Turn Your Staycation Into an Adventure: UK Cycling Staycation Guide | Freewheel

There’s something about packing the bikes before a UK getaway that changes the whole mood of a holiday.

Suddenly, it’s not just a weekend away in Cornwall, the Lake District or the New Forest. It’s early-morning café rides. Forest trails with the kids. Ice cream stops you didn’t plan for. Tiny villages you’d never discover from the car.

A cycling staycation turns the journey into part of the adventure - and with the right kit, bringing your bikes along is easier than ever.

Whether you’re planning family bike rides by the coast, gravel adventures in the countryside or canalside cruising with little ones in tow, here’s everything you need to make your next UK cycling holiday unforgettable.

The best cycling staycations start before you even arrive.

A reliable bike carrier means less stress, less wobbling around at motorway services and more confidence when travelling with the whole family’s bikes.

For bigger adventures (and bigger bike collections), the Thule Epos 3 Bike Towball Carrier makes loading simple, even with heavier bikes or e-bikes. It’s ideal for family holidays where everyone’s bringing their own ride.

If you want something compact and easy to store once you arrive, the Thule Velocompact 3 Bike Towball Carrier is perfect for weekend escapes and road trips alike.

No towbar? No problem. The Thule OutWay Rear Mount 2 Bike Carrier is a brilliant option for hatchbacks and smaller cars.

And if roof-mounted transport is more your thing, the Thule ProRide Locking Upright Cycle Carrier keeps things secure while freeing up boot space for all the important holiday essentials.

Top Tip:

Before setting off, check tyre pressures, remove loose accessories and pack a basic repair kit. A five-minute check at home beats searching for a pump in a rainy holiday car park.

Whether you’re stopping for fish and chips on the seafront or exploring a market town, a good bike lock is non-negotiable on a cycling holiday.

For maximum peace of mind, the Kryptonite New York M18 U-Lock is built for serious security and ideal for expensive bikes and e-bikes.

Need flexibility for family bikes? The Kryptonite Evolution Integrated Chain Lock makes securing multiple bikes together much easier.

For lighter rides around campsites, cafés and holiday parks, the Trelock U6 Lock and Trelock U4 Lock strike a great balance between security and portability.

Common Question: Should I lock my bike up on holiday?

Absolutely. Even in quieter tourist spots, bikes are valuable and easy to target. The best approach is always locking your bike through the frame to a fixed object - even during quick café stops.

Pack properly and every ride becomes easier - from carrying snacks and spare layers to hauling everything home after a beach stop.

For family touring adventures, the AtranVelo Travel Waterproof AVS Side Panniers give you loads of space for spare layers, snacks and “just in case” essentials.

The Basil Brooklyn Double Pannier Bag is ideal for family picnics, beach gear and all the bits children somehow accumulate throughout the day.

If you prefer something more versatile, the Basil Ever-Green Bicycle Daypack switches easily from bike to café to countryside walk.

And because this is the UK, waterproof kit is always a smart move - which is where the Hump Reflective Waterproof Single Pannier earns its place.

Holiday rides should feel fun - not like an endurance test.

Comfortable cycling kit makes a huge difference when you’re spending full days exploring trails, roads and country lanes.

The Shimano GF8 Shoes are perfect for riders mixing cycling with café stops, walks and sightseeing.

Sunny coastal rides? The Shimano S-Phyre Glasses help reduce glare and keep your eyes protected from wind and debris.

Meanwhile, the Madison Flux Short Sleeve Jersey and Madison Flux Trail Shorts are ideal for those relaxed “all-day riding” adventures where comfort matters more than chasing personal bests.

The best family cycling holidays are the ones everyone enjoys with confidence.

A comfortable, well-fitting helmet helps riders of every age feel safe and more relaxed on unfamiliar routes.

For adults tackling everything from gravel tracks to traffic-free trails, the Lazer Impala KinetiCore Helmet and Lazer Strada KinetiCore Helmet offer lightweight protection and all-day comfort.

For younger riders, the Lazer Nutz KinetiCore Helmet 2.0 is great for family trail adventures, while the Lazer Bob Plus Helmet is designed for the tiniest passengers joining the fun.

Common Question: Are bike helmets necessary for family bike rides?

In the UK, helmets aren’t legally required, but they’re strongly recommended for adults and children alike - especially when exploring unfamiliar routes on holiday.

One of the best things about a cycling staycation? Kids genuinely love it. There’s something magical about spotting cows from a bike trailer, racing to the next ice cream stop or falling asleep after a day in the fresh air.

For full family adventures, the Thule Chariot Cross 2 Double Child Carrier is hard to beat. It transforms easily between cycling and strolling, making it perfect for holidays.

The Thule Coaster XT Bike Trailer is another brilliant option for family adventures, making it easy to bring little ones along for everything from campsite exploring to longer countryside rides.

For younger children, front-mounted seats like the Thule Yepp 2 Mini Front Seat and Urban Iki Front Seat help little riders feel part of the adventure from the very beginning.

When you know exactly where you’re going, it’s much easier to relax and enjoy the ride - especially when you’re exploring somewhere new with the family. A reliable GPS cycling computer helps you explore confidently without constantly reaching for your phone.

The Garmin Edge 1050 is packed with advanced navigation features for riders planning bigger adventures.

Trail riders will love the Garmin Edge MTB, while the Garmin Edge Explore 2 is ideal for relaxed family rides and scenic route planning.

And if your adventures stretch beyond the bike, the Coros Apex 4 GPS Outdoor Watch helps track hikes, walks and outdoor exploring too.

Common Question: What’s the best type of bike ride for a UK staycation?

Traffic-free cycle paths, coastal routes, canal towpaths and forest trails are all brilliant for family cycling holidays in the UK. Navigation tools help you find quieter, safer routes that suit all abilities.

Every successful family bike ride runs on two things: snacks and hydration.

The Elite Jet Green Bottle keeps drinks close at hand, while younger riders will love the Elite CEO Jet Youth Bottle Kit.

For longer rides, SIS GO Hydro Tablets help you stay hydrated on warmer days.

And because cycling holidays are hungry work, the SIS GO Energy Bake Bars are perfect for mid-ride fuel stops.

Sometimes a cycling holiday sparks something bigger. Maybe your old bike suddenly feels a bit tired. Maybe you’ve discovered gravel riding. Maybe the kids have outgrown theirs overnight.

If you’re thinking about upgrading before your next adventure, these bikes are built for exactly the kind of exploring that UK staycations are made for.

The Saracen Ariel 50E Pro opens up tougher climbs and longer rides with e-bike assistance.

For all-road adventures, the Genesis Croix De Fer 40 is a legendary gravel bike that thrives on British backroads and bridleways.

Need something practical for family outings and everyday rides? The Ridgeback Element EQ is built for versatility.

And for younger adventurers ready for bigger rides, the Ridgeback Dimension 20 helps kids build confidence on two wheels.

You see more. Stop more. Laugh more.

You discover places you’d never normally visit and create the kind of memories children actually talk about afterwards.

And perhaps the best part? You don’t need to fly halfway across the world for adventure. Sometimes it’s waiting at the end of a quiet trail, just a few miles from your B&B or campsite.

So load up the bikes, pack the snacks and see where the next ride takes you.

And if you need any help along the way, check out our UK-wide network of cycle shops who are always happy to help!

What is the best way to transport bikes on holiday in the UK?

Towball bike carriers, roof-mounted bike racks and rear-mounted carriers are all popular options for UK cycling holidays. The best choice depends on your car, how many bikes you’re carrying and whether you’re travelling with e-bikes or children’s bikes.

Are bike holidays in the UK good for families?

Yes - family cycling holidays are one of the best ways to explore the UK. Traffic-free trails, coastal routes and forest parks make cycling suitable for all ages and abilities, especially when combined with child trailers or bike seats.

What should I pack for a cycling staycation?

Essentials for a cycling staycation include:

• A secure bike lock
• Helmet
• Water bottles and snacks
• Waterproof storage or panniers
• Comfortable cycling clothing
• Navigation tools or GPS devices
• Basic repair kit and pump

How do I keep my bike safe while on holiday?

Always lock your bike through the frame to a fixed object using a high-quality lock. If possible, store bikes indoors overnight or use secure campsite or hotel bike storage.

What are the best UK destinations for cycling holidays?

Popular UK cycling staycation destinations include:

• The New Forest
• Cornwall
• The Lake District
• North Wales
• The Peak District
• The Scottish Highlands
• Norfolk Broads
• Forest of Dean

These areas offer a mix of family cycle trails, gravel routes, mountain biking and scenic road rides.

Can you take e-bikes on a bike carrier?

Yes - but it’s important to choose a bike carrier designed to support heavier e-bikes safely. Towball-mounted carriers are often the best option for transporting electric bikes.

What’s the best bike for a UK cycling staycation?

The best bike depends on where you plan to ride:

• Gravel bikes are ideal for mixed terrain
• Hybrid bikes suit family rides and cycle paths
• Mountain bikes work well for trail centres and forests
• E-bikes help riders tackle longer distances and hills more comfortably