Following the recent success of Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish in the Tour de France and the news that Le Tour will start in Yorkshire in 2014, cycling holidays are all the rage. From super-fit, competitive road cyclists to families with tow bars and trailers, the UK is a dream playground for those exploring on two wheels.

As a keen cyclist, here is my pick of the best cycling routes in the UK, whatever type of cycling holiday you’re planning!

Ride the Solar System in York

…perfect for families…

The six mile, traffic-free and virtually flat route between York and Selby is a fantastic ride for families.  There’s no need for a map as the route is well sign-posted so you can just enjoy the beautiful countryside which stretches the entire length of this former railway track.  The scale model of the solar system is what really makes this route great for little legs; start at the sun which is eight feet in diameter and suspended above the track.  You’ll find plenty of information at every planet as well as numerous places to stop for a picnic so you can really make a day of it.  You’ll also find a wealth of great family activities in York like the free Railway Museum and the Jorvik Viking Centre.  Why not take a look at our holiday cottages in Yorkshire for inspiration for your next family holiday?

Bedgebury Forest, Kent

…ideal for mountain bikers…

So the south of England may not be known as particularly challenging territory but prepare to be surprised in Kent where Bedgebury Forest offers something for mountain bikers of all abilities.  The 2000 acre forest not far from Tunbridge Wells offers 10km of family friendly paths, adapted bikes for disabled cyclists and bike showers for those particularly muddy days!  The real excitement is the 12km single track path which after a gentle ascent promises twisting, speedy descents interspersed with sharp climbs and challenging jumps.  There’s also a separate free ride area with a great selection of dirt jumps and table tops which are satisfyingly tough!  If this has got your adrenaline flowing, click here for our full range of south coast holiday cottages.

Tweed and Ettrick Valleys, Scottish Borders

…one for road cyclists…

The Scottish Borders provide enviable road cycling opportunities for those looking to emulate their Team Sky heroes.  From 200 mile routes requiring you to cycle around the clock to shorter but equally tricky routes, the mystically beautiful Borders has it all.  For a route which is easily achievable while you’re on holiday, try the 42 mile circular ride through the Tweed and Ettrick Valleys.  The route begins between Selkirk and Galashiels and takes in Innerleithen on the return of what is a challenging but visually stunning loop.  Fortunately, there are plenty of places to stop off for a breather en route as well as the impressive Bowhill House and Country Estate.

Find a cottage

Two wheels are one of the best ways to discover the UK’s gorgeous countryside as well as a great way to get the whole family in the great outdoors.  Finding a cottage for a cycling holiday is easy with Sykes as almost half of our holiday cottages are located in excellent cycling destinations the length and breadth of the country.  Many of our cottages also offer secure bike storage so after a hard day in the saddle, you can rest easy knowing that your two wheels are safe.  You could even choose a cottage with a hot tub, what better way to soothe aching muscles at the end of the day!

With Easter falling early this year, the race is on to find ways of keeping the children entertained during the holidays. Whether you’re making the most of the holidays and enjoying a few days away somewhere new or simply planning a series of day trips, our guide to great value days out is not to be missed…

Egg rolling in Lancashire

Egg rolling has been taking place on Easter Monday for centuries in the UK with participants racing to be the first to smash their hardboiled egg by rolling it down a hill.  The tradition is said to resemble the stone being rolled away from the tomb of Christ on Easter Sunday which is why the game is popular over the Easter weekend.  Egg rolling is particularly popular in the North West with a free annual event taking place in Preston.  There’s also live music, a bonnet competition and Easter trails around Avenham and Miller parks.  If you’re enjoying a cottage holiday on the south coast, why not head to the egg rolling event in Brighton?  Take a hand decorated egg to the event at Devil’s Dyke and the winner is the person whose egg reaches the furthest down the Dyke.  Of course, this is also a great game if you’re spending Easter at home.  All you’ll need is some hard boiled eggs, paint, a patch of grass and a healthy dose of imagination.  Take inspiration from this cracking guide to egg decorating!

Chocolate heaven

Easter is these days synonymous with chocolate so why not visit the home of chocolate in the UK, Cadbury World in Birmingham?  As well as discovering how chocolate is made and the origins of Cadbury, there is an Easter Trail and Bonnet Competition over the weekend with prizes up for grabs.  You can also look forward to family entertainment throughout the school holidays meaning you can enjoy a great value day out in chocolate heaven.  You can save 5% by booking your tickets online or take advantage of their ‘Purple Thursdays’ offer which gives you two for one entry on certain Thursdays throughout the year.  It’s also the perfect excuse to stock up on chocolaty treats, it is Easter after all!

Go on an egg hunt

It wouldn’t be Easter without an egg hunt and you’ll find plenty of family friendly trails across the country during the Easter holidays.  There are more than 250 hunts at National Trust properties throughout the country with lots of Easter-themed events to keep children of all ages entertained.  My personal choice for an Easter trail would be The Peter Rabbit Egg Hunt at The World of Beatrix Potter in the Lake District.  The hunt, which starts on 4^th April, is raising money for WaterAid with a minimum £2 donation required to take part.  There are fantastic prizes to be won from UK holidays to family days out!  To tie in with the watery theme, each of the fifty eggs will be hidden a safe distance from water.  It’s a fantastic way to get the whole family out into the Great British countryside during your holiday in the Lake District and raise money for charity.

Whatever you have planned for the Easter holidays, we hope you have a wonderful time with friends and family.  If you’ve been inspired to book a last minute cottage break, why not give our holiday cottage advisors a call today?