Cycle tour in Merry old England

Day 1: Individual arrival to Ipswich

As the oldest Anglo-Saxon town in England and a former settlement of the Hanseatic League, Ipswich welcomes you with its charm. The town boasts thirteen medieval churches and many historic buildings. For example, Christchurch Mansion, the unique Tudor manor house is more than 500 years old and has been turned into a museum. A visit to the harbour is particularly worthwhile during the evening where the lights slowly switch on in its bars and cozy restaurants.

Day 2: Ipswich - Needham Market - Halesworth, approx. 60 km + train ride

In the morning, a train will take you to Needham Market. Here you will receive your  rental bikes and travel documents. Follow the little lanes to Debenham, a pretty, historic village with its overhanging half-timbered houses, antique stores and impressive church. Continue on to Saxtead Green and  visit its lovingly restored 18th century post mill. Discover the quintessentially English town of Framlingham with its lively market square bursting with small stores in front of its mighty 12th century castle. Take a break and soak up the atmosphere. Simply enjoy the views of the town and the rolling Suffolk countryside. Shady paths and open, slightly hilly country trails lead you past cottages and several medieval churches to the market town of Halesworth.

Day 3: Excursion to Southwold, approx. 40 km

Halesworth is a sight to behold with its many historic building and quaint stores. Its medieval St. Mary's Church is also worth a visit before you set off on todays excursion. The circular tour leads you towards the coast to discover more of Suffolk's historical treasures. Cycle past Holton Post Mill and to reach Wangford. The small village showcases a variety of historic cottages, traditional houses and an impressive inn. Continue on towards the Suffolk Heritage Coast, Sole Bay to the seaside town of Southwold. Here you'll find extensive parks lined with elegant houses. At the pier you'll find the lighthouse and an excellent local brewery.
From here you'll have to cross the bridge or take the local ferry across the River Blyth to historic Walberswick. Continue along the estuary to picturesque Wenhaston before returning to Halesworth.

Day 4: Halesworth - Felixstowe, approx. 50 km

Follow the coastline to Dunwich. The former medieval capital of East Anglia has now mostly disappeared into the sea. It is still a sight to behold. Continue on your way to wisit the ruins of Greyfriars Abbey on the cliffs. Your cycling path lead you through the heathlands home to the famous Minsmere bird sanctuary. Continue through Eastbridge, past the ruins of Leiston Abbey to the winding watercourses of the River Alde. In Snape Maltings you will find the Aldeburgh Festival concert hall as well as small galleries and stores - a perfect spot for a break. Then cross the River Deben with its small ferry. You should arrive by 5 p.m. at the latest, otherwise you may have to take quiet an extensive detour. So finally you've made it to the Victorian seaside resort Felixstowe- it is time to relax on the terrace of your hotel.

Day 5: Felixstowe - Stoke-by-Nayland, approx. 50 km

Leave the seaside resort of Felixstowe to cross the rivers Orwell and Stour. Then follow the Riverbank into the heart of Constable Country. The gently undulating landscape of the Stour Valley and the Dedham Vale, used to be a favorite motif of the famous 18th century painter John Constable. You will pass his birthplace East Bergholt, the floodplains of the River Stour and Flatford Mill. The surrounding villages, large and small, impress with stately churches, pretty half-timbered houses and old inns that bearing witness to their medieval standing in the wool trade. Today's destination Stoke-by-Nayland itself is a prime example.

Day 6: Stoke-by-Nayland - Long Melford, approx. 40 km

Today you will continue to cycle through gentle, undulating landscapes marked by the wool trade. Leaving Stoke-by-Nayland take a break to explore the village of Hadleigh. It features a striking Tudor Tower, a medieval church, half-timbered houses decorated with colorful stucco. Continue on to Kersey and Chelsworth which have been named the most beautiful villages in England. You will pass historic farmstead to reach Long Melford. The town is characterized by several large manor houses, sprawling green spaces and a long, lively high street full of stores, antiquarian bookshops and pubs.

Day 7: Long Melford - Bury St Edmunds, approx. 40 km

Start the day in the medieval labyrinth of alleyways in Lavenham, the most famous of all "Wool Towns". The route continues
through rolling hills to idyllic Hartest and on to the unusual oval country estate of Ickworth House. Now you are just a few miles away from the old market town of Bury St Edmunds. Bury is full of history, narrow streets and typical Suffolk charm. Pass through the mighty stone gateway to reach the ruins of its abbey, surrounded by beautiful gardens down to the River Lark. Visit the cathedral, its lively market and the smallest pub of the UK- The Nutshell. 

Day 8: Individual departure

After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to your cycle tour in Merry old England. We are happy to extend your stay with an extra night.

Minimum number of participants: 2 people

Not included:

• Train journey Ipswich - Needham Market, approx. 7 euros per person
• Ferry ride on day 3,4 and 5

Applies for accommodation in rooms with 2 full-paying guests.

Additional nights in other locations are possible on request. Please feel free to contact us.

Rental bike types

• 21-speed unisex / men's bike, derailleur gears with freewheel
• Electric bike / pedelec, derailleur gears with freewheel

Fittings

Pannier bag, bicycle lock, air pump, puncture repair kit (1 x per booking)