Main Image: Plas Farm Cottages near Pontardawe
Thousands of us have jumped back in the saddle in response to the coronavirus pandemic - good news for the planet, as well as our waistlines!
Cycling is a great way to keep fit, boost our immunity, entertain our families and (obviously) get from A to B. With this in mind, and to celebrate Bike Week (30 May To 5 June 2021), whose theme is health and wellbeing, here are 10 wonderful holiday cottages to inspire your next two-wheeled adventure.
Our ‘Wheely’ great holiday cottages for cycling go the extra mile to accommodate cyclists' needs. They are close to well-known and popular cycling routes and provide secure storage for bikes or bike hire delivery to your holiday cottage front door.
From the challenging climbs of the Peak District and Lake District to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, there is certain to be a UK cycling location just perfect for you and your loved ones….
1. Pontardawe Cottages | Glamorgan
What we say:
Our six eco friendly traditional farm holiday cottages for cycling at Plas Farm are set in over 100 acres of private countryside between the Brecon Beacons and Gower. They are perfectly located for touring South Wales and popular with mountain bikers, with secure bike storage and bike washing facilities. The cottages are convenient for the Afan Forest trails and there are relaxing rides from your cottage doorstep on the local country lanes. Or hop onto the Celtic Cycling Trail (NCR 43) in Pontardawe just over a mile away. This links to the Wales Coast Path which runs along Swansea Bay – a city with one of the most beautiful settings in Britain. If you don’t bring bikes, there are many places to hire cycles nearby.
Sleeps 4-26.
What guests say:
"We’ve had a wonderful week; three good bike rides, flying kites and red kites, walking to waterfalls and a visit to the theatre!" - Stephen
2. Haddon Grove Farm Cottages | Peak District
What we say:
Our 10 gorgeous holiday cottages at Haddon Grove Farm have all the ingredients for a peaceful cycling getaway, with a dedicated secure bike shed with bike racks and an outside hosepipe facility to clean your bikes after a day's ride. Less than three miles from Bakewell in the heart of the beautiful Peak District National Park, this is ideal countryside to explore by bike - from hardcore limestone mountain climbs and the high heather clad moorlands to easy, off-road routes such as the traffic-free Monsal Trail starting at Bakewell’s former railway station or the Tissington Trail from Parsley Hay, four miles away. The cottages share a large, indoor swimming pool, games room, play area and three acres of grounds in which to unwind after your ride and you can even order in a delicious pea and pie dinner if you are too exhausted to cook!
Sleeps 2-51.
What guests say:
"Just want to say what an amazing cottage this is and how cosy warm & stylish it is! We arrived to all the fairy lights on and as we checked the rooms out all we kept saying was WOW!! The cottage has luxurious touches like robes and furry blankets. Sitting outside on the porch watching the sunset was glorious. The kitchen is well equipped and there is even a coffee pod machine. Beautiful vintage china and lovely wine glasses too! We will definitely be back very soon as we are missing the mountain bike trails! Your bike store was perfect!" - Cheryl (about Love Nest)
3. West Hollowcombe Farm | Exmoor
What we say:
Our cluster of four stone eco-barns are tucked away on the southern edge of Exmoor National Park in the heart of Lorna Doone country. The Two Moors Way passes the gate and numerous cycle rides are accessible directly from the cottages. The location is better for fairly fit riders as the slopes are quite steep in places and there is an excellent 16th century inn for that post-ride drinkat Tarr Steps close by. If you have young kids, you can drive across the moor to Bideford and access the Tarka Trail, a disused railway line, for excellent, flat cycling. Our delightful cottages come with shared access to 60 acres of private fields and woodlands including a designated SSSI, a shared children’s play area, secure bike storage and a barbecue terrace for your morning cuppa.
Sleeps 4-18.
What guests say:
"We stayed in the cottage 'Kiri' for a week with friends. We were met with a very friendly welcome and fresh scones and cream. The cottage was very comfortable and offered us a perfect base for walking and mountain biking in the area. The setting is idyllic and the play area suited the kids brilliantly. There are lovely walks and demanding cycle rides available straight from the door with several pubs that can be built in to loops. Overall, an excellent, friendly, convenient and good value base." - Simon (about Kiri Cottage)
4. Our Cumbrian Holiday Cottages
What we say:
Our 26 holiday cottages in Ullswater and the Eden Valley have excellent cycling routes from the doorstep and you can arrange for road and mountain bikes to be dropped off during your stay. You can hire for as many days as you like and even opt for electric bikes which will help you get to the top of the most daunting hills. Alternatively, embark on some lovely family cycling routes in the Ullswater Valley, hopping on and off the Ullswater ‘Steamers’. Or take on Whinlatter Forest, home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trails in the Lakes. You can hire bikes here at Cyclewise which also runs family mountain-bike skills sessions during school holidays. You’ll find GoApe here too for a different kind of adrenalin rush. Guests staying at our Glassonby and Melmerby properties are just off the C2C cycle route.
Sleeps 4-24.
What guests say:
"Excellent location, high on comfort and quality. Great location as you can walk to a lovely cafe, grocery shop and pub. Wonderful cycling area on quiet roads and pretty villages. House itself has everything to make for a very comfortable and relaxing stay. The dogs were chilled too. Thank you for a comprehensive welcome hamper too." - Alyson (about Kirkbride Hall)
5. Vicarage House | Norfolk
What we say:
Thanks to its rural location in the Norfolk Brecks, Vicarage House is a paradise for walkers and cyclists, with some of the finest mountain biking and road cycling routes just a stone’s throw away. There is easy access to Thetford Forest’s 50,000 acres of safe, prime cycling and walking trails from the doorstep. and The Peddars’ Way is just 500 yards from house - a 50 mile cycle trail between Thetford and Holme-next-the-Sea on the north Norfolk coast, perfect for beginner and experienced cyclists alike. The owners provide 10 adult and various children's bikes, printed maps and cycling treks can also be arranged. Less than 100 miles from London, this beautiful Norfolk holiday home has a swimming pool, tennis court, football pitch, croquet lawn and is set in six acres of private, gated grounds.
Sleeps 9-15.
What guests say:
"A wonderful week in a wonderful house. A marvellous refuge from Coronavirus and the dreary monotony of lockdown. Swimming, tennis, walks, cycling, eating and drinking. Just what we needed. Thank you" - June
6. Weavers Loft | Norfolk
What we say:
Parcelled between the Broads and the North Norfolk coast in the tranquil rural village of Erpingham, Weavers Loft is ideally placed for a two-wheeled adventure ‘à deux’. Situated on the Weavers Way, ride to the golden coastline at Cromer Pier via the glorious Jacobean country estate at Felbrigg Park or try the magnificent Blickling Estate where you can enjoy the new National Trust multi-use trail. Cycle hire is available from the property owners and secure cycle storage is provided. After a long day's cycling, come back to your secluded loft barn conversion and relax in the cosy open plan living or sit out on the decked balcony overlooking unspoilt countryside. The Erpingham Arms 18th century real ale pub is a three minute stroll away – ideal after a long cycle ride.
Sleeps 2.
What guests say:
"Brilliant stay in Erpingham, the loft was lovely, quiet and very well equipped. Brilliant location with great walks and cycle routes right outside the door." - Annabel
7. Dillington Estate Cottages | Somerset
What we say:
We offer four luxurious Grade II listed cottages for cycling on the 3,000-acre Dillington Estate near Ilminster in peaceful rural Somerset with easy access to the Jurassic Coast. The estate is on National Cycle Network 33, a 68.2-mile route connecting Bristol to the English Channel at Seaton near Lyme Regis. The section between Ilminster and Chard is along a purpose-built traffic-free railway path. The Lord Poulett Arms, an award-winning gastropub, is just the place to refuel after a good day's cycling. In the evenings, settle down on comfortable sofas in front of a roaring wood burner or soak tired muscles in the wood fired hot tub while planning your next day's cycling. Adventure Cafe rent bicycles for adults and kids and can deliver to your property.
Sleeps 4-16.
What guests say:
"An extra special place for that special occasion. Everything is thought about and provided even those extra things you had not considered. The cycling and walking are excellent so close to the house." - Pauline (about Atherstone Farm Cottage)
8. Cotswold Water Park Lodges | Cotswolds
What we say:
Guests at our Cotswold Water Park holiday lodges can admire the magical surroundings by hiring bikes (including tandems) on site and exploring miles of country lanes, old railway lines, canal towpaths and lakeside paths on two wheels. If you feel like a challenge, there is even National Cycle Route 45 going right through the Cotswold Water Park, on its way from Salisbury to Cirencester. We offer nine holiday cottages for cycling, sleeping five to ten people set on gorgeous lakes with waterside decks and barbecue, perfect for putting your feet up after a long day in the saddle. Some have hot tubs and many are pet friendly. As well as great cycle routes, you’ll find amazing activities for all the family here - from angling and archery, to watersports and wildlife watching.
Sleeps 5-10.
What guests say:
"Fantastic holiday cottage right on one of the larger lakes. Our first time to this area, there are so many activities and things to do we ran out of time to fit them all in. With the kids out paddleboarding and kayaking from the back door or just sat in the hot tub, it was difficult to make them leave the house. The bridlepaths and footpaths linking to other lakes and the village are great too. Will definitely be back." - Carl (about The Moorings)
9. Fir Hill Glamping Yurts | Cornwall
What we say:
With a countryside location just outside the lively coastal town of Newquay, The Fir Hill has been transformed into a stunning glamping site with twelve luxurious, spacious Mongolian-inspired Yurts and unique access to its 62 acre historic Estate. There’s plenty to explore on foot or by bicycle nearby and The St Piran Trail on the 180 mile Cornish Way cycle route passes by the estate. This trail, which follows the National Cycle Network’s number 32 route links Truro to Padstow. The trail returns to quiet country lanes near the Fir Hill Estate, passing the village of Colan and on to the beautiful sandy beaches of Constantine Bay in Newquay. Bike racks are provided on site and each Yurt has its own fire-pit, barbecue and covered cooking area. The Cowshed houses showers, toilets and a leisure area while sunny communal dining terraces are perfect for relaxing after a long bike ride.
Sleeps 3-60+
What guests say:
"The Yurt was super cosy and spacious, the terrace had a grill perfect for barbecues. There are also nice bathrooms with showers and loads of trails, but the best thing was that the place is so close to the beach where you can spot seals popping their heads out of the water. Overall this place is amazing and I hope to come back next year!" - Elizabeth
10. Bruern Cottages | Cotwolds
What we say:
Our cluster of 12 family-friendly cottages are set in the historic grounds of Bruern Abbey amid classic Cotswold countryside. The 5-star accommodation will tick all the items on your holiday wish list: award-winning interiors, a log fire, luxurious facilities, plenty to keep children entertained and a picturesque setting. Brilliant on-site facilities include an indoor pool, spa, and gym set amongst the beautiful rambling gardens. Bruern is an amazing cycling breaks destination, with some of the UKs finest countryside and prettiest villages on the doorstep. Why not borrow the free mountain bikes and cycle along country lanes or wooded paths to Kingham, Shipton or the beautiful secluded BBOWT Nature Reserve? There are kids bikes and helmets too and cycle maps in all the cottages.
Sleeps 2-14.
What guests say:
"The cottage we stayed in was immaculate and all the little extras had been thought of - from White Company toiletries to local cheese! There was plenty to do on site, including a games room, a swimming pool, a spa, bikes to use and wonderful gardens! Although we didn't have any young children with us, you can clearly see it caters for that age group, providing bottle warmers, stair gates, listening devices etc. in the cottage and well equipped play houses and a play park in the grounds…" - Megan
If we have inspired you to get on your bike and try out some of the UK’s best cycling country, have a look at our portfolio of holiday cottages for cycling. Ideal for any cycling aficionado, they are just the place to retire to after a day in the saddle.
Published on Sunday 30th May 2021 by Linnie Clements
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