The 6 greatest places to go cycling with kids in Kent
Get on your bike.
What better way to get the kids off their screens, out in the fresh air and exploring new places than the thrill of cycling. So, what are you waiting for? Make sure everybody’s tyres are pumped up, shove some snacks in your rucksack, and off you go.
While you’ll need to find a way to transport your bikes, it is well worth venturing out to enjoy some of Kent’s best family-friendly cycle routes.
At Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest, there’s two excellent routes, taking in spectacular scenery of trees and wildflowers. There’s the gentle, 6-mile route around the woods, or if you’re feeling more adventurous (and have slightly older kids to entertain) the 7.5-mile mountain bike trail has plenty of steep runs, rocky sections and exciting twists and turns.
Other worthwhile options include the 13-mile circular route that runs the length of the Royal Military Canal in Hythe, and the Great Stour Way which meanders for three miles between Canterbury and Chartham along the National Cycle Route 18.
Hire up: At Bedgebury, you can hire bikes at Quench Cycles.
Bike from Cathedral to coast (and back again)
From oysters to cloisters, the seven mile stretch of almost traffic-free cycling offered by the Crab and Winkle Way path is Kent cycling at its best. It takes you from Whitstable to Canterbury along National Cycle Route 1, following a good stretch of the now-defunct railway line that has been tarmac-ed to perfection making it ideal for the little ones to get to grips with peddling longer distances.
Yes, there are a few hills (particularly the 200-foot climb to get out of Canterbury) and an undulating middle section. But the effort will be worth it, with fine views over beautiful Whitstable from the highest point of the ride, and plenty of options to grab an ice-cream at either end of the route.
Plan your day: The best place to start is at Whitstable station, close to which you can park on the road for free. The route is sign-posted throughout and a round-trip is 14 miles.
Top tip: If you’re not up to riding back again, you can get the train from Canterbury East, changing at Faversham.
Hire bikes and get out there
There’s plenty of great cycle routes across Kent. But getting yourselves and all your bikes (if, indeed, you have them) to the right location can be a real bike-rack induced headache. So, choose a place that gives you the option to hire bikes instead.
The Bike Shed’s blue Pashley bikes, available from its shop near Margate station, are a great option for exploring the Thanet coast, from Birchington to Botany Bay.
Renting from Kent Cycle Hire is the best way to connect Canterbury to Herne Bay and Whitstable.
The smooth, purpose-built cycle paths of Betteshanger Country Park are perfect, with a fleet of 100 different bikes to hire and try.
At Bewl Water, an off-road track is complemented by fairly flat lakeside paths – and if you run out of steam the water taxi has a bike carrier on board to bring you back to the car park.
Meanwhile, there is some seriously tranquil countryside to breathe in by kicking off your ride from the UK Electric Bike Centre in Biddenden – which, as the name suggests hires leg-saving e-bikes by the hour or day.
Top tip: You can hire helmets at most places, but it’s a good idea to buy your own for safety and comfort.
Ask a local: Don’t be afraid to ask for advice on the best kid friendly routes – and borrow a map.
For more great ideas for spending better time with the kids in Kent, buy a copy of 237 Ideas for Stuff to Do and Places to Go in Kent with Kids.
