Bicycle Breaks
Home to rolling hills, remarkable woodlands and a wealth of unique wildlife, it’s no wonder that so many cyclising enthusiasts choose Kent for their two-wheeled adventures. Connected by the National Cycle Network, the scenic routes between Kent’s towns are some of the county’s best-kept secrets, providing traffic-free and family-friendly trails for those who enjoy teaming adventure with activity.
Of course, to make the best of a cycling adventure across Kent, visitors and locals can find bike-friendly accommodation to provide rest stops between each trail. From luxury hotels to boutique lodges and award-winning glamping spots, here are Kent’s best staycation spots for those planning bicycle breaks this summer.
A beautiful, budget-friendly Kentish retreat in a stylishly converted stable, this accommodation is perfect for small families or groups of friends looking to explore the Kentish countryside on two wheels. Fit with reclaimed wood features, calming earthy colours and cosy textiles, North Stable is a sociable and welcoming space with an open-plan living, dining and kitchen area. Upon arrival, guests can enjoy a complimentary welcome pack of hot chocolate, biscuits, tea and coffee before embracing the fresh air in the picturesque courtyard and garden.
Throughout the borough’s towns and surrounding countryside, Ashford is home to a total of 294 cycling routes to explore. Linking Singleton in the west and Little Burton in the east, Ashford’s Green Corridor follows National Route 18 of the National Cycle Network, forming a 7.6 mile route across the town’s beautiful woodlands, rivers and parks.
Set right on the seafront overlooking Sandgate’s promenade, Wave Cottage is the perfect accommodation for those who enjoy a gentle cycle by the seaside and want to bring along a four-legged friend, too. With two bedrooms that sleep up to four, Wave Cottage features a comfortable sitting room with picturesque sea views as well as a fully-equipped kitchen to prepare comforting meals. Outside, a patio with tables and chairs provides a serene spot for both late-night dining and watching colourful coastal sunsets.
In the morning, guests can unwind on the patio and watch the ships sail by before heading over to Yaps Cycle Cafe for a slice of freshly made cake with coffee. A location that also provides bike services such as puncture repair and replacement parts, visitors can ensure that their bikes will be in the very best of condition for the journey ahead. An ever-popular route for cyclists, the Sandgate Martello Tower and Coast Trail is a 2.9km circular route that takes just under an hour to complete. Across hilly terrain with a final flatter stretch on the promenade, cyclists will get to enjoy spectacular views of the coastline and its wildlife before heading back to Wave Cottage for a well-earned rest.
The Huts at Elmley Nature Reserve, Sheerness
A 3,300-acre island situated in North Kent, Elmley Nature Reserve is a family-run farm with an expanse of stunning views and experiences to enjoy. On a visit to Elmley, guests can expect to see water birds wading through the ponds, hares hopping across the meadows and a variety of insects exploring the wildflowers. To truly bathe in the restorative power of the wilderness, their custom-made huts and cabins offer characterful retreats for those wanting to extend their visit overnight. At The Damson shepherd’s hut, guests will find a comfortable king-size bed, unspoilt views across the reserve and a glorious outdoor bath to relax in. For the full glamping experience, there’s a private outdoor firepit for guests to toast some marshmallows under the stars.
During the day, guests are encouraged to explore the landscape, with plenty of low-impact routes to cycle across and benches near the car park to picnic on in the summer sun. For those looking to venture a little further afield, the Barton’s Point Coastal Park nearby features a 40-acre section of the Sheppey Cycle Route and is equally popular for bird-watchers, walkers and cyclists.
A five star, award-winning sustainable glamping spot situated between Maidstone and Chatham, Kits Coty Glamping is the ideal location for cycling enthusiasts in Kent. Having won VisitEngland’s Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year award in 2024, Kits Coty Glamping encourages families to unwind in their peaceful accommodation and experience nature at its finest. Within their enchanted woodland-themed cabin, Gretel, families with two adults and two children (12 and under) will be greeted by hanging ivy, fairy decorations and cosy blankets on the king-size bed and magical bunk beds.
Sheltered by the North Downs’ peaceful woodland, Aylesford is home to plenty of cycle paths for both beginner and intermediate cyclists. With the Pilgrims Cycle Trail just 300 yards away, guests can explore the trail in manageable sections, or try the Number 17 National Cycle Network route for a journey more suitable for little ones. Kits Coty Glamping also has lockable cycle storage for several bikes available on site. With a selection of tools, a puncture repair kit and hand pump within the storage area, guests are set with everything they need for a successful bike-centred holiday.
THE PIG – at Bridge Place, Canterbury
Tucked away near the historic village of Bridge, Kent’s PIG hotel combines a renovated rock-n-roll vibe with everything that’s quintessential for a luxurious countryside stay. Home to a unique mix of characterful bedrooms, private lodges and cabins in close quarters with nature, newest of all are their two Stream Wagons, which guests will find just a short walk from the main house in a secluded spot within the water meadow. Past the picturesque kitchen garden and willow trees, the Stream Wagons feature double beds, en-suite bathrooms and peaceful outdoor terraces.
Right on the doorstep of The PIG is Elham Valley, a chalk-clad route leading from the historic cathedral city of Canterbury to the coastal town of Hythe. Perfect for a picturesque cycle through some of Kent’s most serene woodlands and meadows, cyclists can join the path on Station Road and head south across the Wye Downs to make the most of the journey’s scenery.
Cherry Tree Cottage at Hawthorn Farm, Canterbury
A paddock-backed cottage suitable for small families and couples wanting a slice of serenity for their Kentish holiday, Cherry Tree Cottage is one of a handful of properties nestled within Hawthorn Farm. Fit with luxury cotton bedlinen and a private garden space with parking just a few steps away, Cherry Tree Cottage provides a genuine escape-to-the-country experience. Nostalgic and homely, each self-catering cottage shares an adjoining field and children’s play equipment including a slide, swings and climbing rope.
Once ready for a cycling adventure, families can head to the Viking Coastal Trail through Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate, stopping at each town to explore their beach front promenades and stunning sea views. A popular circular route for all manner of explorers, this trail spans 32 miles of Kent’s coastline and is a clearly signposted route for families not wanting to venture too far into the wilderness. Hawthorn Farm itself also has a secure bike shed and, for those who haven’t packed their own two wheels, e-bike hire is available in the local area.
Cart Lodge, Blackham, nr Tunbridge Wells
Situated on the East Sussex/Kent border, Cart Lodge is a beautifully renovated holiday home ideal for couples or small families. With an open-plan air of tranquility, the living room hosts a cosy seating area and woodburning stove for those who might otherwise miss their at-home comforts. With a breakfast bar overlooking the garden, guests can cook up a storm in the kitchen before heading out for an adventure to the nearby city of Tunbridge Wells.
Lying within the heart of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the landscape is home to picturesque towns and villages, rolling hills, ancient woodland and open heaths with cycling trails galore. From Cart Lodge, guests can make the most of a day out by cycling north alongside the River Medway either to Penshurst Place and Gardens just 4.7 miles away, or 5.4 miles slightly west to Hever Castle. Averaging between 30 and 45 minutes, both journeys are great routes for a mid-morning cycle that concludes with a picnic lunch amongst some of Kent’s most iconic grounds.
When you picture a bicycle-centred getaway, a luxury country house hotel might not be the first image that comes to mind. However, for those wanting to embrace some classic British charm in an award-winning hotel revered for its unique styling and historic antiques, Chilston Park Hotel is an obvious choice. For a re-energising overnight stay, guests can enjoy one of Chilston’s feature bedrooms, where four-poster beds meet characterful period features and twinkling chandeliers. Boasting captivating views over the hotel’s lake, their Victoria Room has plentiful space for families, with bunk beds located in a secret bedroom adjoined to the main suite.
Of course, most important of all is that Chilston Park Hotel has easy access to North Downs Way, one of the country’s most accessible trails covering 246km of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Just 30 minutes away, Ashtree Farm offers exciting outdoor activities within their 200 acres of natural woodland, orchards and open fields. From quad biking to 4×4 off-road driving, all experiences can be booked via their website (thewrightevent.co.uk).
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