Cyclists at Wool Town Lavenham
Where to go cycling in Suffolk
Top ten cycling routes in Suffolk
Suffolk is a perfect county for cycling – it’s relatively flat, traffic free on the quiet lanes, and there are picturesque villages to ride through, and many traditional pubs.
Discover Constable Country in the River Stour and Dedham Vale National Landscape, explore the medieval, unspoilt Wool Towns, find charming market towns in the Heart of Suffolk, and enjoy seaside air from the UK’s most easterly point at Lowestoft along the coast to Felixstowe.
1 The 88-mile Suffolk Coast Cycle Route is perfect for a two or three-day break. This signposted route takes you from Felixstowe to Lowestoft, or vice versa. Coastal highlights include RSPB Minsmere, Aldeburgh, Southwold and Dunwich, and inland you’ll take in Framlingham, with its majestic Norman castle, and riverside Woodbridge.
2 Suffolk’s longest cycle route is the 250-mile Wolf Way, created by bike packers Chris Bower and Sharon Calton whose route takes in bridleways, byways, gravel tracks, cycle paths and quiet back roads, taking in beautiful locations and picturesque countryside. The Wolf Way is a stunning and accessible multi-day adventure.
Snape Maltings
3 The 33-mile Snacks at Snape is an event organised by British Cycling, but you can do the route anytime. The route takes cyclists from Kesgrave to Snape Maltings, home for the Aldeburgh Festival and Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival. The route takes in riverside Woodbridge, Rendlesham Forest and the Suffolk Food Hall.
4 The 46-mile Flatford to Halesworth route begins in Dedham, within Constable Country, and takes cyclists through stunning natural landscapes and with lovely river views. The route is on-road but along quiet lanes, taking in Framlingham, Peasenhall and other picturesque villages before arriving at Halesworth.
Willy Lott's Cottage, Flatford
5 The 69-mile circular Painters Trail takes you through the beautiful landscapes that inspired John Constable and the birthplaces of Thomas Gainsborough and Alfred Munnings.
6 A cycle to get close to nature is the 7-mile Alton Water Park Circuit, where you’ll experience water birds, diverse wildlife, beautiful countryside and woodlands. Don’t miss the Tattingstone Wonder, a ‘tower’ built in the 1700s. Bike hire is available.
The gate towers at Bungay Castle
7 Bungay’s Bermuda Triangle is a 20-mile circular cycle route that begins and ends at Bungay Castle, goes through one of the prettiest parts of Suffolk, and takes in The Saints, the collective name for 12 villages south of Bungay, each of which carries the name of its church. The castle is also named for its builder, Norman Baron Bigod.
8 The 8-mile Walberswick to Holton via Blyford is a tranquil route that takes the cyclist from the charming seaside village of Walberswick and passes through peaceful marshlands and along the gentle River Blyth. At Blythburgh don’t miss the Holy Trinity Church, also known as the Cathedral of the Marshes, and look for the claw marks of Black Shuck on the door. A mix of smooth roads and quiet country lanes makes for a relaxed ride.
Row boats at Thorpeness
9 A 23-mile circular cycle, the Aldeburgh, Sizewell, Minsmere and Thorpeness off-road route goes through iconic Suffolk towns and villages of Aldeburgh, Sizewell, Minsmere and Thorpeness. This route offers a beautiful blend of coastal and rural scenery. Look out for Maggi Hambling’s Scallop on the beach, the House in the Clouds and man-made mere with row boats and Peter-Pan inspired islands.
10 The 11-mile Ipswich to Woodbridge route is part of the National Cycle Network and is a mix of on-road and traffic-free sections, starting and ending by rivers. The route begins in the county town, on the River Orwell, and heads through picturesque Suffolk countryside to waterside Woodbridge on the River Deben with its lovely Tide Mill and close to National Trust Sutton Hoo.
Plan a cycle break in Suffolk
Plan your Cycle Break
Suffolk-based Cycle Breaks are specialists in self-guided cycling holidays and offer fully supported gentle cycling for all abilities and are designed for those looking to enjoy the freedom of exploring the East of England’s coast and countryside at their own pace. Most tour start points are accessible by rail and public transport, so can be car-free from the get-go.
Some sample Suffolk cycling routes
Historic Wool Towns Tour | Cycle Breaks
Castles, Coast & Constable Ferry Hopper | Cycle Breaks
Constable Country & Lavenham | Cycle Breaks
Grand Tour of Suffolk | Cycle Breaks
Mid-Suffolk Mystery Tour | Cycle Breaks
Castles & Vineyards | Cycle Breaks
More routes here: Suffolk Cycle Routes & Holidays | Mountain Bike Trails
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