Discover the history and quaint countryside in Suffolk by bike. Over 7 days you will pedal from Needham Market to Cavendish, and everywhere in between. A gentle self-guided cycling tour to take at your own pace.
Refreshing two-wheeled adventure in the UK
This seven-day, self-guided tour is the perfect way to really explore Suffolk, one of the UK’s most beautiful counties. Soak up everything this wonderful corner of the world has to offer in terms of history, culture and food.
Starting in Needham Market, your tour will take you through the villages of Cavendish, Flatford and Bury St Edmunds. You’ll cycle into the heart of Constable Country, the birthplace of celebrated English painter John Constable, whose paintings often depict the serene landscape and village scenes of this area. There is also a day dedicated to visiting two of the county’s favourite stately homes, where you can park your bike and enjoy exploring the houses and gardens.
Spend seven days discovering the myriad of cultures and Suffolk charm at your own pace. All your cycling routes are mapped out for you and your luggage will be transferred separately by car to your next location, so all you need to do is enjoy this tour on two wheels!
Flights not included. Direct flights available at lastminute.com
This tour has been designed specifically for you to enjoy at your own pace. Before you arrive, you will be given detailed information, including maps and GPS routes to follow using your phone or bike computer. You decide how much you want to push your legs each day, and take as many or as little stops as you feel are necessary.
Your luggage will be transferred from one hotel to the next whilst you are busy cycling during the day, so you don’t have to worry about carrying anything with you. We do however recommend that you pack the essentials, including plenty of water, some high energy snacks and money for lunch and other stops along the way.
Each night you’ll be staying in a three or four star hotel or B&B along your route. Each one has been selected due to its quality and location, meaning they are all close to the start and end of each daily route. Each one offers safe and secure bike storage and a very comfortable stay so you can relax after a day in the saddle. You will also be able to grab a meal at the end of each day.
Suffolk is a green and charming region perched on the United Kingdom’s East coast. It is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and offers many cycling routes that weave through the coastal towns and villages that punctuate the National Cycling Network. These villages exude traditional English charm, with multicoloured rows of mediaeval houses and a very calm way of life. The roads too tend to be quiet, making it a great area for year-round riding and cyclists of all levels. When the sun is shining, there really is no better way to explore these secluded country roads and rolling hills than by bike.
Suffolk enjoys quite good weather all year round and is one of the driest regions in England. Summers are warm and winters don’t tend to get too cold, making Suffolk a great place for year-round cycling. The hottest month of the year tends to be July, but even so, temperatures rarely get above 30 degrees.
Suffolk offers a mix of flat and hilly terrain. It is well known for its farming, and a lot of the land is cultivated, but that doesn’t take away from its natural beauty. It is a fine example of the beautiful English countryside. The Suffolk coast and heaths and Dedham Vale are both nationally designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Outdoor sports are popular in this area of the UK. Walkers, hikers and cyclists are often seen exploring the countryside at the weekends, especially in warm weather. Enjoy pedalling along the quiet country lanes and through these beautiful mediaeval villages where it seems time has stood still.
Day 2 begins with a train journey from Ipswich to Needham Market. The train leaves at 9.21 am and takes less than 10 minutes to reach your destination (one ticket is around £5, not included in the price of the tour). Needham Market is a pretty English village that dates back to the 15th century and many of its buildings are Grade II listed.
You’ll meet up with the rest of the group at Needham Market Station. If you are planning on renting a bike instead of taking your own, this is where it will be fitted. Today’s route is between 37 and 47 km in length and explores the area of Lavenham. It is a wonderfully preserved mediaeval village, whose streets are lined with half-timbered houses and narrow lanes lead into a central market square.
Any questions about flights and transfers? The Epico team is here for you. Ping us via the chatbot in the corner of your page or send an email to [email protected]
Fly in airport options: London Stansted.
When best to arrive: the morning the day the tour starts.
Where the tour starts: check-in to Ipswich hotel at any time, cycling starts on Day 2 meeting at Ipswich Train Station at 09:00.
Transfers: not included, please make your way from London to Ipswich.
Fly out airport options: London Stansted.
When best to depart: in the evening of the day the tour ends or the next day, the tour ends at 16:00.
Where the tour ends: Needham Market.
Transfers: not included, please make your way back to London.
Six nights in 3/4* hotels in a double room with en-suite facilities. Single rooms are available as an additional extra.
Your luggage will be transferred from hotel to hotel throughout the trip so you only need to pack a day bag for your essentials.
All routes are mapped out for you to follow. A GPS navigation app is provided for use on IOS or Android smartphones.
Flights are not included in the tour package. We have suggested which flights and airports are best suited for this tour but should you have any doubts or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
We strongly recommend that you obtain dedicated health insurance that covers your sports activities. Reach out to us if you have questions about the insurance.
Meals are not included in this tour. There are plenty of wonderful restaurants an pubs along the routes for you to enjoy the local flavours.
This tour is self-guided. You are provided with routes and a GPS app to help you along the way, but there will be no guide riding with you.
High quality hybrid bikes or e-bikes are available for rental from £66 for the tour duration as not always is getting your own gear to another country suitable for you. To make sure you get the maximum from your tour, we’ve partnered with some of the best brands in cycling to give you the latest choice of kit.
Tailored to your body size and in perfect technical condition. You can select this option when you proceed to checkout. Price includes comprehensive insurance, mechanical service and components.
Fitted to you and in perfect condition
If you’d like a whole room to yourself, that’s no problem. For an extra £279 for the trip duration, you can enjoy the comfort of your own room. Just select this option when you proceed to book your tour.
Don't see the travel dates you want or have a special request, such as adding a non-rider, please contact us.
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