Suffolk Castles, Coast and Country
Self-guided | from £199pp
Discover the best of Suffolk by bike
Starting in the historic maritime town of Ipswich, our Suffolk Castles, Coast and Country self-guided tour takes in the best of the East and central Suffolk.
You will enjoy predominately quiet roads across a flat and picturesque landscapes as you discover the best of Suffolk by bike, with stunning countryside, coastline, historic towns and picturesque villages.
What’s included
- Lunch on Saturday and Sunday
- All cycling refreshments
- Support vehicle
- Snacks and drinks during your ride, including ‘on-road’ top-ups
- Selection of memento photos
OnVenture difference
- Tailored routes, meticulously planned by qualified & experienced cyclists to provide exciting riding with memorable scenery & landmarks along the way
- Support vehicle on hand throughout your ride – Mechanical & medical support to keep you safely in the saddle
- GPX file of your tour routes
- Support and training advice from British Cycling approved and experienced ride leaders & competitive cyclists
Tour Highlights
Based in Ipswich
Start in the historic maritime town of Ipswich with an array of options for dinner.
Suffolk Coast
Explore the Suffolk Coast and quaint seaside villages of Thorpeness and Aldeburgh.
Historic Landmarks
Discover world renowned landmarks, medieval towns, villages and castles.
Designed for Groups
Ideal tour, especially designed for groups looking for an unique weekend adventure.
Tour Itinerary
Our carefully planned tours are run on public roads, so we might need to make changes or arrange detours to avoid an escaped flock of sheep!
The OnVenture team is always happy to accommodate requests to visit specific locations and landmarks along the specified route – just let us know.
Saturday
The day starts by heading north out of Ipswich onto the rolling roads of the Suffolk countryside, as you cruise through prime agricultural country with pretty villages & plenty of farmland landscapes to draw your eye, before you reach the historic market town of Framlingham, with its imposing twelfth century castle and the town is home to one of Suffolk’s most famous sons, Ed Sheeran.
You traverse the country lanes East in search of the north sea and our next port of call, the quaint seaside village of Thorpeness, famed for its wonderful beach, boating lake and “house in the clouds” a former water tower turned into a 5 storey home. After a short sprint along the coast road (no green jersey prizes…maybe an ice cream if you are lucky), you reach Aldeburgh, before heading back inland following the River Alde until you cross the river at Snape and stop for a well-earned lunch break!.
Next you start enjoying the Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. First you take a spin along the tree lined road through Tunstall Forest, before meeting our old friend again, the River Alde, at the picture postcard village of Orford with its quayside & views out to sea beyond the shingle spit, a medieval castle and grade 1 listed church.
Your next big hitter is the riverside market town of Woodbridge, after a nice ride through Rendlesham Forest we reach Melton & Woodbridge and then follow the flow of the River Deben to your final coastal destination, the seaside resort of Felixstowe. You first explore ‘Old’ Felixstowe, the home of the fishing fleet of the town & one of four Martello Towers still standing that were originally built in the 1800’s to defend the town against the potential invasion by Napoleon forces. You then venture into the main town to enjoy the views of the seaside resort, pier, sandy beaches and on a sunny day you may just be lured into the sea to ease those heavy legs before we start your final stretch back to Ipswich following the River Orwell.
Sunday
Sunday morning you head south towards the Suffolk/Essex border to Constable Country, which retains the beauty as captured by John Constable in his famous 19th century paintings. After traversing the River Stour at Manningtree and finding one of only a handful of lumpy sections of Suffolk roads (we will call this our Queen of the Mountains), you continue through some spectacular country lanes into the Dedham Vale with its rolling valley’s on winding, quiet roads as you zip through the ‘picture postcard’ villages within the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Following the Stour Valley path towards Boxford & Edwardstone, which brings slightly undulating terrain but its never long before it flattens out again…It is Suffolk after all!. You then speed our way towards the picture postcard village of Lavenham & Long-Melford, which are well worth slowing to more of a cruise to take in the charming church, medieval cottages as featured in the Harry Potter films and then you head onward to Rattlesden.
You wind Your way back towards Ipswich through country lanes & B-roads, cruising through the pretty town of Needham Market and then you veer onto quieter roads, exploring pretty villages & hamlets. Your final waypoint before home is Claydon, hoping you have got something left in the tank, as you take on a little climb-up out of the village before settling into your rhythm breezing along tree-lined roads and finally turning south to head for home.
Check dates and availability
The team at OnVenture is ready to discuss dates and availability for your group booking.
Please feel free to call, email or complete the below enquiry form, and a member of the team will be in touch.
Call: 01473 355 035 | Email: hello@onventure.co.uk
Welcome to OnVenture
An OnVenture weekend is a must for anyone looking for an active break. Ideal for groups, our weekend breaks explores the stunning countryside and coastline, along with historic towns and picturesque villages of Suffolk, Norfolk and the North Essex.
There is plenty to choose from, from road and off-road cycling to running, hiking, walking, swimming, and triathlon themed adventures. Plus, we also offer specialist coaching camps, so if you are training for that extreme challenge, endurance event or just need a few technique pointers to bring together a great performance, get in touch.
All our tours are tried and tested, ready for your group to book; however, if you are looking for something a little different, we can create your very own tailor-made package aimed to suit your group's requirements.
Fully Guided
Cycle Tours
Discover our tried and tested tours exploring the best of East Anglia.
Bespoke Group
Tours
Tailor-made tours, specially designed to suit your group's requirements.
Coaching and
Training Camps
Coaching packages to help you train with confidence and be more competitive.
Team Building
Adventures
Get together for a fun, adventurous and memorable weekend.
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