I want to ride my bicycle…

Our guide to cycling in Northumberland

From family-friendly routes to off-road trails, Northumberland is a fantastic place to explore by bike. Whether you have your own cycles or want to hire some, here’s our guide of what’s on offer for those who like to get around on two wheels.

First things first – where to stay? Some of our Retreats are well equipped for cyclists:

Have a look at Bluegrass, sleeps four, with sea views in the centre of Seahouses. You may not think an apartment is ideal when you arrive back muddied up from a day out exploring, but Bluegrass has a garage for bike storage and an outside tap for any necessary cleaning. What’s more it is close to a number of excellent restaurants and pubs, so you don’t have to go far after a long day of exercise.

Similarly, our pretty row of cottages in Swinhoe, near Beadnell, Driftwood, Seasalt and Nook End share a garage where bikes can be kept and they all have their own outdoor taps. This group of cottages is particularly good if there are a number of you holidaying together as they can be booked as a group, sleeping up to 18 people.

The Forge and The Smithy at Tughall Steads, between Beadnell and Newton, share a laundry outhouse where bikes can be stored, and this location is ideal for hopping on the bike and exploring the surrounding countryside and coast.

If you don’t have you own bikes or would prefer to hire some when you arrive, here’s a list of some nearby companies:

Coquet Cycles (Amble): Delivery and collection can be arranged. You can also hire electric bikes from this company, which still require pedal power but have the added boost of battery power.

Adventure Northumberland (Alnwick): Delivery and collection can be arranged. Electric bikes and kids trailers also available.

Boards and Bikes (Beadnell): Will deliver to your accommodation. Adult and child bikes available.

Where to cycle:

Cycle Northumberland is a great online site for everything cycling in this area. There are routes for families, leisurely days our or several long distance trails that you might like to do including: Hadrian’s Cycleway, The Coast & Castles, Pennine Cycleway, and the UK’s most popular route, the Sea to Sea (C2C).