New cycle hire offer at Ickworth

A new cycle hire offer at National Trust Ickworth allows visitors to easily explore the 1,800 acre estate on two wheels.

In the first week more than 160 bikes were hired out with many visitors saying it was there first time on a bike in more than a year.

Developed in partnership with Sport England, the new offer allows visitors who may not have their own bikes, or the means to easily bring their own to Ickworth, to cycle the nine-kilometre multi-use trail. Taking in the far reaches of estate, the trail, also suitable for walkers, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters, takes visitors through grassy meadows, ancient woodland and round the Monument that can be seen in the distance from the house.

Aimee Monk, Visitor Operations & Experience Manager at Ickworth said "We're excited to open our new cycle hire offer at Ickworth, and it’s been great seeing visitors exploring the wider estate, getting closer to nature and enjoying the peace and tranquillity our parkland has to offer.”

“It’s thanks to Sport England's funding that we've been able to develop this new experience, and already in the first week it’s been really busy. Our family trailers have been very popular with lots of happy faces to be seen exploring the trails along the River Linnet and around the Monument. We have been listening to visitor feedback and are excited to see how the offer can be expanded in the future. We will soon be introducing dog trailers and are exploring options such as electric bikes, meaning more people will be able benefit from the offer.”

Bikes range from balance bikes for the little ones up to adult bikes. There are trailers available as well as helmets if you don’t have your own.

You can find the new cycle hire hub in the main car park next to the visitor welcome point. It’s open Thursday to Sunday from 10am and daily during Suffolk school holidays with prices starting from as little as £3 for two hours. It’s first come, first served with no pre-booking required.

For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/Ickworth