Suffolk - Discover England's hidden treasures by bike

After a short train ride, you'll pick up your bicycles, maps, and route suggestions. Leave the Gipping Valley and cycle through some of Suffolk's impressive medieval villages, with beautiful churches and historic pubs lining the way. Cross the ford at Kersey and continue to Chelsworth with its narrow bridge and pretty weavers' cottages. Cycle through the charming village of Monks Eleigh before reaching the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul.
like a mighty cathedral towering over the medieval masterpiece of Lavenham with its timber-framed houses, the most spectacular of Suffolk's 'wool towns' with its unique collection of historic buildings.

↑ 364 m ↓ 320 m

Overnight location: Lavenham

A fantastic circular tour that will show you some of the most beautiful parts of rural Suffolk today. The first stop after Lavenham is Long Melford, with its miles-long main street lined with antique shops, a selection of great cafes for your morning coffee, a brewery, and two Tudor manor houses, Melford Hall and Kentwell Hall. The route then takes you to pretty Boxford, a former Anglo-Saxon settlement, before continuing to the village of Polstead, home to the gruesome—but fascinating—200-year-old story of the Red Barn Murder. The tour continues to Stoke-by-Nayland, whose church spire features in many paintings by the 17th-century artist John Constable.
to see before you return to Lavenham to spend the night.

↑ 412 m ↓ 412 m

Overnight accommodation: As on the previous day in Lavenham

Start your day exploring the medieval labyrinth of timber-framed houses in Lavenham, the most famous of the wool towns. Continue through rolling countryside and visit the pretty village of Hartest, before exploring the eccentric, oval-shaped Ickworth House, a few kilometers outside the ancient market town of Bury St Edmunds. Bury is steeped in history, narrow lanes, and old Suffolk charm. Walk through the massive stone gate to the abbey ruins, flanked by beautiful gardens that slope down to the River Lark. The cathedral here received its impressive spire to mark the new millennium. A market is held twice a week, and you'll have the chance to grab a drink at The Nutshell, Britain's smallest pub.

↑ 271 m ↓ 293 m

Accommodation location: Bury St Edmunds

A delightful ride through the countryside takes you today to the historic town of Eye, where you'll have the opportunity to visit the Norman castle before continuing on to the picturesque village of Hoxne, near the spot where, according to legend, King (Saint) Edmund was captured and killed by the Vikings. You'll then cross the River Waveney, which marks the border with Norfolk, before continuing to the pretty market town of Harleston.

↑ 348 m ↓ 360 m

Overnight location: Harleston

Drive back south into Suffolk and visit Stradbroke and Saxtead Mill before passing Ed Sheeran's castle on The Hill in Framlingham. Take a break and stroll along the 800-year-old walls before continuing your journey through the peaceful and pretty countryside to the lovely riverside town of Woodbridge.

↑ 354 m ↓ 363 m

Overnight stay: Woodbridge

Leave Woodbridge and visit the Anglo-Saxon ship burial at Sutton Hoo. Stop at a charming riverside pub in Ramsholt on your way to the small ferry across the River Deben at Bawdsey. Pass the coastal defenses built to ward off Napoleon as you cycle to the seaside town of Felixstowe, where you can refresh yourself by the water. Finally, turn inland towards Ipswich, cycling partly alongside the River Orwell.

↑ 340 m ↓ 350 m

Overnight stay: Ipswich

After breakfast, you return the bikes to the hotel and begin your journey home or onward.