• Cycling in Tunstall Forest

Suffolk Coast Cycling Guide

Cycling along the Suffolk Coast offers a unique blend of scenic beauty, historical charm, and diverse landscapes that cater to both casual riders and avid cyclists. This picturesque region, with its serene coastline, rolling countryside, and quaint villages, provides an ideal backdrop for your cycling adventure.

Things to doPlaces to eatWhere to stay


From bustling seaside towns to tranquil nature reserves, each ride presents an opportunity to explore the rich heritage and natural wonders of Suffolk.

One of the highlights of cycling on the Suffolk Coast is the Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape. This protected area spans over 150 square miles and encompasses a variety of habitats, including heathlands, woodlands, and estuaries. Cyclists can enjoy well-maintained trails that meander through the National Landscape offering breathtaking views of the coast and countryside. 

The region is dotted with charming villages and historic towns that make for delightful stops along any cycling route. Aldeburgh, a coastal town known for its pebble beach and vibrant arts scene, is a must-visit. Cyclists can pause here to enjoy local seafood and relax by the sea. Further north, the town of Southwold, famous for its iconic lighthouse and beach huts, offers another picturesque stop. The journey between these towns, often along quiet country lanes and coastal paths, is as enjoyable as the destinations themselves.

For those interested in a more structured cycling experience, The Suffolk Coast is home to two National Cycle Network Routes: Cycle Route 1 is the main north/south route through Suffolk, travelling all the way from Stratford St Mary to Beccles, before entering Norfolk. Cycle Route 51 goes west/east, travelling from Cambridge to Felixstowe.

The Suffolk Coast Cycle Route provides a well-marked path that covers approximately 88 miles from Felixstowe to Lowestoft. This route offers a comprehensive tour of the Suffolk coastline, passing through areas of natural beauty and cultural interest. Along the way, cyclists can explore RSPB Minsmere, a renowned bird reserve, or visit Orford Ness, a shingle spit with a fascinating military history.

Cycling on the Suffolk Coast is not just about the physical journey but also about immersing oneself in the serene and unspoiled beauty of the region. Whether it’s a leisurely ride through the countryside, a challenging coastal route, or simply a day out exploring the local villages and attractions, The Suffolk Coast provides an unforgettable cycling experience that combines natural splendour with cultural richness.

Cycle Friendly Suffolk Coast    Cycle Friendly Suffolk Coast    Cycle Friendly Suffolk Coast

Look for the 'cycle friendly' icon across our website or scroll down for cycle friendly places to stay, attractions and places to eat! All offering some provision and/or services for cyclists and bikes.

Road Cycling on The Suffolk

WM Cycle Sportive 010

Road cycling on the Suffolk Coast offers an exhilarating experience, combining smooth tarmac with stunning coastal vistas and charming rural scenery. The region's relatively flat terrain and well-maintained roads make it accessible for cyclists of all skill levels, while the network of quiet country lanes provides a peaceful and enjoyable ride.

Enthusiasts can embark on routes like the Suffolk Coastal Cycle Route, which stretches from Felixstowe to Lowestoft, passing through picturesque towns such as Aldeburgh and Southwold. These rides offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural landmarks, with opportunities to visit historic sites, enjoy local cuisine, and soak in the serene coastal atmosphere.

Whether training for a race or simply enjoying a leisurely ride, road cycling on the Suffolk Coast promises a memorable and scenic adventure.

Click here for Road Cycling Routes on The Suffolk Coast


Off-Road Cycling on The Suffolk Coast

Off road cycling on The Suffolk Coast

Off-road cycling on the Suffolk Coast offers an adventurous escape into the region's diverse and rugged landscapes. Enthusiasts can explore a variety of terrains, from sandy heathlands to dense woodlands and coastal trails. Rendlesham and Tunstall forests are prime spots for off-road cyclists, featuring well-marked trails like The Viking Way and UFO Trail; riders can enjoy the thrill of navigating through forested paths, tackling challenging gradients, and encountering wildlife in their natural habitats.

Head to Dunwich and you can take in a mix of coastal views, historical landmarks, and the tranquil beauty of the heath and forest provides a rich and varied off-road cycling experience that appeals to both seasoned cyclists and newcomers seeking an outdoor adventure.

Click here for off-road cycling routes on The Suffolk Coast


Leisure Cycling on The Suffolk Coast

Leisure Cycling - Southwold Cycle Hire

Leisure cycling on The Suffolk Coast is an idyllic way to experience the region's beauty at a relaxed pace. The gently rolling terrain and quiet country lanes make it perfect for casual riders looking to enjoy a pleasant day out.

Cyclists can meander through charming villages like Thorpeness, with its quirky House in the Clouds and scenic meare, or pedal along the serene coastal paths that offer stunning sea views and fresh, salty air.

Routes like the Suffolk Coastal Cycle Route provide easy-to-follow paths that pass through picturesque towns such as Aldeburgh and Southwold, where riders can pause to enjoy local delicacies or explore historical sites.

Whether it's a family outing, a romantic ride, or a solo adventure, leisure cycling on the Suffolk Coast promises a delightful blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and serene landscapes, making every journey a memorable experience.

Click here for leisure cycle routes on The Suffolk Coast


ANNUAL CYCLE EVENTS ON THE SUFFOLK COAST

Please see individual websites for full information and further details.

May - Beccles Cycle for Life

25 May 2025 - RIDE Suffolk Sunrise

July 2025 - Dunwich Dynamo

8 September - Stage 8 of The Tour of Britain

Cycle Hire

Southwold Cycle Hire

Southwold Cycling Hire

Southwold Cycle Hire you has a wide range of mountain bikes and all cycles available for hire, with helmet, lock and a pump also provided as standard. Bicycles with carriers, child seats and tag-alongs are also available on request so even toddlers and young children can still see the county in the best possible way.

There is no deposit necessary, and Southwold Cycle Hire’s flexible hire scheme means that you can rent a bike for any length of time from a day, right up to two weeks. Even better, their price scheme is designed so the longer you take your bike for, the more money you save!

Book online at https://www.southwoldcyclehire.co.uk/

Eezybike

Eezybike

Offering a Click and Collect E-bike rental service, you can book your preferred dates online and one of the Eezybike team will be there to greet you, with a run through and demo of the bikes. With super comfy seats, fat tyres and a step through design, you will be smiling for miles.

Head to the idyllic coastal village of Orford and the Jolly Sailor pub; using the click and collect service, you can explore nearby Rendlesham Forest, the River Deben and Woodbridge, and further on to Snape Maltings, Aldeburgh and Tunstall Forest.

Book online at https://eezybike.co.uk/

Cycle Breaks

Cycle bReaks

Why not try a supported, gentle cycling holiday along the Suffolk Coast? Cycle Breaks are specialists in self-guided cycling holidays and bike tours.  They will arrange your accommodation, luggage transportation, quality bike hire (or bring your own), along with delightful routes along quiet country lanes and mechanical assistance on call to give you peace of mind. 

Book online at https://www.cyclebreaks.com/



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

Deben Inns

Deben Inns

A group of eight award winning pubs, each with a unique personality, style and menu in beautiful locations across the Suffolk Coast.

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Free wifi Dog friendly 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