Safety is of utmost importance when you’re cycling with your family and young children so we’ve pulled together our top family-friendly cycling holidays in the UK. Whether you want a traffic-free route, a flat easy terrain, or you want some interesting sights or attraction at the end these ten routes all have something to offer.
We have self-catering holiday cottages up and down the UK from Scotland to Cornwall, throughout England and Wales too. Find which of our cottages are close to these cycling trails when you browse our collection of holiday homes.
View our cottages
The Eskdale Trail in the Lake District
Eight and a half miles in length, The Eskdale Trail begins with a train ride on the Ravenglass line. Head off from Ravenglass to Dalegarth on the converted train and then ride back to your car via country lanes, earthy tracks and grassy fields. There are plenty of food and drink stops on route and the wildlife you can spot makes this ride perfect for outdoorsy children.
- 8.5 miles long
- Moderate
- Close to Ravenglass on the Solway Coast
Finish off your ride with a stay in one of our Cumbria cottages.
The Tarka Trail in North Devon
With 30 miles of trail to explore The Tarka Trail has loads of routes to choose from. A particularly family-friendly route is the Barnstaple to Bideford route, which is around 9 miles. With a flat easy terrain all the way you’ll also cycle past some beautiful North Devon coastline. There are plenty of places of interest along the way and remnants of the railway track that used to run along the same route as the Tarka Trail does today.
- 30 miles long
- Moderate route
- Passes by Braunton, Bideford, Barnstaple
We have a wide selection of family-friendly cottages in North Devon perfect for a relaxing evening.
The Phoenix Trail in The Chilterns
Running for 7 miles between Princes Risborough and Thame, The Phoenix Trail is flat, easy to ride and has seating breaks at regular intervals. Making it perfect for those wanting to admire the views of the Chilterns.
- 7 miles long
- Level, easy route
- Starts in Princes RIseborough and Thame
With a couple of cottages just a few miles away from Thame you’re sure to be able to relax quickly after your ride in one of our Oxford cottages.
The Strawberry Line in Somerset
The Strawberry Line is almost completely traffic-free route runs through mid-Somerset and spans for 30 miles. Currently being extended in certain places the path is ready to ride from Yatton to Cheddar for about 10 miles. The route has no steep gradients so is perfect for children.
- 30 miles long
- Level, moderate route
- Starts in Yatton and Cheddar Gorge
We have cottages at either end of your route, so whichever way you choose to cycle there’s a cosy Somerset cottage waiting for you.
The Camel Trail in Cornwall
The Camel Trail runs for 18 miles with various stretches being traffic-free. As one of the most popular recreational routes in the country this is a popular track for families. The trail runs through beautiful woodland and through the Camel Estuary along the former path of an old railroad. The trail runs from Padstow via Wadebridge up to Bodmin Moor. There a lots of bird hides along the way making the trail ideal for birdwatchers.
- 18 miles long
- Level, moderate route between Padstow and Wadebridge and hilly beyond
- Starts in Padstow and Bodmin
Our Cornwall cottages make the perfect base for a family cycling the Camel Trail.
The Cuckoo Trail in Sussex
Previously an old railway line the 11 miles of tarmac and gravel surface of The Cuckoo Trail is one of the most popular family routes in the South East. Taking its name from the Sussex tradition of releasing a cuckoo at the Heathfield Fair, The Cuckoo Trail is completely traffic-free and great for wildlife spotters. The trail forms part of the National Cycle Network - Route 21 and passes by Horam, Hailsham and Polegate.
- 11 miles long
- Traffic free and moderate
- Starts in Heathfield and Eastbourne Park
Our Sussex cottages will provide a wonderful location to relax after your hard day cycling.
The Lon Eifion Trail in North Wales
Starting at the stunning Caernarfon Castle, the 12.5 mile Lon Eifion Trail follows the Welsh Highland Railway route with views across Caernarfon Bay and Snowdonia/Eryri. Completely traffic-free and with the castle to start your journey this makes a wonderful family route. There are some hills as to be expected in Wales, so be prepared.
- 12.5 miles long
- Traffic-free and moderate to difficult
- Starts in Caernarfon and Bryncir
Stay in one of our North Wales cottages to make sure you rest up nearby.
A holiday in one of our self-catering cottages close to cycling trails is the perfect family getaway. Find a place to stay from our collection of self-catering holiday cottages by clicking the button below.
Browse the collection