Cycling In and Around Leiston

Explore Suffolk’s secret coast & countryside by bike

With a network of mainly flat little lanes and off-road heathland paths, and a dedicated 2 mile cycle way between Leiston town and its beach at Sizewell, cycling in and around Leiston is ideal, easy and a great way to enjoy time out in the great outdoors.

Leiston Abbey Cyclists Suffolk image from Cycle Breaks

Pedal a little and discover a lot

There’s simply so much to see near Leiston-cum-Sizewell.

All within a 5 mile radius, you’ll find:

  • abbey and airfield remains
  • cliff side rides
  • colourful heaths
  • historic railway track bed paths
  • amazing RSPB Minsmere
  • Wild Aldhurst and other nature reserves
  • beautiful beaches
  • the fairytale resort of Thorpeness .
Suffolk coast and heaths near Leiston - image from Cycle Breaks

Simply beautiful cycling country 

In the Suffolk Coast and Heaths, it’s the scenery not the cycle ride which will take your breath away.

This part of Suffolk is not one for hills, just low-lying landscapes with the occasional gentle incline – ideal cycling country for all ages and abilities.

Close to the quieter stretches of the Suffolk Heritage Coast, it is perfect for gentle cycling adventures and short breaks that are gorse yellow, heather purple and green, pleasant, family-friendly and good for you.

Coast & Heaths
Old Postcard of cyclists in Leiston Post Office Square outside Garrett works Suffolk

Why is Leiston wheel-y good for cycling?

There’s something rather special about cycling to or from a town which owes so much to the wheels of past industry – and finds itself home to one of the most comprehensive specialist motorbike collections in the world!

And what could be more appropriate than pedaling out from, or heading to. a town that’s playing a massive role in our green agenda towards net zero?

Leiston is close to national/regional cycle routes, plus the Suffolk Coast Path and Sandlings Walk. Easily accessible from local train stations, arriving in the area by public transport with your bike is also an option.

Getting About
Sizewell Tea Hut cafe at Sizewell Beach near Leiston Suffolk

Relax, refresh & refuel

Pop a picnic in the panniers and you’re sure to find the perfect spot. But don’t forget to include a refuelling and refreshment stop or two at the cafés, pubs, caravan parks and restaurants in the communities along the way.

From the wonderfully friendly Aldringham tearooms to Sizewell’s must-visit Tea Hut, the Thorpeness Emporium’s Meare-view terraces or that old Eastbridge smugglers’ haunt, The Eels Foot, you’re sure to find the perfect spot.

Whether it’s a coffee or cuppa and a cake, a refreshing pint or pitcher of cordial or an ice-cream, enjoy guilt-free – you’ve deserved it!

quiet lane sign Suffolk

Look out for Quiet Lanes 

You’ll find a growing number of cyclist- friendly ‘Quiet Lanes’ in Suffolk, including near Leiston around the villages of Eastbridge and Theberton.

These are single track rural roads, displaying a nationally recognized advisory sign which encourages motorists and motorized road users to be considerate to cyclists, walkers, joggers, horse-riders and other road users.

The signs display a priority hierarchy, so the ‘Quiet Lanes’ and their natural surroundings can be enjoyed by all .

Find out more

Leiston bike repairs & cycle hire on the Suffolk Coast

Planning a cycle ride, but think your bike needs a spot of TLC? Setting out for a spin, but find your bike or e-bike’s got a little niggle?

You’ll soon discover that Leiston-cum-Sizewell is the sort of friendly community where help is at hand, and if you’re looking to hire a bike or e-bike for a leisurely adventure, you’ll soon find yourself pointed in the right direction!

The perfect way to experience Leiston’s countryside & coast

Why not follow part of the waymarked Suffolk Coastal Cycle Route? The long distance ride (88 miles) weaves its way around mainly the Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty between Dunwich just north of Leiston and Felixstowe in the south.

For short or circular rides, check out other themed routes near Leiston – simply download below (for use alongside relevant Ordnance Survey map).