Norfolk is a county made for gentle cycling, with wide skies, flat landscapes, sandy beaches, and peaceful country lanes. With its mix of traffic-free paths, coastal trails, and countryside rides, it’s ideal for families looking for safe, scenic adventures on two wheels.
Each route below includes distance, terrain, bike hire, and “best for” details, followed by a description of what makes it special and why kids will love it.
Coast & Estuaries
Marriott’s Way (Norwich – Aylsham)
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Distance: 26 miles / 42 km (choose shorter sections)
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Terrain: Disused railway line, flat and mostly traffic-free
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Bike Hire: Available in Norwich and Aylsham
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Best for: Wildlife spotting, flexible family days out
Marriott’s Way is Norfolk’s best-known traffic-free cycling route, following two disused railway lines through woodland, meadows, and farmland. Families can choose shorter sections to suit younger riders, and the smooth paths make it suitable for bikes, trailers, and tag-alongs. Along the way you’ll find sculptures, picnic spots, and information boards that bring the route’s railway heritage to life. Kids enjoy spotting bridges, old platforms, and the frequent birds and butterflies along the trail. With plenty of entry points and facilities in the towns at either end, it’s a route you can enjoy again and again.
The Norfolk Coast Cycleway (Hunstanton – Cromer)
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Distance: ~59 miles / 95 km (family-friendly sections can be picked)
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Terrain: Mix of quiet country lanes and coastal paths
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Bike Hire: Available in Hunstanton and Cromer
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Best for: Seaside rides, older kids comfortable on lanes
Running parallel to the Norfolk Coast Path, this long-distance cycleway passes through some of Norfolk’s most beautiful seaside villages. Families don’t need to ride it all and can instead take in short stretches between towns like Wells-next-the-Sea, Blakeney, and Sheringham offer wonderful seaside scenery and plenty of stopping points. Kids will love the chance to combine riding with beach time, seal spotting, and ice creams by the sea. The route uses mainly quiet country lanes, so it’s best for families with older children who are confident on the road. The combination of coastal air and picturesque villages makes it a memorable ride.
Bure Valley Path (Aylsham – Wroxham)
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Distance: 9 miles / 14 km each way
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Terrain: Flat, off-road path following the heritage railway line
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Bike Hire: Available in Aylsham and Wroxham
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Best for: Train fans, relaxed out-and-back
This flat route runs alongside the Bure Valley Railway, making it a delight for kids who can cycle while spotting the steam trains that puff past. The path is well-surfaced and car-free, weaving through meadows, fields, and small villages. Families can start at either Aylsham or Wroxham, both of which have plenty of facilities. The chance to combine cycling with a ride on the steam train back is a highlight for children. With frequent benches and picnic spots, it’s easy to make this a leisurely day out.
Countryside & Broads
Weavers’ Way (Great Yarmouth – North Walsham)
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Distance: 61 miles total; pick shorter traffic-free sections near the Broads
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Terrain: Mix of off-road trails, old railway lines, and country paths
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Bike Hire: Available in Great Yarmouth and North Walsham
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Best for: Exploring the Broads, flexible family sections
Weavers’ Way is a long-distance path that connects the Norfolk Broads to the coast, with sections perfect for family cycling. Parts of the route use disused railway lines, providing flat, safe riding through open countryside and reedbeds alive with birdlife. Families can pick manageable stretches, enjoying the wildlife and waterways that make the Broads unique. With easy access from several villages, it’s a versatile option for family days out. Kids will especially enjoy the mix of countryside views and the chance to spot boats on the rivers.
Blickling Estate Loop (National Trust)
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Distance: 4–7 miles depending on loop
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Terrain: Parkland tracks and estate paths
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Bike Hire: Available on-site (seasonal)
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Best for: Short rides, history and nature lovers
The Blickling Estate offers a safe, contained place to ride with a choice of marked cycling trails around the grounds. Families can choose shorter loops suitable for younger children or link them together for a longer outing. The mix of woodland, farmland, and parkland provides variety, and the historic house and gardens make for an impressive backdrop. Facilities are excellent, with parking, toilets, and cafés all on-site. This is a perfect introduction to cycling in Norfolk for families with small children.
Forest & Heath
Thetford Forest Trails
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Distance: 2–10 miles depending on trail
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Terrain: Forest tracks and waymarked family trails
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Bike Hire: On-site at High Lodge
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Best for: Woodland exploration, mixed abilities
Thetford Forest is the largest lowland pine forest in the UK, offering miles of waymarked cycling trails. Families can pick from short, easy loops designed specifically for children, or longer trails for more confident riders. The forest setting feels adventurous but safe, with plenty of clear signage and facilities at the visitor centre. Kids will enjoy the sense of exploration, spotting wildlife, and riding under the tall trees. With hire and facilities on-site, it’s one of Norfolk’s easiest and most enjoyable family cycling destinations.
Ready to Ride?
Norfolk’s flat landscapes, big skies, and mix of coast, countryside, and forest make it an unbeatable choice for family cycling. Whether you’re pedalling beside a steam railway, exploring the Broads, or cruising along the coast, there’s something here for all ages and abilities.