The best bike rides for all ages and abilities in Norfolk

If you’re after two-wheeled exploration, there’s no better place to be than Norfolk.

Being characteristically flat and blessed by the cycle-friendly waterways of the Broads and 84 miles of stunning coastline, there’s no shortage of routes and rides for pedal-powered pursuits with a view.

Norfolk has an array of paths, routes and rides that cater to varied abilities and interests. From the 59-mile Norfolk Coastal Cycleway to the Sustrans National Cycle Network of forest paths and country parks, there is something for everyone — with a fair few lovely café stop offs along the way!

Depending on what you’re after, we’ve split our top tips into family friendly rides, experienced routes and coastal cycling.

The best bike rides and cycling routes for families in Norfolk

If you’re getting away with the kids and you want to maximise their time in the great outdoors, bikes are a fun way to explore and cover more ground, without the ‘are we there yet?’ No matter if they’re new to two wheels or a bit more experienced, there’s a day out to be had.

Marriott’s Way is perfect for the little ones, taking you through a traffic-free corridor of greenery that weaves through the beautiful countryside of Norfolk.

Broken down into four sections, you can tackle as much of the route as you like and make some stops as you meander through various villages. The Station Café in Reepham is one of many lovely little independents serving up a stellar cup of tea and slice of cake.

The Marriott’s Way cycle track runs along a disused railway line and winds through glorious countryside and picturesque villages. Acquaint yourself with the points along the way and decide which route is right for your family-friendly ride.

If you know you want a short ride, you can take a look at the Broads Cycle Routes, offering a number of circular bike rides. These travel through the Norfolk Broads National Park, featuring a network of lanes traversing the wetlands. Like much of Norfolk, they’re delightfully flat and offer incredible views!

One of our favourites is The Three Rivers Way from Hoveton to Horning. It’s a lovely, flat cycle path between two of the Broads’ most popular riverside villages.

Finally, if you want a day out that’s on and off the bikes, you can visit the Holkham Estate, which has its own cycle routes, meaning you can take in the local area and make a stop to view the grounds.

Of course, don’t forget a slice of cake or an ice cream cone at one of the number of cafés on the estate.

The best bike rides and cycle routes for experienced, keen cyclists in Norfolk

If you’re a more intrepid cyclist and want to take in as much time on two wheels as possible, there are some great, long stretches of trail and cycle paths designed just for you!

For a challenge and to enjoy a bit more ‘off-the-beaten-track’ riding, then you can explore the Peddars Way Trail. This 46-mile rail offers some easy riding, mixed in with some off-road and moderate climb cycling. It’s a long route with varied surfaces; to help you plan, Norfolk County Council’s website contains some useful extra information about the Peddars Way Trail.

Another of our favourite routes is Weavers’ Way, 62 miles of winding farmland, woodland, broadland and grazing marshes. The route follows the disused Aylsham to Great Yarmouth railway line. Soak up the Broads at its best — spot wind pumps, country houses and flint churches.

Another great two-wheeled adventure can be found on the Bittern Line Cycle Routes, a cycle-friendly railway operated by Greateranglia. Take your bike on the train and choose one of the routes linking locations from Norwich to Sheringham and Cromer, passing through the beautiful Broads. There are linear and circular routes, ranging from sub 10 miles to over 30 miles.

The best bike rides and cycle routes near the Norfolk coast

For a pleasant, coastal ride, the 59-mile Norfolk Coast Cycleway is the obvious choice. This covers Kings Lynn all the way to Great Yarmouth. While not a particularly challenging trail, it suits those with the stamina to ride long routes.

You’ll also take in Norfolk’s 84 miles of heritage coastline, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty — never a bad thing, in our opinion! Look out for the red ‘1’ symbols and the regular blue ‘30’ route markers throughout.

Norfolk County Council has a useful interactive map of the area, pointing you in the direction of the many mapped circular loops available (sort ‘map layers’ by ‘cyclist’) — or just tackle the whole thing. The Caister Castle Explorer loop is a lovely route very close to our Norfolk holiday parks.

Looking to explore Norfolk on two wheels?

We’re your perfect base. At Waxham Sands Holiday Park, we offer a range of luxury touring and camping holidays, just a stone’s throw from Sea Palling and the cycle-friendly routes of the Broads!

Book a fortnight-long getaway, or leave it all behind for a quick weekend on the bike. If we’re being honest, you can’t really go wrong by just grabbing the velo and heading out onto the quiet country roads right on the doorstep of our parks.

For a more permanent ticket to Norfolk and its beauty, we also offer holiday home ownership at Golden Beach, our other location in Norfolk, as well as Azure Seas, our owners-only park in Suffolk where you’ll be able to nip up to Norfolk in no time at all.

We can’t wait to welcome you for your next getaway!

Book your holiday in Norfolk

Join us on park to discover Norfolk.

Let us be your base for exploring this region, a cyclist’s dream.

Explore our Norfolk parks