Cycling the South Coast

There’s truth in the belief that landscapes look different by bicycle. Just as we appreciate undiscovered aspects of a place while walking, adopting “pedal power” allows us to simultaneously slow down and cover greater ground than we could on foot.

So, if you’re staying with us on the south coast, setting out to explore by bike can be a wonderfully scenic way to spend a day. And with many of our properties based in peaceful rural areas, a network of cycle routes is likely to begin just outside your door.

Britain's south coast, with its cliffs, beaches, and seaside towns, offers miles of natural splendour. Imbued with heritage, it’s an exquisite destination to discover at your leisure. Here, there are hundreds of possible cycle routes, making the best of the local landscape.

If you’re staying near West Wittering, pick up the Salterns Way towards Birdham and Chichester Yacht Club. In Brighton, the Undercliff Walk begins just below our property Amira before following a car-free course to Saltdean. And, from Selsey, you can tour the quiet lanes of the Manhood Peninsula by bike.

The vast South Downs encompasses a 100-mile trail, which meanders across the entire length of the National Park. If you’re mountain biking, the National Trail guide includes a useful route calculator, with distances between points such as landmarks and villages.

Or, for something more modest, try a cycle ride around Amberley or Bignor Hill, where options range from one to two hours, crossing attractive green spaces and ancient woodland. 

If you’re staying in the city, the Itchenor Bosham circular route is a pleasant morning’s ride, taking in pretty villages and waterside views. Mostly flat – and covering just 14 miles or 23 kilometres – it takes around two hours, not including those important coffee breaks and ice cream pauses. Chichester District Council has created a handy map to guide your way.

Alternatively, you could follow the Centurion Way, passing from Chichester to West Dean. At a gentle 5.5 miles, this makes a nice evening or pre-lunch outing, with the option to dismount in East Lavant or West Dean for some sightseeing.

Cycling with younger children? If little legs can’t stretch as far, there are good options for shorter rides that everyone can enjoy. In East Sussex, the Cuckoo Trail is a popular family friendly route, with the potential to spot wildlife such as green woodpeckers (so do bring along your binoculars). And, at Seven Sisters Country Park, families can follow a flat concrete track, which leads from the park onto the beach.

For older and more confident children, the off-road route from Kingley Vale to Ashling Park Vineyard is a good half-day adventure, accompanied by fantastic views from the nature reserve and the Trundle.

We’re always in favour of infusing any activity with a touch of luxury. Choose a scenic route, coupled with an e-bike, to create a more leisurely pace.

Refreshments also have their role to play. Pack a beautifully curated picnic with fresh local produce and chilled sparkling wine, ideally tucked into a wicker hamper – or some more practical pannier bags. Cowdray Farm Shop and The Hungry Guest are both ideal destinations for artisan treats, while the Wiston Estate is our go-to vineyard for English wine.

And of course, planning a route that ends at a charming country pub or coastal café adds the perfect finishing touch to a day of shared adventure.

If you’re keen cyclists, you might choose to bring your own bikes – but if you’d rather pack light, it’s easy to organise hire while you’re here.

We partner with Southern eBike Rentals and eBike Escapes to provide special offers and discounts exclusively for our guests (you’ll find details, and other benefits, over on our Partners page). Both can drop off and collect from your bolthole, with options for mountain and road bikes, depending on what you’re likely to do.

Select your perfect cycling base from our collection of Luxury Boltholes on the south coast – and start planning your next laid-back escape.