uk cycling tours

• Linear cycle route
• Custom tour
• Why Britain?
• Why travel with us
• Rental bikes
• Blog - UK Cycling Inspiration
• Trip preparation & grading
• Company history

So much more than just riding a bike

Discover the UK by bike. Our beautiful country with stunning landscapes, endless coastlines and bursting with ancient history, welcomes you

Travel with the specialists in self-guided UK cycling holidays. Make the most of the UK with a selection of inspiring itineraries that include local, family-run hotel accommodations. We take care of your luggage transfer while you cycle through breath-taking British scenery. With our excellent navigation app all routes are easy to follow. Cycling in the UK is growing, so come back regularly to find new routes & destinations.

Experience the UK bike tour of your dreams. The only thing you will have to do is:

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Look forward to seeing you on the trails,

Team UK Bike Tours

UK Bike Tours is proudly part of European Bike Tours , which has local offices in the countries where we operate ( The Netherlands , Belgium , France , Italy , Spain and the UK ). Our dedicated local experts are specialists in organising self-guided cycling tours. 

Where do you want to explore?

If you’re after an instant holiday feeling, the UK’s islands give just that. Starting with the special journey to get there, island life is usually relaxed and the pace slower. You’ll enjoy a constant sea breeze, beaches, coves, cliffs and stunning ocean vistas. 

Experience the grandeur of Britain's peaks and valleys on a cycling holiday. Whether you’re cycling in the Scottish Highlands or English Lake District , the rolling hills, lush valleys and charming mountain resorts are the perfect backdrop for your trip. 

From the glacial waters and mountains of the Lake District , to the rugged terrain of the Scottish Highlands , the United Kingdom is bursting with nature. Discover these beautiful landscapes for yourself on a wonderful cycling holiday.

Explore Britain's scenic coastal cycling paths on an unforgettable bike holiday. Our coastal bike tours take you through a varying landscape of inland heaths and downs , rolling hills, lively fishing ports, friendly seaside towns and of course tumbling coastlines. 

Discover our best selling trips

Expert Team

We are local experts who offer self-guided cycling holidays in the UK covering all levels of ability and all ages from 8-88 years old. We will take care of everything: accommodation, bike rental, itineraries and luggage transport. 

Trip Notes & Maps

All of our trips are carefully designed by our team to provide you with the best cycling routes . We offer easy-to-use, up-to-date route notes and maps. Enjoy cycling on comfortable and peaceful routes!

Sustainability

Cycling is amongst the lowest-impact way to travel. As you explore off-the-beaten-track, you help support local communities and minimise the damage that mass-tourism can make.

We know that taking a self-guided trip for the first time can generate insecurity, but with our app you can follow from your mobile and in an intuitive way the daily routes of your cycling trip. Our mobile app will also show you points of interest along your route. 

Popular tours

• Cotswolds by Bike
• Hadrian's Cycleway
• The Cyclist's Coast to Coast
• Yorkshire Wolds Cycleway
• Privacy Policy
• Booking T&Cs
• Cookie settings

UK Bike Tours 20 Wild Boar, St Luke's Road Kirkby Stephen CA17 4HT Cumbria United Kingdom [email protected]  +44 (0)1768 807617

UK Bike Tours uses cookies to manage the website, to show you personalized content and to manage business goals. Below you can find more information on how we use cookies. You can accept all cookies, select them individually or reject them all. To learn more about our cookie policy, you can visit the dedicated page at any time.

Functional cookies

Always active. These cookies are necessary for the essential functional of the site, such as the management of network security and its accessibility. Standard cookies cannot be deactivated.

Analysis cookies

These cookies collect information, such as the number of users who are using our site or the most visited pages, to help us improve the user experience. Disabling these cookies makes it impossible for us to collect information to improve the browsing experience.

Advertising cookies

These cookies are set by us and/or our partners and help us build a profile of your interest based on your browsing profile. If you accept these cookies, you will be shown ads that match interests as you browse other sites.

5.0 570 reviews

Brittany By Bike

The dordogne and the lot valley, coast and castles, highland 500, a week in provence, french alps classic cols, scottish end to end.

• Land’s End to John O’Groats
• Channel to Med

Munich to Rome

• Moselle to Mozart
• Mizen Head to Malin Head Ireland

Dover to Durness

• Way of the Roses
• Hadrian’s Cycleway

Portugal End to End

• Training Weekends
• Find Your Tour
• Send a Payment to Peak Tours
• 2024 Tour Dates
• 2025 Tour Dates
• Difficulty Ratings
• Gift Vouchers
• Coronavirus (COVID-19): Travel Information Updates
• Tour Extras
• About Peak Tours
• Customer Testimonials

C elebrating 14 Years  of  Land's End to John O'Groats  tours in  2024!

What our customers say:

Only one word to describe the tour, leaders and organisation…FABULOUS! Hamish and Niv were very thoughtful regarding the group’s needs and nothing was too much trouble. Thanks to all – would book again with you and hope to in the future.

Very well organised and all of the information provided in advance. I had questions that were answered really quickly. This was my 3rd trip with Peak Tours.

Great tour, well organised. Our guides Niv and Hamish were first class.

Loved the days through the hills in Bavaria.

The route was excellent. Really enjoyed the scenery, especially Dartmoor, The lakes and Cairngorms. Lots of quiet country lanes, mostly traffic free. The size of the group was just right and enabled smaller groups to be formed, so people could ride at their own pace.

Cycling Holidays

At Peak Tours we provide fully supported cycling holidays in the UK and Europe and self led cycling holidays in the Peak District.

Join us on our our week long tour of Brittany, where we will soak up the Bréton culture and beautiful scenery, all whilst on our ‘bisiklets’ – the Breton word for bikes. The region is very …

Welcome to Peak Tours’ Dordogne and Lot Valley tour. A most beautiful week of cycling awaits with idyllic scenery in this stunning region of France. We begin from Bergerac and cycle east to Les Eyzies moving …

The Coast and Castles tour takes you through some beautiful and dramatic scenery, beginning in one of the quieter parts of England, Northumberland. Lovely roads take you through traditional seaside towns, passing by castles and lots …

Welcome to Peak Tours’ Portugal end to end, another great adventure on two wheels! Riding in Portugal is a pure joy, it is the antithesis of the hustle and bustle of normal life. The first thing …

Welcome to Peak Tour’s cycling version of the North Coast 500, a stunning tour of the Scottish Highlands. Over the course of 7 days, we cycle from Inverness over to the inimitable Scottish west coast and …

Provence is a perfect place for a relaxing cycling holiday. We start the week with beautifully quiet roads, which wind their way around rocky outcrops up to ancient hilltop villages. We continue through vineyards and charming …

Welcome to our spectacular Scottish End to End cycling tour! Over the course of 7 days, we cycle from Carlisle, cross the Scottish borders and head north along the west coast of Scotland, island hopping our …

The Tour de France is the most iconic race in cycling. Join us for the trip of a lifetime, tackling some of the Tour’s Classic Cols, while exploring some of France’s most spectacular scenery. We begin …

Channel to the Med – 10 Day Tour

Welcome to Peak Tours’ cycle challenge “extraordinaire” from one end of France to the other. Starting from the northern French coast at Ouistreham, close to the historic town of Caen, we continue southwards through the stunning …

Lands End to John O’Groats – 14 day tour

The Land’s End to John O’Groats cycle tour or LEJOG conjures up a variety of images, an escapade, a challenge, hard work, a puncture or two, stunning scenery, and a tremendous sense of achievement. Since the …

Lands End to John O’Groats – 10 day tour

Channel to the Med – 14 Day Tour

Welcome to our Munich to Rome cycling holiday, the epitome of cycling and a chance to sample its rich Italian roots and heritage. Our route cycles through the four countries; Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy experiencing …

Whilst most people have heard of the Lands End to John O’Groats tour not many people have heard of the Dover to Durness cycle tour. So what about the opposite two corners? This sensational tour takes …

Mizen Head to Malin Head Ireland Cycle Tour

Welcome to Peak Tours’ Mizen Head to Malin Head end to end adventure from the south to the north of the wonderful Emerald Isle! The Mizen Head to Malin Head cycle tour or “Head to Head” …

Moselle to Mozart Cycling Holiday

Welcome to the Moselle to Mozart tour, a taste of some of the best cycling Germany and Austria has to offer! One of our more sedate tours, this fantastic adventure begins in an area just north …

Way of the Roses (4 day)

The Way of the Roses tour done over 4 days averages at 43 miles a day. If you would prefer a more challenging ride then please see our 3 day version. The Way of the Roses …

Way of the Roses (3 day)

The Way of the Roses tour done over 3 days averages at 57 miles a day. If you would prefer an easier ride then please see our 4 day version. The Way of the Roses route …

Hadrian’s Cycleway (3 day)

The Hadrians Cycleway tour done over three days averages at 40 miles a day. If you would prefer a more challenging ride then please see our 2 day version. The route takes in a variety of …

Hadrian’s Cycleway (2 day)

The Hadrians Cycleway tour done over two days averages at 60 miles a day. If you would prefer an easier ride then please see our 3 day version. If you are taking the train the best …

Training Weekend for difficulty level 5-7 tours

Training Weekends in the Peak District How does the tour run? We will be based in Sheffield and cycle one loop of around 65 miles and one loop of around 35 miles in and around the …

Training Weekend for Difficulty level 8-9 tours

Training Weekends in the Peak District How does the tour run? We will be based in Sheffield and cycle one loop of around 90 miles and one loop of around 45 miles in and around the …

All of our Guided Cycling Holidays include accommodation, breakfasts, lunches, route notes and tour information, certificate and full tour support which includes at least one experienced guide who will act as bike mechanic, tour guide and will provide luggage transfers, brew stops and  help to organise evening meals etc. Generally most tours have three guides with two back up vans and a guide who cycles with the group. Most groups are made up of singles and couples or twins (two friends together). The minimum number is eight and the maximum 25.

With the Self Led Cycling Holidays we provide detailed route notes, maps, accommodation, luggage transfers, tour information pack plus bikes and all necessary equipment. You aren’t part of a group so can go at your own pace and you choose exactly which date you would like to travel.

Short Tours

With the Guided Cycling Holidays , starting with our shorter tours, we have the traditional Coast to Coast route from Workington to Tynemouth which goes from the Irish sea to the North sea from one side of England to the other. There are many “sea to sea” routes available and we also provide the stunning Way of the Roses tour from Morecambe to Bridlington through the Yorkshire Dales as well as the Hadrians Cycleway tour taking in the best of the Solway Coast and Cumbria . All three routes have their own charms and level of difficulty and traverse the Pennines or Northumberland which passes through some cracking scenery.

One Week Tours

New for 2018 were the introduction of two hugely popular 7 day tours.  The Classic Cols tour and A Week in Provence . The Classic Cols tour takes in some of the most spectacular climbs that the French Alps have to offer. The Telegraphe, Madeleine, Galibier and Alpe d’Huez to name but a few. The mileages short and the climbs and descents long, this is equally a spectacular introduction into alpine riding or a chance for seasoned climbers to have a full supported play on the slopes of some of the most (in)famous climbs in the cycling world.

A Week in Provence is designed to take in many of Provence’s highlights whilst also allowing time for relaxation and exploration if desired. We stay in each location for two nights, with a loop ride planned on the second day which you can always opt out of if you choose to relax in the sunshine or explore instead! Mt Ventoux  looms large on the agenda for the final day and anyone who wishes to attempt the climb will be fully supported as always by our guides and the magic brew van.

Longer Tours

If you want a bit of a longer challenge then our Mizen Head to Malin Head cycling holiday takes you from the most southerly point in Ireland at Mizen Head to the most northerly point in Ireland at Malin Head travelling along the stunning west coast of Ireland from south to north in ten days of rugged, magical touring along the best cycle routes this amazingly friendly country has to offer.

Our iconic Land’s End to John O’Groats or LEJOG tour can be taken over 14 days which is a challenge in itself but for those who would like a tougher challenge we also offer a 10 day Land’s End to John O’Groats tour which is not for the faint-hearted.  This classic tour is one we are extremely proud of and our fantastic route through the best of the British countryside and our customer testimonials speak for themselves.

Our epic Dover to Durness cycling holiday provides a refreshingly different perspective to the UK than on our LEJOG tour as you cycle from the south east of England to the north west of Scotland in some of the UK’s most dramatic scenery. The Dover to Durness tour is similar in length to the LEJOG tour but a bit harder as there are more hills along the way.  The reward for the extra effort on this adventure is simply some of the best cycling in the whole country, as we explore The Kentish Downs, Cambridgeshire, Rutland, The Peak District, The Yorkshire Dales, Dumfrieshire, the Scottish islands of Arran, Mull and Skye and on up the west coast of Scotland to a beautiful last few days in cycling heaven.

The Channel to the Med tour is our ridiculously popular French end to end cycling holiday which takes you through some of that country’s most stunning scenery along quiet country lanes and through picturesque towns and villages. From bucolic ancient villages, around the lazy Loire, through volcanic landscapes, old Roman settlements, “The Giant of Provence” Mt Ventoux, and the breathtaking Gorge de Verdon.  The Channel to the Med tour is stunning to say the least and, although a different kind of cycling on less steep roads than some we use in Britain, it is similar to our LEJOG tour in terms of difficulty. We also offer this tour in a 10 Day version for those looking to increase the physical challenge that little bit further!

Munich to Rome  is our latest addition to the 2 week tour family and we love it! The first few days of winding through the Tyrolean mountains take us into Austria and then Switzerland before crossing into Italy and heading south taking in yet more stunning scenery, fantastic food and beautiful architecture. We then work our way slowly further south, crossing the length of Lake Garda on a ferry and heading towards our rest day in Siena, one of the most ancient and beautiful cities in the world.  We continue on to finish the ride in Rome,  surrounded by breathtaking buildings, fantastic food and more cultural heritage than you could shake a large Roman stick at.

If you want something a bit more relaxing then we have our Germany & Austria Cycling Holiday or Moselle to Mozart tour . Germany is very underrated but makes a superb destination for cycling with miles of traffic free cyclepaths, stunning architecture and amazing scenery. The tour starts on the west side of southern Germany and finishes on the east side of Austria in Vienna passing through the UNESCO world heritage site of the “Wachau”, the wonderfully well preserved buildings of Bernkastel-Kues and the impressive, imposing, monastery at Melk to name but a few.

Our cycling holidays allow you to discover stunning countryside and explore many secret landscapes

telephone +44(0)7885 629014

LATEST NEWS - Cycle the New Rebellion Way !! CLICK HERE

• Aldeburgh & Elegance
• Viking River Ride
• Suffolk Coastal Quest
• Discover Constable Country
• Broads and Rivers Ride
• Norfolk's Historic Countryside
• Suffolk Secrets
• The Boudicca Challenge
• Norfolk Forest Tracks
• London to Paris Events
• The Boudicca Holiday
• Charity Events
• What Else We Do
• Norfolk Coastal Explorer
• North Norfolk Explorer
• Pannier 'self carry' option Tours
• Fully Guided Tours
• Special Deals
• Seasonal Special Offers
• Special Group Holiday Discounts
• What we offer & FAQs
• Ask a Question/Contact Us
• Request Brochure
• Make a Booking
• Booking Terms
• Environmental Information

COASTAL HOLIDAYS

GROUP HOLIDAYS

OUR FAMOUS BOUCICCA CHALLENGE

MORE CHALLENGING HOLIDAYS

CLASSIC COUNTRYSIDE HOLIDAYS

PANNIER & GUIDED HOLIDAYS

• Special Offers
• Key Information
• Cycling in Norfolk & Suffolk
• Ask a Question
• Request our Brochure
• Customers Comments

Longer or Shorter Tours:-

Most tours have the option to add extra nights or drop a night - In this way you can choose the pace that suits you best!

JUST CALL US FOR OPTIONS AND PRICES : 07885 629014.

No single supplement is charged for the 3rd, 5th or 7th traveller when 2, 4 or 6 adults are occupying twin or double rooms

Older children travelling with 2 parents may be able to upgrade to their own room. In this case a 40% discount from Adult prices will apply. (Based on 2 sharing)

Please call us for prices for Solo Travellers, Single Parent Family Groups & Families with 3 or more children. (Own bike discounts do not apply to 'special offer' holidays).

Child Notes:-

Child prices are based on a max of 2 children (U 16) sharing a room with 2 parents (Subject to family room availability)

We will supply the most approprite cycling equipment for children after consulting parents. However we often find the best option for most children up to about 12 years of age is for you to bring their own bikes from home.

(Children are usually happier on a bike they're familiar with, but it's essential YOU check that everything on the bike is safe and in good working order)

Our Child Equiment includes:-

Child Seats - suitable for children up to 5 years max

Burley style child trailer - max 2 small children up to 20 kilos each

Child tag-a-long bike - suitable for children between 5 and 8 years approx

Child bikes - suitable for children from the age 7 or 8 years approx 

Special Equipment:-

'Own Bike Discount' per bike (Adults & Children who bring their own bikes/trailers etc - Applies to our standard full service tours when sold at published price - does not apply to pannier tours, bespoke tours, 2 night tours and discounted offers).

PREFER OFF-ROAD ?    'NORFOLK FOREST TRACKS HOLIDAY'- Lots of woodland cycling - 60% off-road & traffic free.

Explore the beautiful woodland trails and cycle tracks that criss-cross 40,000 acres of thetford forest..

A mountain bike holiday with no mountains ! This 3 night tour is mostly off-road using flat forest tracks and country byways to explore the magnificent Woods of Thetford and East Harling. Suitable for novice mountain bike riders, 24-28 miles a day which can be ridden at a fairly gentle pace with plenty of Cafe & Cake stops !

Day 1: Arrival in Diss, check-in by 1pm then a short afternoon ride on ancient byways to some historic villages finishing around 4pm with a great afternoon tea at a local Cafe. Stay overnight in a very comfortable Diss Hotel.

Day 2: Ride West to Harling Woods exploring the beautiful tracks next to the River Thet. Lunch in the Woods before cycling the ancient Peddars Way and Croxton Heath (Featured in many Dad's Army episodes). Stay overnight on the edge of Thetford.

Day 3: A full day exploring the most beautiful parts of Thetford Forest on quiet and easy woodland tracks. (Options to do some slightly technical mountain bike routes). Lunch at the Woodland Centre of High Lodge before a visit to Brandon Country Park in the afternoon. (For those with tired legs High Lodge is a great place to rest for an hour or two). Later in the afternoon you return to Thetford.

Day 4: An easy ride back to Diss on country byways and forest tracks, option to visit the English Whisky Distillery on route.

All the cycling is on forest tracks, ancient byways and very quiet country lanes.

Included: Luggage Transfer, Quality en-suite accommodation, Full English breakfasts, Free parking or collection from Diss or Thetford Train Station. (Quality Mountain bike hire only £40 for all 4 days)

See our Facebook page for photos: UK Cycle Holidays Facebook Page

(£439pp sharing a double/twin room.  Minimum of 2 riders required. All rooms en-suite in quality hotels)

CALL : 07885 629014

Take a look at our other special offers and discounts.

Welcome to UK's best Cycling Holidays, we've designed a range of cycle tours that combine the very best things in Norfolk and Suffolk. Hand picked hotels of the highest standard, routes that follow the quietest country lanes, interesting places to visit and support from a friendly team who really look after you. Our cycle holidays and short breaks are suitable for all levels of cyclists, from beginers to experts... and because we take care of everything, all you need to do is pedal !

All our cycling holidays include:-

• All routes on very quiet country lanes & byways
• Fantastic countryside and coastal landscapes
• Excellent en-suite rooms in great hotels
• A full english breakfast every morning
• High quality Dawes or Claud Butler Hybrid bikes
• All extra equipment included free of charge
• Prompt luggage transfer & full 'on-road' support
• Detailed waterproof maps and route notes
• Welcome briefing, free parking or station pick-up*

We provide everything for a relaxing cycling holiday and we can even design a special cycle holiday to your own specification. We have Coastal Adventures, Historic Tours, Mountain Bike Holidays and special Family Holidays - you can choose any start date and take a cycle holiday from 2 to 7 nights.

Please call us anytime on:- 07885 629014 to enquire about any aspect of our cycling holidays. *Small Supplement for Kings Lynn Station

Cycling is a great way to explore Norfolk & Suffolk, and when you add a beautiful rolling landscape and a network of quiet country lanes you the have the perfect place to get those pedals turning!

For the last 21 years our families have been cycling the byways, tracks and lanes of Norfolk & Suffolk, in the process we’ve discovered numerous ruined castles, deserted beaches, wonderful village inns, amazing children’s attractions and a wide collection of fascinating places to explore. And because we don’t have any serious hills in this lovely part of England everyone can cycle our routes – even if you’ve not been on a bike for years!

Using our own experiences we’ve developed a unique range of cycling tours that explore the very best bits of Norfolk and Suffolk. All our routes follow quiet country lanes to search out and discover a wealth of interesting places each day – you can also choose between different route options and while you travel ‘light’ on one of our modern touring bikes all your luggage is transported to your evening destination – usually a comfortable country hotel or a high quality bed and breakfast.

So whether you want a 2 day Family Adventure or a 6 day Coastal Exploration we’re sure we have something to suit – and don’t forget we’ve cycled all these routes ourselves so just give us a call if you want to discuss options or talk about any aspect of our tours.

Hoping to see you soon,

Martin, Phil, Mick and the UK Cycle Holiday Team

If you want to check availability, options, costs or have any other questions about our cycling breaks then please just give me a call or send me a note and I'll get back to you asap.

Call 07885 629014

“ Thoroughly enjoyed the holiday, it was a really great experience with the cycling routes pitched exactly at the right level ”

Ian, Cheshire

“ Getting the Train to Diss worked well, only 90 mins from Liverpool Street then a pleasant country ride to a lovely little hotel. Overall a very relaxing and enjoyable weekend without the Car for once ! ”

Richard, North London

“ The perfect balance between cycling and family attractions, we didn't have to cycle more than 1 hour before the Zoo, Steam Train or Dinosaur Park came into view... well thought out and great fun for kids ”

Wendy, Fersfield

“ The route plan was spot-on, we got to Southwold on lovely quiet country lanes and had all afternoon to explore the town... a downhill ride and a ferry crossing by rowing boat was a great way to arive at our hotel! ”

Mark, Cumbria

“ first time on a cycle for years...we really enjoyed the holiday and would definately recommend it to others, we will be back next year ”

Sue, Sussex

“ I tested your Coastal Explorer Tour with a couple of friends and can honestly say it’s a brilliant way to discover North Norfolk. Your suggested route took us through some perfect cycling countryside offering loads of interesting places to visit ”

John, London

“ At the end of fantastic days cycling we stayed at a lovely country hotel, the food was superb and the room very comfortable…it's obvious you've developed the perfect recipe for fun and relaxing cycling holidays ”

Pete, Milton Keynes

“ Your route was perfect for the kids, not too far to reach the attractions but enough countryside to make it feel like a little adventure…they both enjoyed all the fresh air and want to come back in the Spring ”

Netti, London

“ Thanks for arranging a great cycle tour, all of our group had a brilliant time even though 3 of us had never been on a bike for over 5 years….the scenery was spectacular, the bikes comfortable and the pubs brilliant! ”

Liz, Cockermouth

“ Last year we did the Coast to Coast ride but this time we wanted to do something a bit more relaxing. So a trip around East Anglian Castles was just perfect...very well done for putting together our route at such short notice ”

Nick, Winchester

“ Last year we got stuck at the airport for hours so as a family we decided to reduce the hassle and holiday nearer home.... the kids also wanted a 'green' holiday so your Safari Tour was exactly what we needed. ”

Amanda, Horsham

“ After doing very little exercise for 10 years I wasn't sure if I would enjoy cycling again however your bikes are so easy to ride and comfortable I really enjoyed myself..... on the third day I did 30 miles and even thought about doing more! ”

Ashley, Southwold - Suffolk Secrets Tour

“ Undoubtedly Norfolk is at it's best when explored by bike, it just gives you time to stop at all the places you miss when in the car. Our only regret was that we hadn't arranged a longer tour…can we come back next month ! ”

Geoff, Great Dunmow

“ I've cycled many parts of the UK but it was the first cycling holiday for my wife. Although she was a little nervous at first your advice and support allowed us to have a really excellent long weekend in a beautiful part of Suffolk…. Many Thanks ”

Paul, Leicestershire

Nick, Winchester - Bespoke tour for some special friends

“ Just a note to say thanks to Phil and Martin for arranging our cycle trip at such short notice. Everything was taken care of and despite two days of wet weather we had a wonderful week – the hotels were excellent:- good food, comfortable and friendly ”

Rodney, York

“ Many thanks for arranging our weekend cycling tour, both the Hotel and B & B were top class and your route notes took us to places well off the beaten track. Climbing up a working windmill and the seal trip are both to be recommended ”

Lisa, Chester - Coastal Explorer tour

© UK Cycle Holidays | Terms and Conditions | website by mdsign.co.uk

• Destinations
• North America
• Asia Pacific
• Search all tours
• View tour list

All Europe bike tours

• United States

All North America bike tours

All Asia Pacific bike tours

• South Africa

All Africa bike tours

• Tulip tours
• E-bikes available
• Primarily bike paths
• Family friendly
• Client favorites
• Bike and boat
• Staff picks
• Top rated tours
• First timers
• Gravel Bike Tours
• Custom and Private Bike Tours
• Discounts and Special Offers
• View All Categories
• Bike & Hotel Tours
• Bike & Boat Tours
• Tour de France
• Boats & Barges

Custom & Private Bike Tours

Tailor-made cycling itineraries and private bike tours to fit your needs – expertly designed by our tour advisors

VIEW CUSTOM BIKE TOURS

General info

• How to book
• Terms & conditions
• How to choose
• Guided vs. self-guided
• Bike Tour Reviews
• A typical day
• What to bring
• Extend your trip
• Travel insurance
• Passports & visas
• Why our travelers love us
• Tailwinds (our blog)

A storied island

England bike tours.

A visit to England offers a glimpse at its history and traditions through ancient villages, medieval castles, prehistoric structures and leading museums. Such history is set alongside the vibrant British culture, making it one of the most diverse places in the world.

While London attracts millions of visitors each year, cyclists treasure natural diversity beyond the city. Pedal through lovely meadows, hills and lakes dotted with quaint villages.

England also boasts coastal areas with cliffs and charming seaside villages. The rolling hills and a yearlong mild climate also make England a prime cycling destination.

“This was a life-changing experience...my first bicycle tour and my first time in either country. It was, in a word, amazing. A totally unique experience. Can't wait to do my next one!”

Learn more:

• England bike tour reviews
• enjoyengland.com
• The Avenue Verte - London to Paris
•  Name (A–Z)
•  Name (Z–A)
•  Price (high)
•  Price (low)
•  Newest
•  Featured
•  Country (A–Z) 
•  Country (Z–A)
•  Rating (high)
•  Rating (low)
•  Num reviews (most)
•  Num reviews (least)
•  Most days/hours
•  Least days/hours
•  Most distance
•  Least distance
•  Miles/day (most)
•  Miles/day (least)
•  Difficulty (least)
•  Difficulty (most)
• Multi-day tours

Oxford & the Royal Palaces along the River Thames

COUNTRY: England

Self guided from GBP £ 2585

Self-guided: Sundays, Apr 1-Nov 30, 2024 (other starts dates may be available for surcharge)

Description: The River Thames threads its way serenely through sleepy, rural villages, pretty landscapes, and through the heart of bustling historic towns including Oxford and Windsor. Royalty and history beckon, whilst water meadows, old inns, wildlife, and weirs…

Brighton City Bike Tour

Brighton · from £29.5 GBP

Description: Get the best out of Brighton on this guided day tour of the city, perfectly capturing Brighton’s vibrant essence as you discover its buzzing backroads, alluring alleyways, and the picturesque promenades along the sensational seafront. You’ll pedal from…

Brighton Coastal Bike Tour

Description: Take a ride by the seaside on the charming Brighton Coastal Bike Tour, a leisurely cycle along the Undercliff Path from the resplendent Royal Pavilion to picturesque Rottingdean, with beautiful beachside vistas all along the way. This family-friendly day…

Classic Oxford Bike Tour

Oxford · from €145.84 EUR

Description: A bike tour offering you an unmissable excursion through Oxford, taking you to the icons of the 'City of Learning', from the Radcliffe Camera and Bodleian Library, to Port Meadow and the River Thames. Your knowledgeable tour guide is on-hand every pedal…

Cotswolds E-Bike Tour

Oxford · from €232 EUR

Description: Enjoy a scenic e-bike day tour in the charming Cotswolds, marked an ‘Area of Outstanding National Beauty’. Glide through the gorgeous green hills to picturesque villages built from the famous yellow Cotswold stone, where bridges cross…

Downs Link Brighton Bike Tour

Brighton · from £59 GBP

Description: Cycle along the sensational coastline of Sussex, enjoying the benefits of bike rental, and discovering the luscious landscape along the Downs Link route. Ride from Brighton to Bramber Castle via the spectacular seafront, Hove, and Shoreham-on-Sea…

Gold Classic London Bike Tour

London · from £39.95 GBP

Description: The only morning tour to visit Buckingham Palace, the Gold Classic Tour provides an opportunity to see the changing of the guard close up. The Palace is famous the world over as a royal residence for the celebrated British monarchy and site of…

Highlights of South London E-Bike Tour

London · from £35 GBP

Description: Embark on a spellbinding sightseeing bike tour of South London’s standout attractions, benefiting from e-bike rental to ensure an easy adventure and the company of an experienced professional tour guide! This spectacular highlights tour takes in the top…

Liverpool City & The Beatles E-Bike Tour

Liverpool · from £40 GBP

Description: “You and I have memories, longer than the road that stretches out ahead.” This unique e-bike adventure is a ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ of the sites and landmarks that inspired four Liverpudlian lads’ musical ‘Revolution’. Fab Four fans young and old will…

Liverpool & Everton Football Clubs E-Bike Tour

Description: Embark on an e-bike tour with all the excitement of match day as you explore the northern regions of the legendary city of Liverpool and the homes of its two world-famous football clubs - Everton and Liverpool FC. The Reds and the Blues, although…

London Sunset Bike Tour

Description: If you'd like to see London when the sun is setting behind the sparkling skyscrapers and the city is bathed in rich, rosy light, this is the bike tour for you, with the added benefit of bike rental! Your family-friendly guided tour will take in the south…

Love London Bike Tour

Description: Let England's capital romance you on this ravishing ride through London's West End, with the added benefit of bike rental! Following an intricate route along London's canopied, dignified streets, and through the city's many parks, this is a hugely…

Original London Bike Tour

Description: The Original London Bike Tour is a family-friendly journey through London’s East End, with the added benefit of bike rental. Since 1991, visitors have ventured out from Lambeth and along the banks of the River Thames, passing the world renowned Tate…

South Downs Brighton Bike Tour

Description: Explore the spectacular and blissful beauty of Sussex’s South Downs National Park - England’s newest National Park - on this guided day tour from Brighton’s vibrant city center. Riding from the urban oases of Brighton’s Victoria…

Back to Top

Narrow my search:

• Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec For multi-day tours only
• 2024 2025 2026 For multi-day tours only

Rider Level

• 0–19 mi/ 0–31 km 30–39 mi/ 48–62 km 20–29 mi/ 32–47 km 40+ mi/ 64+ km
• Day tours 1–4 nights 5 nights 6 nights 7 nights 8+ nights
• Up to € 1,000 € 1,500–2,000 € 1,000–1,500 € 2,000+
• Self Guided Guided
• Tulip tours E-bikes available Primarily bike paths Family friendly Client favorites Bike and boat Staff picks Top rated tours First timers Bike & Hotel Gravel Bike Tours Custom and Private Bike Tours
• Apply Filters Clear Filters

England bike tour categories

• All bike tours
• England day tours
• London day tours
• Liverpool day tours
• Oxford day tours
• Brighton day tours

Bike tour countries

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Czech Republic
• Switzerland
• Bike & hotel tours
• Bike & boat tours
• Bike day tours
• Boats & barges
• View all tours
• Bike tour reviews
• E-bike tours
• Family-friendly tours
• First-timers
• Discounts and special offers
• Custom Bike Tours
• Corporate Event Planning

Top destinations

Top tour categories.

• Great for first-timers
• Family-friendly

Holidays that move you

For 28 years we have had one simple mission: to inspire as many of you as possible to travel by bike. It doesn’t matter how you pedal there – cruising on an e-bike, speeding along on your road bike or weaving around trails on your mountain bike or gravel bike - we believe there's no better way to really experience a place, its people and its culture.

We’ve travelled to the farthest corners of the world to bring you the best cycling holidays. Riding bikes is our passion!

What's your pedallin' passion?

Road cycling holidays.

For cyclists eager to ride the world's most spectacular roads

Best for: Cyclists eager to ride the world’s most spectacular roads

• Lightweight racing-style road bikes
• Based entirely on sealed/asphalt roads
• Challenging days focussing on the ride experience
• Itineraries featuring classic mountain climbs from the world of professional cycling

Gravel Riding Holidays

For riders wanting to head off the beaten track in search of adventure

Best for: Riders wanting to head off the beaten track in search of adventure

• Drop bar bikes with big volume tyres for comfort and grip
• Riding away from the road on a wide variety of surfaces
• All about the fun factor
• Range of destinations from iconic classics to up-and-coming locations

Leisure Cycling Holidays

For travellers seeking the opportunity to see all a destination has to offer, at their own pace

Best for: Travellers seeking the opportunity to see all a destination has to offer, at their own pace

• Hybrid-style bikes and electric bikes
• Based on a range of varied terrain, from traffic-free cycle paths to forest tracks
• The riding offers achievable challenges at a relaxed pace
• Leisurely routes with a variety of grades to suit your cycling experience
• Time off the bikes to explore the local culture is an essential ingredient

Mountain Biking Holidays

For bikers who enjoy exploring epic wilderness on a variety of off-road terrain

Best for: Bikers who enjoy exploring epic wilderness on a variety of off-road terrain

• Hardtail or full suspension bikes with knobbly tyres
• Based mainly on natural, off-road routes
• Holidays maximise riding opportunities and provide various levels of challenge
• Technical terrain (including singletrack) is a regular feature on these tours

Adventure Cycling Holidays

For globetrotters looking to ride the route less travelled

Best for: Globetrotters looking to ride the route less travelled

• Hybrid-style or mountain bikes with semi-slick or knobbly tyres
• Based on a wide range of surfaces, from tarmac roads to well surfaced forest tracks and rough gravel
• The riding takes you off the beaten track, but is an achievable challenge
• Experiencing local culture, people and traditions is an integral part of the tour

Family Cycling Holidays

For rides that keep the whole family smiling

Best for: Rides that keep the whole family smiling

• Hybrid-style bikes with plenty of options to suit smaller riders, including bikes, trailers and tagalongs (electric bikes are also available for adults needing to keep up)
• Set your own pace on a range of routes, from gentle riding on traffic-free cycle paths to achievable challenges for more experienced families
• Plenty of extra off the bike activities for the whole family to enjoy en route
• Children’s discounts available on all tours

Tailor Made Cycling Trips

For groups of cyclists looking for a unique experience

Best for: Groups of cyclists looking for a unique experience

• Tell us what you want and our experts will help make it happen
• We can organise tours for groups as small as 2, and as large as 30
• A great way for charities, cycling clubs or groups of friends to do something amazing together
• You can make existing tours private, create a brand new tour or even charter a boat

Useful Holiday Information

We go the extra mile...

Our team of worldwide specialists are passionate about pedallin'

Experienced

We've been mending punctures since 1995

Pedallin' Promise

Good vibes and great experiences

97% of customers say they'll return for more

News, Reviews & Stories

Pedal into spring.

The best places around the world to visit for a spring cycling holiday

Cycling in Sardinia

Discover the incredible biking this Mediterranean paradise has to offer.

Exploring Girona By E-Bike

Mollie shares highlights from her recent holiday with her Dad, Paul...

15 best cycling holidays in the UK and Ireland (+ the best cycling routes to ride when you’re there)

If you’re considering cycling holidays in the UK and are looking for inspiration for the best places to go and routes to ride, then look no further.

Here we share 15 of the best UK cycling holidays and cycling routes.

Clare and the team here at Epic Road Rides are all based in the UK and have enjoyed many cycling routes in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. We think this list features some of the best cycling holidays in the UK!

So, it’s time to make the most of your weekends and time off work. Take a look at our pick of the best cycling destinations/cycling routes in the UK and get planning your next UK cycling break.

You might also like our pick of the best long-distance cycling routes in the UK and Ireland and family cycling routes in the UK

1. Best cycling holidays (and routes) in England

Lake district.

Beautiful but brutal, stunning but severe. Just an example of how many cyclists feel about riding in the Lake District.

The area is spoken about in cycling circles all over Europe thanks mainly to the famous Fred Whitton Challenge annual sportive that takes in some iconic killer climbs. At 180 kilometres in length with a cumulative elevation of around 3,500 metres it is a test for anyone and includes the well-known passes of Kirkstone, Hardknott, Honister and Wrynose plus many more challenging ascents.

Set around the highest mountain in England, Scafell Pike, and skirting the well-known waters of Coniston, Windermere and Ullswater the route showcases the magnificence of the Lake District National Park which covers over 850 square miles of breathtaking countryside.

As a major tourist destination in its own right this UNESCO World heritage area has over 3,500 places to stay, is well known for its lakes, forests and fells and for the Cumberland sausage. It also has more microbreweries than any other county in England.

Of course you don’t have to ride the full Fred Whitton course if you don’t want to but at least you can try one or two of the passes whilst you’re there to get the feel. But beware if you choose to ride Hardknott as the gradient ramps up to around 30% in parts!

Suggested Lake District cycle route

Length: 180 kilometres

Elevation gain: 3,500 metres

More information on cycling the Lake District

Read our guide to cycling in the Lake District .

Information on the C2C route , which passes through the Lake District.

Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire Dales is home to some of the best road cycling in the UK. It has proudly hosted both the Tour de France and the UCI World Championships in recent years. Partly as a result of this, it has risen to prominence as a must-visit cycling destination in the UK. When you stand back and admire the stunning, wild countryside complete with its ferocious gradients and rapid descents, it’s not hard to see the attraction.

It’s easy to lose yourself as you meander along remote country lanes catching glimpses of Roman remains, craggy cliffs and villages that appear to have got stuck in time.

It can be bleak, cold, wet and miserable at times and the roads can be grippy. But if you want to test your fitness and mental resolve, a cycling camp in Yorkshire should be part of your annual  training schedule.

Try the famous passes of the Buttertubs and Kidstones or the long winding ascent of Greets Moss. Once you’ve tried Yorkshire’s cycle routes you will be back for more!

Suggested Yorkshire cycle route

Length: 105 kilometres

Elevation gain: 1,652 metres

More information on cycling in the Yorkshire Dales

Our guide to cycling the Yorkshire Dales

Information on the Yorkshire Dales Cycleway

Peak District

The Peak District spans 550 square miles and is one of the most visited country parks in the UK. Yet it can also be a perfect hideaway for  a UK cycling holiday that lets you get away from it all while sampling some of Derbyshire’s best cycle routes. Ancient stone villages, connected by hundreds of miles of stone walls, lie beside stately homes, caves and huge reservoirs.

The northern Dark Peak is characterised by bleak and exposed moorland and rocky outcrops whilst to the south, the White Peak consists of limestone dales. There are no mountains but the area is like a giant roller coaster, forcing you up short, sharp inclines and then rapid, twisting descents.

The most famous climb in the area is Winnats Pass, just outside the town of Castleton. It’s a fearsome one mile ascent that cuts its way through two huge steep-sided grass banks, with a gradient that touches 20% in parts. Struggle to the top and then descend the iconic Mam Tor down to the village of Edale.

Suggested Peak District cycle route

Length: 36 kilometres

Elevation gain: 618 metres

More information on cycling in the Peak District

Our essentials guide to cycling the Peak District

Our Q&A with a local cyclist in the southern Peak District

Surrey Hills

The 2012 London Olympics road race put the Surrey Hills, and in particular Box Hill, firmly on the world cycling map. The race looped around the county before returning back to the capital for its sprint finish.

However the cycling routes of Surrey have been a favoured location for amateur cyclists for many decades. The area is renowned for its steep hills and sharp descents, all set in an area designated as one of outstanding natural beauty. You can ride along quiet country lanes, through forests and visit picture-postcard villages as you navigate through some of the finest real estate in the country.

Whilst Box Hill is the most well-known of the climbs, with its famous Zig Zag road, it is by no means the hardest of the climbs in the area particularly when set against the likes of White Down Lane, Leith Hill and Barhatch Lane. If you fancy reccing the RideLondon route Surrey is a great choice for a UK cycling weekend – just make sure you bring your climbing legs!

Suggested Surrey cycle route

Length: 95 kilometres

Elevation gain: 1,532 metres

More information on cycling the Surrey Hills

Our guide to cycling the Surrey Hills

Our article on the Prudential RideLondon 100

Brighton has for many years been a popular stomping ground for cyclists, and has plenty to offer on top of the annual London to Brighton charity ride. It’s also a wonderful seaside resort, complete with pier and Georgian seafront terraces. If you’re looking for a UK road cycling holiday then Brighton is a good place to base yourself.

With easy access to the eastern fringes of the South Downs, and the rolling hills of the High Weald, you can quickly be out of town and cycling on some of the quietest road routes in the UK. But if you prefer somewhere flatter then there’s plenty to explore in Brighton itself or make you way out along the coastline and explore the historic and picturesque villages on route.

For the avid climbers out there you can test yourself on the well-known ascents of the nearby Ditchling Beacon and Devils Dyke. At the summit of the latter you can see for miles and are rewarded with tremendous views across the South Downs.

GPX for our suggested Brighton cycle route

Length: 148 kilometres

Elevation gain: 1,765 metres

More information on cycling around Brighton

Our article on cycling around Brighton

South Downs

We love the South Downs’ gorgeous English countryside, quiet country roads and quaint villages. For us, these things make the South Downs National Park countryside around Winchester one of the best places to cycle in the UK.

The terrain is a mixture of gentle rolling roads with some aggressive and sharp climbs that can appear totally unannounced, as you navigate your way around the twisting lanes. Whether you’re on a flat stretch or climbing in the smallest gear, the one thing that you are guaranteed for certain is the ability to enjoy the remarkable panorama of the English countryside.

From splendid cathedrals to ancient market towns to the quintessential English pub and old tea shops, you will definitely feel at home in this part of the world as you pedal along on some of the best road bike routes in the UK.

GPX for our suggested South Downs cycle route

Length: 102 kilometres

Elevation gain: 1,307 metres

More information on cycling the South Downs

Our article on cycling the South Downs

Isle of Wight

It’s perhaps not that well known, but the Isle of Wight has been branded as the ‘cycle island’ boasting 200 miles of cycling routes, an annual festival and a sportive that circumnavigates the entire island.

Lying just off the south coast of England, just an 8 minute hovercraft journey from the mainland, this beautiful and picturesque island makes the perfect place for cycling holidays in the UK. The island is a popular place for holiday makers, so there’s lots to do for those not on a bike – from the attractive Victorian seaside towns, to historical monuments such as Osborne House and spectacular coastal walking trails.

If you don’t fancy the lap of the island, you can make use of some easy cycle routes along the myriad of traffic free cycle paths. Perhaps followed by an afternoon on the beach and a few hours exploring the iconic Needles cliffs and the harbour at Cowes.

GPX for our suggested Isle of Wight route

Length: 109 kilometres

Elevation gain: 1,352 metres

More information on cycling on the Isle of Wight

Our guide to cycling the Isle of Wight

Cycling in Cornwall is generally known for two things. Amongst those taking on Land’s End to John O’Groats, Cornwall is feared as a rollercoaster start to the ride – the gruelling first couple of leg-sapping short sharp hills on steep-sided lanes.

Amongst those looking for family cycling holidays in the UK, Cornwall is synonymous with the Camel Trail. This traffic-free route runs 18 kilometres along the River Camel between Padstow and Bodmin. There’s then an additional, harder 9 kilometres to Blisland on Bodmin Moor.  There are lots of place to hire bikes and places to stop, so the 18 kilometre stretch is particularly great for kids. check out our Camel Trail FAQs article for more useful information.

However, there are a lot of other great cycling routes in Cornwall too.

Those in Cornwall on holiday with the family, there are the Mineral Tramways Trails and, around St Austell, the Clay Trails.

Road and gravel cyclists should check out the Cornish Way, a 288km route along the length of Cornwall. 47 kilometres are off-road, but the remainder is on-road, designed to avoid major roads and take in as many historic towns, fishing villages, moor and mining landscapes as possible. There are six individual trails that make up the Cornish Way, helping you to break up the route should you wish.

You can ride the Cornish Way in either direction. The east to west route gives the sense of achievement of arriving at Land’s End. There are also various different route options that make up the 288km route (around Bude you can go along the very hilly coastline and just before Bodmin, you can detour north to Padstow instead of South to St Austell).

GPX for our suggested Cornwall cycling route

More information and GPX routes .

Length: 207 kilometres

Elevation gain: 2,535 metres

Note: as we haven’t ridden this route (yet), if you want to ride it we suggest you check out the official website rather than rely on our GPX!

More information on cycling in Cornwall

Check out our guide to cycling in Cornwall.

2. Best cycling holidays (and routes) in Scotland

Scottish highlands.

The North Coast 500 brings together some of the most beautiful coastal terrain in the northern highlands. It’s a true test of fitness and endurance for any cyclist.

Choose when you want to complete the route and in how many days.

Soak up the wilderness as you ride along many single track roads and trails, through seaboard villages and rugged countryside.

The North Coast route is a circular ride, starting and finishing in the village of Tornapress. The route includes the fearsome 9 kilometre ascent of Bealach na Ba, described by some as the best cycling climb in Great Britain. It feels a bit like a typical Alpine mountain pass, with several hairpins and 20% gradients. It also offers stunning views over the nearby Isle of Skye.

Undoubtedly one of the best places to cycle in the UK, and ideal for a UK-based cycling holiday.

GPX for our suggested NC500 route

Length: 625 kilometres

More information on cycling the Highlands

Don’t miss our in-depth  article on cycling the Highlands , as well as our favourite accommodation on the NC500 . Our overview of cycling in Scotland and Q&A interview on the Isle of Arran .

More information on cycling the NC500

Article on cycling the North Coast 500

Scottish Borders

Big, wide open spaces where you can see for miles. Heather covered hills and acre upon acre of woodland, lochs and rivers.

This is Scottish border country and the home of some of the best cycling routes in Scotland.

The area’s pièce de résistance is the famous Talla Wall climb. Leaving the village of Tweedsmuir with the reservoir on your right you will find this testing little ascent. It’s only 1.8 kilometres in length but packs a big punch – an average gradient of 8.3% which tops out in places at 24.9%.

The Tour O’ the Borders is the local sportive that’s staged each September. It starts and finishes in the town of Peebles and includes the Talla Climb. Your next weekend cycling break in the UK sorted?!

GPX for our suggested Scottish Border cycle route

Length: 123 kilometres

Elevation gain: 1,452 metres

Note: for the official sportive route, we suggest you check the Tour O’ the Borders official website rather than rely on our GPX.

3. Best cycling holidays (and routes) in Wales

In the north west corner of Wales lies a dramatic mix of Celtic culture, rugged mountain scenery and coastal vistas. It’s all woven into 2,000 square kilometres of delightfully varied landscape.

The centrepiece of the park is Mount Snowdon, which rises from sea level to 1,085 metres and is the highest mountain in England and Wales. It can’t be crested on a road bike but there are plenty of sensational road cycling routes in Wales, including a loop that circles the base of the mountain.

Starting and finishing in the old mining town of Llanberis, the route takes you to the coastal town of Caernarfon, where you can detour to see the famous castle. Then it’s on to the Llanberis Pass, as you ride around the famous Snowdon horseshoe.

GPX for our suggested Snowdonia cycle route

Length: 56 kilometres

Elevation gain: 848 metres

More information on cycling Snowdonia

This article contains lots of helpful information on cycling in Snowdonia and North Wales.

Brecon Beacons

The Brecon Beacon National Park is a protected area of stunning wild moorland which runs from the Black Mountain in the west, through the Beacons and the Usk valley, to the Black Mountains in the east.

Comprising bare, grassy moorland with an abundance of reservoirs, caves and waterfalls you will likely see more mountain sheep and ponies than fellow travellers in this remote part of south Wales.

The infamous Dragon Ride is one of the toughest sportives held in the UK, and is held in the area. The Dragon Devil route is challenging to say the least with 5,000 metres of climbing over 300 kilometres including the fearsome ascents of the Devils Staircase and Elbow. So if you like your road cycling routes to be challenging you know what to earmark for your next UK cycling weekend with your mates!

GPX for our Brecon Beacons cycle route

Length: 300 kilometres

Note: for the official sportive route, we suggest you check the Dragon Ride official website rather than rely on our GPX.

More information on cycling the Brecon Beacons

Don’t miss our guide to cycling the Brecon Beacons .

Our in-depth article on the Dragon Ride might be useful.

Check out our pick of the best UK sportives, which includes the Dragon ride . It also features in our pick of the best long-distance routes in the UK.

The Celtic Trail in Pembrokeshire is also worth a look!

4. Best cycling holidays (and routes) in Ireland

Giants causeway.

In the north east of Northern Ireland lies the Giant’s Causeway and the Antrim coastline. It’s world famous and a holiday destination in its own right. Why not bring your bike and make it a cycling holiday?!

Okay, you’ll need to be prepared for the fact it rains a fair bit and sometimes the wind howls in off the Atlantic Ocean, but you would be hard pressed to find a more beautiful and testing area to ride your bike.

If the weather is fine it’s even better as the views of the sea from the rugged coastline of high cliffs are simply spectacular. The tough and energy sapping Torr Head Road, with its numerous hills and sharp descents coming one after the other is like riding a giant roller coaster.

Take a look at the Giants Causeway Sportive and its ‘Giant Killer’ route of 187 kilometres which is one of the best cycling routes in Ireland (like the Dragon Ride, we included it in our best sportives write up, here ).

GPX for our suggested Giants Causeway cycle route

Length: 187 kilometres

Elevation gain: 2,313 metres

Note: for the official sportive route, we suggest you check the Giants Causeway sportive official website rather than rely on our GPX.

More information

Check out our pick of the best UK sportives, which includes the Giants Causeway sportive

Wild Atlantic Way

For those wanting a really big test, and the opportunity to try one of the world’s best cycling routes, the 2,500 kilometre Wild Atlantic Way lies in wait.

This route offers a big endurance test, passing through seven of Ireland’s westernmost counties.

With the fearsome and choppy Atlantic Ocean as your constant companion as you traverse the western coastline, the route takes you the length of the island passing through famous landmarks, heritage sites, traditional villages and rolling countryside.

There are a number of organised events which take in all or part of the route, but whichever you choose you are largely on your own. You’ll need to be self-sufficient as well as fit.

GPX for the Wild Atlantic Way cycle route

Length: 2,500 kilometres

Elevation gain: 20,000+ metres

Note: there are lots of slight changes that can be made to the Wild Atlantic Way route. If you want to ride the official route, we suggest you check out the official website rather than rely on our GPX.

Another Ireland end to end route, the MIZMAL, features in our pick of the best long-distance routes in the UK . You can read all about the route here .

Wicklow Mountains

Just 30 minutes from Dublin, Ireland’s Wicklow Mountains are a haven for cyclists.

They’re home to the tough Wicklow 200 sportive, but are also great for less avid cyclists who just want to explore Ireland’s largest national park.

If you’re with non-cyclists, there is plenty for them to keep them occupied (Dublin, the ancient monastic city of Glendalough…) while you take on the region’s tangled network of minor roads.

If you love to climb, don’t miss the Shay Elliott climb, named after Ireland’s famous Seamus “Shay” Elliott.

GPX for our suggested Wicklow Mountains cycle route

Length: 596 kilometres

Elevation gain: 980 metres

More information on cycling Wicklow Mountains

This article contains lots of helpful information on cycling in the Wicklow Mountains.

What next?!

We hope you’ve enjoyed our pick of the best places for cycling holidays in the UK! Where do you love to ride in the UK? Will you be taking a staycation this year? Let us know about your cycling breaks in the comments below!

If you want more information on cycling in the UK, check out our UK cycling homepage. From there you’ll find links to all of our in-depth guides and articles on UK cycling.

Our pick of the UK’s best sportives might also provide some inspiration.

Want to get off the road? check out these 7 best bikepacking routes in the UK !

Please support Epic Road Rides

A huge amount of time and effort goes into the article you’ve just read, all with the aim of helping you!

If you found what you’ve read useful, I’d really appreciate it if you dropped something in the tip jar  here .

It’s a way you can say thank you and help us carry on creating top quality content with no annoying ads and no pay wall.

Leave us a tip here!

Looking for an organised cycling trip?

If you want someone to help you plan and book your cycling holiday, fill out this form. We aren’t a tour operator/agent but we work with lots of people who are and will do our best to put you in touch with someone that can help (within 24 hours wherever possible)!

We will use this info to send the enquiry to John and/or their team. Our privacy policy explains more and here’s a reminder of our disclosure policy and terms and conditions.

John Vicars divides his time between England and Spain and, together with his wife, clocks in around 10,000 miles each year searching out Europe’s finest roads. John loves to share his experiences (good and bad) from the saddle and has a particular loathing for double digit gradients, sub-zero temperatures and red traffic lights!

The contents of this website are provided for general information purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on it. You should carry out your own due diligence and risk assessments and take professional advice. Views expressed by interviewees or other users of this website do not necessarily represent our views. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content on our website is accurate, complete or up to date. If you use any information or content on this website, download from, or otherwise obtain content or services through our website, it is entirely at your own discretion and risk. Epic Road Rides Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on the information and content on this website. Find out more here .

2 Responses to “15 best cycling holidays in the UK and Ireland (+ the best cycling routes to ride when you’re there)”

A couple of fantastic areas you should consider that are not on your list. Lake District, home of the legendary Fred Whitton Challenge, and the North Pennines, virtually empty roads with bags of challenging and beautiful climbs, just happens to be sandwiched between two of the most popular National Parks.

I agree with you – Lake District is awesome and is in fact number one on our list! Great shout for the North Pennines – the UK has so many gems, doesn’t it?!

Leave your comment

Click here to cancel reply.

• Name (required)
• Mail (required) (will not be published)

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .