 200 dedicated cycling trails gracing the UK alone, it’s never been easier to plan a scenic holiday on two wheels.

Whizz your way along the 180-mile Tarka Trail, enjoy family-friendly heritage routes like Hadrian’s Cycleway, or go off the beaten track in the Elan Valley and see Wales in all its rich rural finery.

You’ve even got the option to cycle all the way from Land’s End to John O’Groats – on an iconic and beautiful route known as LEJOG – for a whopping 1,189 miles, should the mood take you!

Prefer a change of scenery? Handy sites like the EuroVelo cycle route network will easily connect you with some of the loveliest ways to explore Europe by bike (we’re particular fans of the Sun Route, which takes in Norway’s spectacular midnight sun and finishes on the beach in Malta).

Whether you’re planning a dedicated bikepacking trip with the whole family, or you just want to bring your bike and explore at your own leisure, we’ve picked these cyclist-friendly retreats especially for you.

You’ll find each one is situated near a particular cycling route, and/or has facilities for cyclists, such as storage or bike hire.

Ready to explore?

Author: Nina Jervis

 

West Stow Pods

Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
How about an unforgettable escape to the beautiful Suffolk countryside with West Stow Pods, where there's something for everyone at this glamping idyll.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: Up to 4 per unit
From
£84 /night
Lots of local cycling routes from easy to expert level

La Esperanza

Granada, Andalucia, Spain
A grand, authentic hacienda with luxury suites, a swimming pool, and a designer courtyard inspired by the Alhambra, nestled amongst private flower gardens just 35 minutes from Granada.
Bedrooms: 6
Sleeps: Up to 14
From
£394 / night
The Lecrín Valley, where La Esperanza Granada is situated, is very well-known for cycling and we have many luxury travellers who stay with us and actually bring their own bikes. Those who don’t bring their own bikes are able to rent from our local partners and even hire a biking guide to take them through local villages, off the beaten track paths and even through the Alpujarras region, which is known as the Wild West of Spain.

Wolds Edge Treehouse

Bishop Wilton, Yorkshire, England
A luxuriously romantic lodge-amongst-the-leaves, in an award-winning corner of the unspoilt Yorkshire Wolds.
Bedrooms: Open plan
Sleeps: 2
From
£492 (2nights)
Wolds edge is perfect for cyclists with some excellent routes from our doorstep. We offer secure storage in our lockable bike shed, or bikes can be chained to the posts outside the lodges. We also have tap for hosing down the bikes after a great day in the saddle. Bike hire also available (guests need to bring their own helmets)

Ty Cwch

Aberporth, Ceredigion, Wales
A unique, award-winning architect designed ‘boat house' that's ideal for an adventure-packed beach break, next to the invigorating Welsh Coast Path.
Bedrooms: 3
Sleeps: 12 (or 4 per cabin)
From
£136 / night
Ty Cwch is an ideal base for cyclists, with facilities from hot showers to plenty of drying and secure storage. Plenty of local cycle routes to choose from.

Tinkers Treehouse

Ticehurst, East Sussex, England
Retreat to Tinkers Treehouse, a luxuriously romantic treetop hideaway, privately nestled in the rustling East Sussex leaves.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£180 /night
Downash Wood is next to Bewl water reservoir which has a 12.5 mile cycle route around the reservoir with fantastic views of the water and woodland. We are also a short cycle or drive away from Bedgebury Pinetum which has loads of cycle routes around the huge forest. Keen cyclers will often cycle Bewl water then cycle to Bedgebury and do that cycle too which is a great day out. Bikes can be stored in the private car park or at the space. Spaces also have outdoor plugs to plug in electric bikes! Some guests travel by train from London to Wadhurst station with their bikes, cycle to Downash Wood from the station and use their bikes to explore the local area.

The Windmill Suffolk

Nr Lavenham, Suffolk, England
You'll be swept away to the height of luxury at The Windmill Suffolk - a glorious towering bolthole as seen on George Clarke's 'Amazing Spaces' and overlooking idyllic countryside, just two miles north of historic Lavenham.
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 4
From
£425 / night
Perfect location for cycling breaks, with a lockable barn for bikes.

Station Cottage Bucknell

Bucknell, Shropshire, England
Chug gently back in time with a historic stay in a Grade II-listed, architecturally celebrated railway retreat in rural South Shropshire.
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 4
From
£95 /night
Station Cottage Bucknell is a perfect base for a cycling holiday. Shropshire’s rolling hills offer endless options for rides on both quiet country roads, and off road exploring of gravel tracks, but our unique feature is the Heart of Wales rail line. The railway runs right past the cottage, welcomes bikes and offers the opportunity to jump on a train into the centre of Wales and then travel home under your own steam. The owners are both keen cyclists and are always happy to suggest suitable routes, the area is something of an undiscovered gem and routes include short, easy rides, trips to Ludlow or longer days out over the hills of the Welsh border. Or for the really keen, a 161-mile round trip to the sea and back, best completed on a summer day when the air is warm and the nights are short.

Villa CP

Girona, Catalonia, Spain
A lovingly restored, eco-friendly Catalan farmhouse with natural swimming pool, for luxury group breaks steeped in peaceful tradition.
Bedrooms: 4 (+1)
Sleeps: 8 (+2)
From
£2790 (1 week)
Villa CP in Catalonia is great for cyclists, situated on a popular cycle route near Girona, the summit of Santa Pellaia in the middle of the Gavarres nature reserve (national park). Lance Armstrong and many others have trained here. The nearby medieval city of Girona is a popular destination for cyclists, with many cycle shops and even special cafes for cyclists. Villa CP welcomes cyclists throughout the year.

Finca de Arrieta Eco Cottages

Arrieta, Lanzarote, Spain
A friendly and family-run off-grid resort, set in one of Lanzarote's most tranquil and unspoilt locations.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: 2-8
From
£840/ week
At Eco Village Finca de Arreita (yurts and cottages) we are situation at the most famous hill climb Tabayesco Hill. We often host cyclists, and offer bike storage and can arrange rental bikes to be delivered.

Art Hangar

Val d'Orcia, Tuscany, Italy
Stray from the beaten Tuscan track at Art Hangar, in an industrial hangar transformed into a unique loft space that's perfect for creative dreamers.
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 4
From
£1,655 (7 nights)
Art Hangar has storage for bikes inside and repair materials, and lots of opportunties for great tours (including the very known Strade Bianche)

The Coastguard Lookout

Dungeness, Kent, England
Arguably one of the most fabulously positioned places to stay in the UK, offering some of the most unique accommodation you'll ever find, Coastguard Lookout is definitely one for your radar.
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 5
From
£658 (2 nts)
Bloom Stays have recently partnered with Click2Cycle to encourage our guests to get around Kent on two wheels! They have a drop-off and collection service of e-bikes and we offer this to over 70 of our holiday homes across Kent.

The Control Tower B&B

Walsingham, Norfolk, England
A restored Control Tower B&B bursting with history, period art deco features and furnishings on a former North Norfolk airfield.
Bedrooms: 4
Sleeps: 2 per room
From
£125 / night
The Control Tower B&B is close to cycle route one for those who like longer bike rides or for those who prefer an amble there are some lovely quiet lanes to explore the inland North Norfolk villages of Walsingham, Warham, Wighton and Binham. We are happy to point out things to look out for and where to have a rest with refreshments. Contrary to popular belief, Norfolk is not as flat as you might think but is beautiful taken in slowly. We have secure undercover storage in our Nissen Hut for your bike and to hang up wet gear. Or if you don’t want to travel with your bicycle, we are lucky enough to have a local bike hire company which will deliver to The Control Tower www.norfolkcyclehire.co.uk. With notice, we can offer ‘Tower Take-overs’ where all rooms are taken up by one group – that way you get exclusive access to the lounge. These are good fun for cycling groups (we can sleep up to 10 – 4 double rooms and a couple of extra single z-beds).

Coastal Cabins

Bideford, Devon, England
A selection of luxurious, award-winning hideaways for couples and families, with indulgent on-site facilities and surrounded by North Devon countryside.
Bedrooms: Open plan
Sleeps: Varies
From
£78 / night
Coastal Cabins Glamping is located just a 20 minute drive from the famous Tarka Trail cycle path. Inspired by Tarka the Otter, the Tarka Trail is a 180 mile figure of eight loop exploring all that North Devon has to offer. Footpaths and bridleways will take you through unspoiled countryside traversing valleys and woods through Exmoor and Dartmoor national parks. The South West Coast Path will offer breathtaking views of the sea while visiting coastal villages and beautiful beaches. The UK’s longest, traffic-free cycle path links Braunton in the north with Meeth in the south of the region. The final stage is a relaxing journey on the Tarka Line rail service back to Barnstaple.

Culbin Edge

Brodie, Moray, Scotland
A reviving slice of forest living and coastal adventure, based from a cosy eco-cabin at the Edge of paradise.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2-4
From
£465 (3 nts)
Culbin Edge works exceptionally well for cycling holidays, with plenty of space for bikes and if you need to store them out of the rain they can stand on the deck. Great for mount biking you don’t have to go near a main road to get into Culbin Forest, there is the bonus of a secluded beach at Buckie Loch, take a dip in the sea to cool off or watch the seals sunbathing at the mouth of the Findhorn bay. You can cycle through the Forest to Nairn from the cabin (or cycle on Hybrid bikes). There are mountain bike routes for beginners through to experts at Fochabers, 26 miles from us. A great day out. The Moray Ways website displays cycle routes near us, we are on the National Cycle Route 1, this route can be found on Moray Ways. You can cycle to Brodie Castle, Brodie Countyfare, a rural shopping experience and family restaurant, Ten minutes from the Cabin. Local towns, Forres and Nairn, not far to cycle on quite country roads. If you have any problems with your bike while on holiday Kevin from Bikespokes (mobile bike repair) lives just down the road. You can hire bikes through his website at Findhorn, click and Collect. Electric Bikes can be hired from outfit Moray. Lossiemouth (when you go to pick up your bike from Lossiemouth they have a great beach and ice cream!) Ice Trikes, one is available for hire for the less mobile.

SeaBeds Luxury Lookout Lodges

Ballachulish, The Highlands, Scotland
A luxury, design-led ‘lookout' for couples and families, with an infinity hot tub and sweeping sea-and-mountain views of the Scottish Highlands.
Bedrooms: 1 Bedroom
Sleeps: 2 (+2)
From
£275 / night
There’s no better way to drink in the russets, reds and golds of autumn than by taking an e-bike ride through some of the area’s most dramatic scenery. Did you know that the National Cycle Route 78 (or more romantically – the Caledonia Way), wiggles its way right passed the Woodlands Estate, meaning you can cycle directly from your luxury lodge to the bustling town of Oban (30 miles away). Much of the track is built along the old Ballachulish to Oban railway line so the entire route is level and mostly off-road. Along the way, you’ll pass mirror-like lochs, nature reserves, ancient forests, medieval castles and plenty of great places to stop off, take in the view and enjoy something to eat. As part of the Woodlands Activity Centre, we hire out state-of-the-art e-bikes and equipment throughout the year, so you can hop on and safely take in some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery, without even breaking a sweat!

Wild Meadow

Presteigne, Radnorshire, Wales
Welcome to Wild Meadow - a heavenly spot of orchards and meadows on the English-Welsh border, home to the eco-friendly Meadow Cottage and Shepherd's Hut.
Bedrooms: 3
Sleeps: 7
From
£85 / night
Wild Meadow has a lockable bike shed attached to the cottage This area has the highest density of bridleways and legal green lanes in Britain. Here you can travel across miles of open hill, moorland and single tracks with the buzzards and red kites soaring above. Within a short bike ride from Wild Meadow are two forests (Nash Woods and Radnorshire forest) that are enjoyable to cycle around. Bucknell Woods (7 miles away) has a downhill track. Visit Wales has identified Knighton (just over the hill from Wild Meadow) as a Cycle Break Centre. To quote - ‘Cycle Break Centres are selected because they give holidaymakers access to some of the loveliest day cycling in Wales while staying in welcoming holiday areas. Packs are available from Offa’s Dyke Centre featuring easy-to-follow maps and written route instructions. Circular rides range from 9 to 33 miles (15 to 55km) in length.’ Also Wild Meadow is 40 minutes from Elan Valley which has amazing cycling – both off road bike tracks and leisurely routes around the reservoirs. With electric and non electric bikes available to hire.

The Water Shed

Chichester, West Sussex, England
An award-winning, eco-friendly Grand Design with a vast natural swimming pond, surrounded by the soul-soothing charms of nature and endless coastal walks in a West Sussex AONB.
Bedrooms: 5
Sleeps: 10
From
£8000/wk
The Water Shed has a lockable garage that the guests can use, and ample cycle ways - perfect for a group cycling break.

Latest
Posts

Swipe left
to find out more

Unusual Retreats Inspired by Unputdownable ‘Cosy Crime’ Stories

“Cosy crime” is a genre that refers to those compelling tales of eccentric, eminently likeable amateur detectives. They’re called upon...
Lights Camera Glamping main photo

New to Host Unusual: an immersive ‘film set’ experience, a Starman shrine, fine wine-tasting in a Portuguese mill - and more

If you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to live inside a film set, or browse the archives of...

Take a Bow… Presenting Our Charmingly Unusual, Award-Winning Retreats of 2024!

Here’s a question: what does “award-winning” really mean, in the ferociously competitive world of hospitality? We think it acknowledges the...
Baby friendly holidays

Our Favourite Baby-Friendly Stays – As Described By Their Owners!

Why not cover all the bases with “child-friendly stays”, you may ask? Well, as every parent knows, travelling with a...

The UK’s Best Viewing Hotspots for the Northern Lights

Witnessing the Northern Lights is a serious bucket-list item: one that used to require expensive trips to the coldest, darkest...