Planning a family cycling trip in the UK?
You don't need to choose between coast, countryside, woodland and lakes. Different parts of the country offer very different types of family riding, from converted railway trails and forest tracks to coastal routes and traffic-free paths.
To make planning easier, we've brought together five of our regional family cycling guides in one place.
Explore Norfolk, Devon, the Lake District, Northumberland and Cornwall, then follow the links to find individual routes, distances, terrain information and ideas for choosing a ride that suits your family.
How to choose a family cycling destination
The most scenic destination isn't necessarily the best one for your child.
Before choosing where to ride, think about:
- how confident your child is on their bike;
- how much of the route is traffic-free;
- distance and gradient;
- the riding surface;
- whether shorter sections are available;
- places to stop for food, toilets or a break;
- bike-hire availability if you're travelling without bikes; and
- current weather and trail conditions.
For younger riders, a short section of a longer trail can often make a much better family day than trying to complete the whole route.
1. Norfolk: flat landscapes and varied family rides
Norfolk is a strong option for families who prefer relatively gentle terrain.
The county combines disused railway routes, woodland riding, countryside and coastal scenery, giving families plenty of choice without needing to commit to one type of cycling.
Our Norfolk guide includes routes such as Marriott's Way and family riding opportunities around Thetford Forest, alongside several other options where you can choose a distance appropriate for your group.
Norfolk could suit your family if you want:
- flatter terrain;
- converted railway routes;
- woodland trails;
- wildlife and countryside stops; or
- flexible rides where shorter sections are possible.
Explore our family-friendly cycling routes in Norfolk.
2. Devon: coast, estuaries and railway trails
Devon offers one of the widest mixes of family cycling environments in our regional guides.
Depending on where you're staying, you can find estuary routes, former railway lines, canal paths and sections of longer National Cycle Network routes.
The Tarka Trail is one of the county's best-known family cycling options, while routes such as the Exe Estuary Trail, Granite Way and Stover Trail provide very different distances and riding experiences.
Devon could suit your family if you want:
- coastal and estuary scenery;
- longer traffic-free trail options;
- shorter rides for younger children;
- railway and canal paths; or
- a cycling day that can form part of a wider family holiday.
Explore our family-friendly cycling routes in Devon.
3. Lake District: cycling surrounded by big scenery
The Lake District isn't only for challenging mountain biking.
There are also family cycling options including former railway paths, lakeside tracks and forest routes where the difficulty can be chosen to suit the riders.
For example, the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path provides a very different experience from the forest trails at Whinlatter or Grizedale.
That variety is useful for families because you can choose the ride around your child's confidence rather than assuming every Lake District route involves steep mountain terrain.
The Lake District could suit your family if you want:
- mountain and lake scenery;
- traffic-free railway paths;
- forest cycling;
- short rides combined with other outdoor activities; or
- more adventurous options for confident older riders.
Explore our family-friendly cycling routes in the Lake District.
4. Northumberland: forests, history and open countryside
Northumberland combines cycling with some of the UK's most distinctive landscapes.
Family rides can include forest tracks, former railway routes, open countryside and routes close to historic landmarks.
Our guide includes areas such as Kielder and the Waggonway trails, where families can select shorter sections instead of treating every route as an end-to-end challenge.
Northumberland could suit your family if you want:
- quieter countryside;
- forest riding;
- railway paths;
- history as part of the cycling day; or
- space for longer adventures with confident riders.
Explore our family-friendly cycling routes in Northumberland.
5. Cornwall: coastal holidays with cycling built in
Cornwall works particularly well when cycling is one part of a wider family holiday.
There are routes through countryside, woodland and former railway corridors, with beaches, cafés and visitor attractions often providing natural destinations along the way.
The Camel Trail is the best-known example, while routes such as Goss Moor and cycling opportunities in Cornwall's woodland areas provide alternatives for different ages and abilities.
Cornwall could suit your family if you want:
- coastal scenery;
- traffic-free sections;
- holiday-friendly cycling;
- woodland and nature rides; or
- routes with plenty of reasons to stop and explore.
Explore our family-friendly cycling routes in Cornwall.
Which destination is best for younger riders?
There isn't one county that is automatically best for young children.
Instead, look within each destination for a route that offers:
- a traffic-free or appropriately low-traffic environment;
- a manageable distance;
- gentle gradients;
- a predictable riding surface;
- easy places to stop; and
- the option to turn around early.
A four-year-old on their first longer ride needs something very different from a confident ten-year-old who regularly cycles several miles.
Don't choose a route from age alone
The same principle we use for choosing a children's bike applies to choosing a cycling route: ability matters more than age alone.
Think about whether your child can comfortably:
- start and stop independently;
- brake smoothly;
- steer around other path users;
- control their speed downhill;
- ride for the proposed distance; and
- respond appropriately when the surface or environment changes.
If you're unsure, begin with an easy out-and-back ride where you can turn around whenever necessary.
Check bike fit before a family cycling holiday
Children can grow considerably between family trips.
A bike that fitted well last summer may now feel cramped, while buying a bigger bike purely to last longer can make controlling it unnecessarily difficult.
For YOMO bikes, sizing should prioritise inside-leg measurement, current fit and rider confidence, with age used only as a general guide.
Use the YOMO Perfect Size Finder before a longer cycling trip if your child has grown since their bike was last checked.
Give every bike a check before travelling
Before loading the bikes into the car or setting off from your accommodation, check:
- tyre condition and pressure;
- both brakes;
- wheel security;
- the chain and drivetrain;
- gear operation on geared bikes;
- handlebars and saddle;
- lights if they may be required; and
- anything that appears loose or damaged.
If you're hiring bikes at your destination, make sure each child's bike is correctly adjusted for them before beginning the ride.
Take helmets and clothing suited to the route
A child's helmet should fit properly and be selected using head circumference rather than age.
Also think about:
- layers appropriate for the weather;
- a waterproof jacket where conditions may change;
- water and snacks;
- sunscreen during warmer months;
- gloves in colder conditions; and
- clothing that cannot become caught in the bicycle.
You can read our kids' helmet sizing and fit guide or view the YOMO Kids' Helmet range.
Check the individual route before travelling
Routes can change.
Temporary closures, maintenance work, weather damage, seasonal opening arrangements and diversions can all affect a ride.
Before making a special journey, check current information from the organisation responsible for the trail, National Cycle Network route, National Park, Forestry England site or local authority.
It's particularly important not to rely on an old route description when travelling with younger children.
Frequently asked questions about family cycling in the UK
Where is best for a family cycling holiday in the UK?
Norfolk, Devon, the Lake District, Northumberland and Cornwall all offer strong family cycling options, but they provide very different experiences. Choose the region according to the type of riding your family enjoys and then select a specific route that suits your children's current ability.
Where can families find traffic-free cycle routes?
Converted railway trails, forest cycling centres and sections of the National Cycle Network are good places to start looking. Always check the individual route because some trails described as family-friendly still contain road crossings or on-road sections.
What is the best family cycle route for beginners?
Look for a relatively flat, traffic-free route where you can choose a short section and turn around easily. The exact route should depend on your child's balance, braking ability, confidence and comfortable riding distance.
How far should children cycle on a family day out?
There is no universal distance. Terrain, hills, weather, bike fit and riding experience can make the same number of miles feel very different. Start conservatively and make sure your child has enough energy for the return journey.
Can we take children's bikes on a UK cycling holiday?
Yes, provided they can be transported and secured correctly. Alternatively, some destinations have cycle-hire businesses nearby. Check children's bike availability and sizing before relying on hire at the destination.
Five regions, plenty of ways to ride
The best family cycling trip isn't necessarily the longest or most spectacular one.
It's the ride where the route, distance and bike all suit the child who is actually riding.
Norfolk offers gentle countryside and woodland options. Devon combines estuaries, railway trails and coast. The Lake District adds dramatic scenery and forest riding. Northumberland brings open landscapes and history, while Cornwall makes it easy to combine cycling with a wider family holiday.
Use the five regional guides above to narrow down your destination, then choose a specific route based on your child's current confidence and ability.
If you need to check their bike first, use the YOMO Perfect Size Finder or explore the YOMO children's bike range.
