Cycle breaks in Kent

Just a stone's throw away from London, with excellent transport links and an extensive range of good quality accommodation on offer, Kent is the ideal destination to escape it all for a short break.

Cycle breaks in Kent is an excellent set of five guides about cycling in Kent. Explore Canterbury, Sandwich, Thanet, Tonbridge and the Weald complete with details of local attractions, accommodation plus a detailed look at the areas that you cycle through.

Why not get on your bike and explore Kent's countryside and coast?

Download these guides or call 08458 247600 for a free copy of Explore Kent by bike, the new guide on where to go and what to do in Kent by bicycle.

Alternatively, for an overview of where to cycle in Kent, try our Explore Kent by Bike (2.8MB) guide. This guide includes countryside and coastal routes, a colour map and ideas on where to visit while cycling in Kent.

Cathedral to coast - plan a short break in Canterbury

Easily reached by road, rail or sea, Canterbury is a fine example of an English city.

Situated in the heart of Kent, Canterbury offers visitors varied leisure opportunities from strolling down the cobbled streets to discovering the vast history or simply cycling around the city walls and out into the countryside.

From your bike, you will enjoy excellent views of the villages and countryside that pass by and you will have no worries about finding a parking space.

Such delights include the Saxon village of Elham, with its old English charm and remnants of the iron smelting industry and an historic railway line.

Whitstable also has an undeniable character with its colourful boats moored in the harbour, stony sand shoreline and seafood markets selling fresh shellfish . A hidden treasure - the sun setting over the bay, the scenes will inspire any imagination.

There are five suggested routes through Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone and Whitstable taking in some spectacular sights and pretty hamlets including Patrixbourne, Adisham, Aylesham and Whitfield.

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Coast, castles and cliff tops - plan a short break in Sandwich

From history to countryside, the Sandwich trail can offer beautiful cliff top views, mesmerizing sunsets (or dawn breaks) and enthralling Strait of Dover.

Cyclists cannot help but experience the sheer delights of the ride through Sandwich, Dover, Deal, Folkestone and Hythe. These five routes are situated on National Cycle Routes 1 and 2.

With fine views stretching as far as the eye can see as you descend into Folkestone Harbour and then enjoy a mostly traffic free ride along the sea wall to Sandgate and Hythe.

There are some excellent Country Parks with children's play areas to enjoy and different varieties of wildlife to spot.

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Seascapes and skies - plan a short break in Thanet

Kent has one of the longest coastlines in Britain and with well maintained cycle routes, a seaside adventure is a must.

Thanet was once separated from Kent by the Wantsum Channel, an important shipping lane for the Romans, but the river eventually became silted up with deposits from the River Stour.

Watch the level of the land change as you cycle from the sea walls at Reculver. If you enjoy rock pooling or tales of smugglers, then this trail is perfect for those eager to explore the 15 sandy beaches with their history and frequent traffic free routes.

There are 6 suggested routes between Margate, Wade, North Foreland, Ramsgate and Cliffsend with optional extensions. Some of these routes are perfect for competent cyclists and other routes are excellent for families, novices and those who will enjoy the scenery more then the cycling. Don't forget, there are several country parks in this area that are great for those kite flying days.

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Village and views - plan a short break in the Weald

Cycling in the countryside to enjoy the views is what you enjoy, then why not explore the Weald.

 The high weald of Kent offers some unrivalled off road cycling experiences for those adrenaline driven as the Weald is often compared to a roller coaster ride with many climbing hills and thrilling follies down tightly woven bridleways.

For those not interested in thrill seeking, the flat expanse of the Walland and Romney Marshes offers the perfect terrain for all round cycling. On this route, you can also discover Bedgebury Forest, a multi-user park for all to enjoy traffic free cycling in the countryside.

For a short detour, one of these routes passes by Bewl Water, the largest inland waterway in the South East. Take some time to stop here for a picnic and well earned rest to enjoy the spectacular sights of many different varieties of birds. A bird watchers paradise but also a quiet haven away from the hustle and bustle of the towns.

With five routes of varying lengths, with many sections of traffic free enjoyment, these pass through towns and villages including Tenterden, Bedgebury, Ashford, Appledore and Old Romney.

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Oast houses, gardens and castles - plan a short break in Tonbridge

A glorious cycle ride awaits for the expert and the family from Tonbridge to Penshurst Place with many interlinking National Cycle routes available.

Regional Cycle Route 12 is perfect for those eager to explore away from the County or those looking for a gentle ride through country parks, past castles and spectacular ground and gardens.

Take some time to enjoy the quaintness of the market town of Tonbridge, the motte-and-bailey Gatehouse and the nine centuries of dramatic history that encompass the town.

For the serious thrill seeking cyclists, off road fans can indulge at Penshurst Off-Road Centre with miles of challenging trails. Alternatively, for a short detour, why not try the nine and a half miles of mostly traffic-free cycling along a disused railway between Groombridge and East Grinstead.

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