The whole family might be well and truly ready for the much-needed half term break but what are you going to do with them?! Jumping on your bikes is a great way of keeping everyone occupied and suitably worn out by the end of the day. We’ve come up with some of the best ways to enjoy the half term on two wheels.
Escape the city chaos without having to leave
Just because you live in a town or a city doesn’t mean you’re short of cycling treats. Canal towpaths and river paths can offer a whole new view of the city. Birmingham and London are perfect for using the water as your guide and you can enjoy some hassle-free time cycling along the canals away from the usual hubbub. Look out for pop-up cafes and wildlife along the way, not to mention the sights of the bohemian narrowboat community.
Need to upgrade your bikes for the trip? Check out our extensive cycling range for everything to keep you on the move.
Cycle for charity
Cycling for charity is a really rewarding experience and lots of fun if you get the whole family involved. See if there are any events being run in your local area and if not, why not create your own? If you are joining a bigger event, you’ll want to make sure everyone can be seen. Kit out the family in our hi-vis gear from our cycling clothing range.
City to city rides
A busy dual carriageway or hectic motorway aren’t necessarily your only route in order to travel between cities. Cyclists can enjoy a 13-mile traffic free stretch between Bristol Temple Meads station and Bath. And, there’s lots to see along the way including the disused Mangostfield station and intriguing archaeological sites to explore. If you pick a day when the Avon Valley railway is running, you’ll even get to watch the steam engines.
Don’t forget to have your bike pumps and puncture kit to hand if you’re out for the day.
Brush up on your cycle skills
Half term is a good time to enrol the family on a bike skills course to help build confidence and improve technique. Search your area for courses that offer training in everything from basic riding skills, to mastering the off-road, through to handling busier and more complex roads. Preparation and safety is key so make sure your little ones have the right equipment, especially on their heads. Find them the right helmet from our kids helmet range.
Go on a wildlife-spotting ride
Regardless of where you live, you’re never far from wildlife. You just need to keep an eye out for it. Get the family out in to your local park, woods or nature site and you’ll be amazed at what you can spot from cows and birds to hedgehogs and insects.
Carry everything you need for the day using one of the many options available from our handy cycling accessories range.
Railway track adventures
Of course, we’re talking about disused ones, not working lines! If you’re up for an adventure, jump in the car and head to the Peak District. The Monsal and Tissington trails are fantastic for family cycle trips as they are both on disused railway tracks. Monsal follows a valley through tunnels and viaducts while Tissington offers super views across the Peak District. You can bring your own bikes or hire when you get there and there are plenty of refreshment stops along the way. Stray a little off the track and you’ll find a pub for a nice lunch. Check out our bike racks and pack everything you need in one of our roof boxes.
Rendezvous with other families
If you’ve got some cycling chums, getting the two families together on bikes for the day can be lots of fun. Pick a destination to aim for – perhaps you could even organise a treasure hunt for the kids along the way. It’s a great way to get together and keep everyone entertained.
Cycle and sail
Head down to the New Forest and you can enjoy a mostly traffic-free experience in the wilderness of the national park. There’s lots of pretty little villages to pass through not to mention wild ponies to spot. If you make it to Yarmouth, you can jump on the ferry for a day trip to the Isle of Wight.
Use the outdoors as your playground
There are some fantastic outdoor sculpture parks, gyms and playgrounds all over the UK that welcome clambering children on a day out. A ride from Morecambe to Scalestones Point in Lancashire takes you past Happy Mount Park which has an adventure playground as well as a Splashpark on Summer days. There’s an outdoor sculpture trail on the prom and you’ll have the opportunity to soak up a spectacular view on the way back across Morecambe Bay to the Lake District fells.
Whatever you get up to, enjoy a fun half term and don’t forget to book in your car for a health check if you’re going any distance. Your four wheels need looking after as well as your two!