• Family Cycling (c) Southwold Cycle Hire

Leisure Cycling on The Suffolk Coast

Leisure cycling along The Suffolk Coast provides a perfect way for all cyclists to savour the region's serene beauty at an easygoing pace. The area’s gently undulating landscape and peaceful country roads are ideal for casual cyclists seeking a pleasant outing. 

Things to doPlaces to eatWhere to stay


Riders can explore delightful villages, stopping for lunch at a country pub, or follow coastal trails that offer breathtaking sea views, refreshing ocean breezes and coastal cafes and eateries along the way. Whether it’s a family day out, a romantic ride, or a solo excursion, leisure cycling on the Suffolk Coast combines natural splendour, cultural attractions, and peaceful scenery, ensuring a memorable experience for all.

Check out these leisure cycling routes and explore The Suffolk Coast on two wheels!

Dunwich & Minsmere Circuit


Cyclists on Dunwich Beach

Time: 3 hours

Distance: 13 miles / 21km

Terrain: Minor roads and tracks

The route commences at Dunwich, and if you're planning an early start, breakfast at The Ship is sure to set you up for the ride. Serving traditional breakfast including local Blythburgh pork sausages, eggs, kippers and freshly made omelettes, the perfect way to start the day!  Upon arrival at the picturesque village of Westleton, pop into The Westleton Crown for a pot of tea or lunch, before heading on to RSPB Minsmere to spot some of the UK's rarest wildlife.  Carrying on to Greyfriars Priory, sit amongst the ruins for a perfect picnic spot, or continue back to Dunwich where a dip in the sea and an ice cream at the cafe on the beach is the perfect way to end the day's activity.

Snape to Orford Circuit


Snape Maltings

Time: 3.5 hours

Distance: 24 miles / 39km

Terrain: Minor roads

This section of the route follows the well-signposted Suffolk Coastal Cycle Route 41. Starting from Snape Maltings, turn left and bear left toward Orford. Follow this road, taking the first left to Iken. Visit Iken Church, retrace your path, and continue towards Orford, ignoring all exits until the signpost. Head to Orford, turning left and then right at junctions, and continue to the quay. Visit the historic Castle and follow the road past the Crown and Castle Hotel (call ahead and order a delicious Picnic Hamper) before making your return to Snape Maltings or Wickham Market Station by retracing the route.


Rendlesham Forest & Shingle Street


Rendlesham Forest

Time: 3 hours / 5 hours

Distance: 12.5 miles / 20km or 27.5m / 44.5km

Terrain: Minor roads, B roads, tracks and bridleways

Take a trip from the natural to the supernatural! Rendlesham Forest was the setting for the UK’s most famous UFO incident, whilst the coast at Shingle Street is a great place for wildlife. If you have time, learn about Suffolk’s very own breed of horse at the Suffolk Punch Trust.


Woodbridge to Waldringfield


Woodbridge River Path

Distance: 15 miles / 24km

Time: 3 hours (if stopping along the way)

Terrain: Minor roads and busy roads (some with 60 mph speed limits)

This cycle ride links the historic town of Woodbridge with the pretty riverside village of Waldringfield. Highlights along the way include Newbourne Spring Nature Reserve, Woodbridge's historic Market Hill and spectacular views of the River Deben.


CLICK BELOW FOR CYCLE FRIENDLY BUSINESSES ON THE SUFFOLK COAST



Things to see and do

Eezybike 

Eezybike

Eezybike are an independent E-bike rental company, offering self collect and delivery throughout Suffolk.

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Cycle friendly

Visit Halesworth

Visit Halesworth

Halesworth is a charming, historic market town, situated just 9 miles from the stunning Suffolk coast and 6 miles from Henham Park - the home of Latitude and just 2 hours on a direct train from London. 

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Dog friendly Cycle friendly

Harbour Ferry Boat Rides 

Harbour Ferry Boat Rides

The Harbour Harwich Ferry is a historic foot and bicycle ferry service that has been linking Harwich in Essex, with Shotley and Felixstowe in Suffolk since 1912. It's not just a practical way to travel, but also a delightful experience for all ages. Here are some highlights of the ferry service and trips on offer:

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Dog friendly Cycle friendly

Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape

Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape

The Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape is a stunning landscape packed full with wildlife and exciting places to explore and discover. 

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Dog friendly Cycle friendly

Discover Landguard

Discover Landguard

The Landguard Peninsula is located at the southerly most point of the town of Felixstowe. 

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Dog friendly Cycle friendly

The Pin Mill Studio 

The Pin Mill Studio

The Pin Mill Studio is a commercial photographic studio, teaching centre and gallery cafe, nestled on the banks of the River Orwell in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

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Free wifi Dog friendly Cycle friendly

Southwold Cycle Hire

Southwold Cycle Hire

Southwold

Pick up bikes from the beachside hut in Southwold or get cycles delivered to you!

Unlike a larger town, there aren’t any major roads in Southwold, meaning it’s a far safer environment for anyone on two wheels. Plus it only takes a few minutes pedalling in any direction before you are taking in scenic views, whether it’s a breathtaking coastal panorama or Suffolk’s rural landscape.

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Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible Cycle friendly

Cycle Breaks

Cycle Breaks

Ipswich

Supported, gentle cycling & walking holidays along the Suffolk Coast as well as in Constable Country, the Wool Towns and Norfolk plus quality bike hire too!

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Cycle friendly

WHERE TO EAT

The Crown and Castle 

The Crown and Castle

The Crown and Castle situated in the stunning fishing village of Orford, surrounded by natural beauty and produce. The restaurant with rooms offers guests a very special experience, serving fantastic food in a characterful restaurant

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Dog friendly Cycle friendly

View Point Cafe

View Point Cafe

View Point Cafe is a modern and friendly cafe with both indoor and outdoor seating. Situated on the Landguard Peninsular, adjacent to the Port of Felixstowe on the Orwell estuary, the View Point Cafe absolutely lives up to its name.


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Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible Cycle friendly

The Canteen

The Canteen

A community Cafe serving house-made cakes, speciality coffees and high-quality, seasonal menus using locally-sourced ingredients.

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Free wifi Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible Cycle friendly

The Dolphin Inn

The Dolphin Inn

At the heart of Thorpeness The Dolphin Inn enjoys a great reputation among the locals for food, drink and friendly service.

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Free wifi Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible Cycle friendly

where to stay

The Dolphin Inn

The Dolphin Inn

The Dolphin Inn is perfectly situated in the beautiful village of Thorpeness, a stone's throw away from the beach, meare and bustling town of Aldeburgh.

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Dog friendly Cycle friendly

The Summer House

The Summer House

The Summer House at Abbey Farm is a converted cart lodge conveniently located for visiting Snape Maltings and Aldeburgh and is surrounded by an RSPB reserve. 

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Free wifi Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible Cycle friendly

Easton Farm Park Campsite

Easton Farm Park Campsite

Wake up to the peace and tranquillity of the Suffolk countryside, and say hello to the farm animals in the next door field!

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Free wifi Dog friendly Cycle friendly

Fire and Feast Suffolk Campsite

Fire and Feast Suffolk Campsite

If you love good food, woodfires and getting away from it all, the Fire and Feast Suffolk campsite is the place for you. With big Suffolk skies above and a backdrop of birdsong and meadow flowers rustling in the breeze, the family farm is just the place for a long lazy weekend or a family holiday making memories around the campfire. 

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EV charging Cycle friendly

The Crown and Castle

The Crown and Castle

Orford

The Crown and Castle is situated in the beautiful village of Orford, right next door to Henry II's Orford Castle. Renowned for a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere, The Crown and Castle invites guests to enjoy these stunning surroundings and make memories that will last a lifetime. 
Winner *Good Hotel Guide Editor’s Choice 2018 award for Restaurant with Rooms *

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Dog friendly Cycle friendly

Suffolk Coastal Escapes

Suffolk Coastal Escapes

Suffolk Coastal Escapes offers an independent collection of charming holiday homes on the Suffolk coast.

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Free wifi Dog friendly Cycle friendly

Wardley Hill Campsite 

Wardley Hill Campsite

Bungay

Wardley Hill Campsite is an eco campsite offering unregimented and relaxed car free camping for tents and vans. A Luxurious Bell Tent, Shepherds Hut and  an amazing Tiny House are on offer for those of you who don't want to pack your own tent pegs. 

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Dog friendly Cycle friendly

Haw Wood Farm 

Haw Wood Farm

Awarded 5 Gold pennants from the AA, Haw Wood Farm is a peaceful site near Darsham for touring caravans and tents known for their spacious pitches and friendly service. 

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Free wifi Dog friendly Wheelchair Accessible Cycle friendly

Easton Farm Park Cottages

Easton Farm Park Cottages

Wake up in the tranquillity of rural Suffolk, pull on some clothes and head out to help feed the bunnies and the chickens on the farm. 

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Free wifi Dog friendly

Durrants Holiday Cottages

Durrants Holiday Cottages

Durrants Holiday Cottages represents a collection of 80 holiday cottages along the Suffolk Coast, plus 30 beach huts right on Southwold’s seafront.

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Free wifi Dog friendly Cycle friendly

Grain Studio

Grain Studio

Grain Studio is a small unique cosy tiny home in the heart of Beccles. Perfect for romantic getaways, catching up with friends and relatives or just relaxing in this private but central retreat.

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Free wifi Wheelchair Accessible Cycle friendly