History, Hoofbeats & Cambridge too

Setting out from rural Needham Market, half-timbered wool towns unfold to charm you. Historic Hadleigh, the hillside huddles of medieval cottages at Kersey, sleepy flower-filled Chelsworth are simply an introduction leading up to the finest medieval prize of all at Lavenham. What a very special Suffolk place to stay over.

Mileage: Rec: 29 Min 16 Max 33

Long Melford ‘s antique shops will tempt you, but don’t miss Melford Hall with its Beatrice Potter connections or Kentwell Hall, renowned for re-enactments of Tudor life. Gentle rolling countryside guides you to the imposing Norman keep and compact medieval village of Castle Hedingham, before pedalling through picturesque wool villages to the pretty pink thatched cottages on the Green at Cavendish. You stay in the very heart of this charming village in a fine, favourite inn.

Mileage: Rec: 28 Min 28 Max 30

As you pedal forth to the Suffolk/Cambridgeshire borders, the landscape opens up with some stunning panoramas. Stud farms appear between the villages with glimpses of smart racehorses in the fenced fields. Your overnight is in the centre of the renowned university city of Cambridge. Relax and enjoy this vibrant place – perhaps plan a spot of punting for the morning? There are plenty of places to drink in the atmosphere and a wonderful selection of restaurants to choose from, not to mention all the cultural delights from concerts to chapel services.

Mileage: Rec: 28 Min 28 Max 30

Enjoy a day at leisure when you reach your hotel on the outskirts of Cambridge. Nearby Anglesey Abbey has inspiring vistas and amazing artefacts ,but head into the city for some serious sightseeing. Here, historic colleges line the streets, sharing life with chic shopping opportunities. Don’t miss King’s or Trinity, Darwin’s collections in the University Museum of Zoology, the amazing fine art in the Fitzwilliam Museum and be sure to jump in a punt to see the colleges from ‘The Backs’. You stay in the centre of Cambridge for a second night.

There’s no need to race back into Suffolk towards elegant Bury St Edmunds, but you’ll see packhorse bridges and plenty of sleek racehorses in and around Newmarket. Take time here to visit the National Horseracing Museum or National Stud perhaps. Heading over the heaths, you might detour to West Stow and its Anglo Saxon village before reaching the historic town of Bury St Edmunds, with its beautiful abbey gardens, England’s smallest pub – the Nutshell, and your comfortable accommodation in the old town area.

Mileage: Rec: 31 Min 30 Max 40

Finally, as your leave bustling historic Bury, your route weaves through rolling countryside, past mills and picturesque rural villages to Needham Market.

Mileage: Rec: 31 Min 20 Max 35