Britain’s Most Bike Friendly Hotels
Not all hotels are too enthusiastic about cyclists traipsing through their entrance halls dripping in sweat with a muddy bike in tow. Why, we have no idea but that’s how it seems to be.
Fortunately for all of you looking to get away with your bike this summer to explore some of the best cycle destinations in Britain, we have found ten bike friendly hotels that actually welcome cyclists and will even keep your bike safe for you when you’re not out riding – now we’re talking!
1. Snowgoose Apartments, Fort William, Scotland
Situated near the base of Ben Nevis, Snowgoose Apartments are perfectly located for mountain bikers eager to explore the epic trails the Scottish Highlands have to offer.
Offering easy access to the Great Glen Way, the Great Glen Mountain Bike Route, the West Highland Way and the Nevis Range Mountain Bike trails, you will be spoilt for choice about where to cycle to each day and if you decide to stay for longer, the apartments aren’t far from Glen Nevis, Glencoe, Glenfinnan, Ardnamurchan and the Road to the Isles either.
Snowgoose self-catering Apartments can accommodate up to eight people and all guests have access to the drying rooms, laundry rooms, bike hire and mountain bike store. The apartments are on the banks of the Caledonian Canal and tidal waves of Loch Linnhe, so non-biking holiday companions can have a go at canoeing and kayaking as well as hiking, skiing and climbing whilst you’re out cycling.
Snowgoose Mountain Centre, Station Road, Fort William, Inverness-shire, Scotland
2. The Old Rectory Country Hotel and Golf Club, Brecon Beacons, Wales
This homely, countryside hotel in Brecon Beacons National Park is an idyllic spot for a short break away to enjoy some peace and quiet and beautiful scenery. The Old Rectory Country Hotel and Golf Club is more upmarket B&B than fancy hotel but it makes for the perfect base for a cycling holiday.
The onsite bike hire means that you don’t have to lug your own bike there if you would prefer not to and the cosy old fireplaces and wholesome heartily-portioned meals make for the perfect post-ride recovery and warm-up. Spend a few days cycling the trails of Llangattock and Crickhowell or get the clued up staff to point you in the right direction of their favourite Brecon Beacons trail.
3. Widmouth Farm Cottages, Devon
Overlooking the picturesque Watermouth Cove, Widmouth Farm Cottages are located along the North Devon coastline close to Exmoor. Boasting 35 ares of private gardens, woodland and even its own beach, you may not want to ever leave the grounds; but if you do manage to tear yourself away there are fantastic cycle routes around the coastline and through Exmoor National Park to enjoy.
If you have a car with you (or fancy a long distance ride) head to Haldon Forest to practice your mountain biking skills or check out the trails in Dartmoor National Park.
The cottages are situated along the Gateway to Exmoor, another great cycle route to explore and if you have kids in tow, there are daily feedings at the farm of the sheep, goats, alpacas, pigs, turkeys, geese, chickens, ducks, rabbits and guinea pigs making for the perfect family holiday.
4. Pomona Bed & Breakfast, Cumbria
Nestled in the beautiful Crake valley in the Lake District, Pomona Bed & Breakfast welcomes cyclists and walkers alike and provides free bike storage and drying facilities. Situated near Coniston Water, the 17th century oak-beamed cottage comes complete with many original features and log fires and is just a short walk from a couple of traditional country pubs serving great food and a selection of beverages.
As well as serving up freshly cooked hearty breakfasts each morning, Pomona is also happy to provide you with packed lunches to keep you going during your day’s cycling. In easy accessibility of the central, southern and western fells, cycling and mountain biking options are endless from Pomona B&B.
5. Bunk & Breakfast, Yorkshire Dales National Park
Simple accommodation, yet absolutely ideal for cyclists and mountain bikers eager to get out exploring the Yorkshire Dales National Parks mind-blowing trails, Bunk & Breakfast offers private rooms for two to four people in the heart of all the action.
Designed with cyclists in mind, Bunk & Breakfast welcome sweaty people and muddy bikes to make full use of their great bike wash, secure storage, drying rooms and laundry (and showers too, of course). Each day you will be served up a well-balanced and filling breakfast and there are always freshly baked cakes around for when you get peckish.
In the evenings take a stroll to one of Reeth or Grinton’s country pubs to relax after a hard day cycling. Perfect.
Bunk & Breakfast, Dales Bike Centre, Fremington, Richmond, North Yorkshire
6. Rutland Arms Hotel, Bakewell, Peak District National Park
Stay in the hotel that claims to be the birthplace of the infamous Bakewell Pudding, the grand Rutland Arms Hotel on the outskirts of the beautiful Chatsworth Estate.
An ideal base for cyclists completing the Tour of Bakewell, Chatsworth Circuit, Monsal and High Peak MTB Circuit or the Monsal Trail routes; the Rutland Arms Hotel lies in the middle of Matlock and Buxton offering guests unbeatable access to a huge number of short and long distance cycle routes.
Elegant in design, the hotel boasts a fine-dining restaurant serving up mouth-watering dishes such as pan-fried wood pigeon breast and grapefruit salad with crayfish. But there is also a more pub-grub style restaurant with a menu bursting with dishes like bangers and mash and beer battered cod and chips too, so whether you fancy something a little special to commemorate a particularly great day’s riding or just want a tasty and fast fill, the Rutland Arms Hotel can accommodate you.
7. The Courthouse Bed and Breakfast, Snowdonia, North Wales
Just a five minute walk from Snowdonia National Park Visitor Centre, The Courthouse Bed and Breakfast is perfectly located in the adventure capital of Wales: Betws-y-Coed. Set alongside the pretty River Conwy, the B&B offers fabulous views and hundreds of kilometres of incredible mountain bike trails.
Make the most of the packed lunches, homemade soups and free flask filling service at The Courthouse before you set off in the morning and you’ll be good to keep pedalling straight through to dinner time. Back at the B&B you can store your bike and if you’ve been unfortunate enough to get caught out in the rain, there’s a drying room you can make use of too.
The Courthouse Bed and Breakfast, Betws-y-Coed, Snowdonia, North Wales
8. Culdearn House, Caingorms National Park, Scotland
Cairngorms National Park is an extremely inviting destination for cyclists and mountain bikers alike as the area is criss-crossed by numerous National Cycle Network routes and boasts 64km of off-road trails.
Culdearn House on the edge of a woodland provides guests with a brilliant base for exploring these trails and is also just a short drive (or slightly longer cycle) to the Glenlivet Mountain Bike Trail Centre too. You can walk into the centre of Grantown on Spey in the evenings to try out the local restaurants and bars or get comfy at the luxury hotel as you attempt to work your way through the sixty different malts on offer and the award-winning wine list.
Culdearn House, Woodlands Terrace, Grantown on Spey, Caingorms National Park, Scotland
9. Penny Farthing Hotel, Lyndhurst, New Forest National Park
Situated in the ‘capital’ of the New Forest National Park, Lyndhurst, the Penny Farthing Hotel is ideally located for those looking to get out on the network of over 100 miles of off-road cycle routes that the forest has to offer and is the definition of a bike friendly hotel. Just off of the main high street, guests can choose to stay in one of the homely en-suite rooms or in a self-catering cottage. Whichever you choose the hotel provides a cycle store facility allowing you to lock up your bikes as you relax in the picturesque setting in between rides.
10. Dalby Forest Log Cabins, North Yorkshire
For the most peaceful, tranquil stay in Dalby Forest why not stay in a high quality, self-catering log cabin? Dalby Forest Log Cabins provide guests with unparalleled views across the forest and surrounding countryside and are situated at the start of many blue, red and black cycling trails too.
Dalby Forest boasts 70km of off-road cycle routes and has a route suitable for everyone from toddlers to highly experienced mountain bikers. Pedal on through the forest or cycle the disused coastal railway line from Scarborough to Whitby, or challenge yourself to completing the beautiful Dalby Forest Loop. Hardened mountain bikers can test their skills at Dixon’s Hollow Bike Park and there are several centres offering bike hire if you don’t wish to bring your own.
Dalby Forest Log Cabins, Low Dalby, Pickering, North Yorkshire
For more ideas of where to ride in the UK, check these out: