Tunbridge Wells is more than just a charming towns & villages; it’s a hidden gem for family-friendly cycling adventures! So grab your helmets, crank up the pedal power, and prepare to explore the picturesque landscapes and hidden gems around Tunbridge Wells with your little explorers.
5 Traffic-Free Family Friendly Cycle Trails in Kent (& East Sussex)
- Forest Way (via Spa Valley Railway):Â Take a scenic train ride from Royal Tunbridge Wells to Groombridge and escape the hustle and bustle on the Forest Way, a 10-mile (16km) traffic-free trail for cyclists, walkers, and even horses! Winding through charming fields and woodlands, this flat path unveils the beauty of East Sussex, part of the stunning High Weald AONB. Keep your eyes peeled for dragonflies, deer, and maybe even Pooh Bear’s footprints in Hartfield village! Picnic benches dot the route, making it perfect for families and leisurely adventurers.
- Tudor Cycle Trail: Journey through history on this 6-mile route from Tonbridge to Penshurst Place. Pack a picnic and imagine knights and jousting tournaments! eave through Tonbridge’s playing fields, embrace the birdlife-rich shores of Barden Lake, and delve into a lush woodland kingdom brimming with seasonal beauty. Tackle the route’s gentle climb after crossing the Medway, be rewarded with panoramic countryside views, and enjoy a refreshing descent past secluded lakes before reaching your destination: Penshurst Place. This architectural gem, England’s finest example of 14th-century domestic splendor, awaits your exploration.
- Bewl Water: Take the family on a cycling adventure to Bewl Water, the largest stretch of open water in the South East. With a dedicated cycling trail around the reservoir (21 km total), this destination offers a variety of terrains suitable for different skill levels. Enjoy the invigorating breeze as you cycle alongside the sparkling waters, creating lasting memories against the backdrop of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Make sure to make a pit stop at Bewl Water Beach café and adventure play area.
- Bedgebury Pinetum & Forest: Explore this sprawling forest with dedicated family cycling trails and a Go Ape Tree Top Adventure for the adventurous bunch. Pack a picnic and make a day of it!
- The Cuckoo Trail: This 14-mile surfaced path is a family favourite. Winding through the Sussex countryside, it offers breath-taking views, gentle gradients, and wildlife encounters. The Cuckoo Trail is part of the National Cycle Network – route 21. Pack a picnic and make a day of it!
Bike Rental Top Tip: Both Bewl Water and Bedgebury have bike hire facilities for the entire family. Check the details before travelling to avoid disappointment.
Wheelie Fun: Parks & playgrounds on two wheels.
- Calverley Grounds: Located in the heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells, this park offers a picturesque pond, a brand-new adventure playground, and plenty of space for little legs to roam on their toddler bikes.
- Dunorlan Park: Enjoy pedalos on the lake (in Spring & Summer), explore the play area, or have a picnic on the lush lawns.
- Grosvenor & Hilbert Park:Â Let little explorers zoom around smooth loops and enjoy the challenging play area.
Fuel your adventure.
Cycle through the idyllic countryside around Royal Tunbridge Wells and choose your perfect pitstop to refuel happy riders. Charming cafes lining the colonnades offer a delightful reward for little explorers with refreshing cream tea or ice cream. Alternatively, pack a picnic basket brimming with local treats from farm shops and enjoy an al fresco feast amidst the picturesque scenery. Conclude your cycling adventure with a well-deserved lunch or dinner at a family-friendly pub, where delicious food and a kids’ menu will leave everyone happy.
Tunbridge Wells promises a memorable cycling adventure for every family. So, pack your bikes, lace up your shoes, and get ready to explore the beauty of Kent on two wheels!
