Cycling Holidays in Swanage
Ulwell Holiday Park is the perfect base from which to enjoy a cycling holiday in Swanage. From our caravan and camping park there is easy access to a number of scenic mountain biking trails and challenging road biking routes. Whether you’re a keen cyclist or prefer a leisurely ride with the kids, there are plenty of options to enjoy in the local area. Bring your own equipment or make use of cycle hire facilities nearby.
Cycling breaks on the Jurassic Coast
Our holiday park in Swanage is a favourite amongst those looking to book a cycling holiday in Dorset. The Isle of Purbeck is home to an impressive network of cycle paths, which offer a variety of routes for all ages and abilities. Hop on your bike and pedal through some of the best scenery in the country. You’ll pass through quaint villages, along ancient ridge-lines and will be treated to magnificent views along the Jurassic Coast.
Keen bikers can take on some of the more challenging trails in the area, which offer technical climbs, steep descents and a variety of terrain. There are also gentler rides for families with children still building their confidence on two wheels. Wherever you decide to cycle you can rest assured that there will be plenty of cafes and country pubs to stop and enjoy a bite to eat. Make a day of it and explore the area at a relaxed pace.
Here we share some of our favourite bike trails in the local area to enjoy during a cycling holiday at Ulwell Holiday Park. We also offer a glimpse into our range of the accommodation and facilities on offer!
Cycling routes in the Isle of Purbeck
Castle Cycle Ride
Cycle through the picturesque village of Corfe during this scenic ride from Purbeck Park. Marvel at the historic ruins of Corfe Castle as you pedal down quiet country lanes taking time to soak up the scenery as you ride. The route is approximately 11 miles long and of moderate difficulty for much of the route. There is one steep hill to contend with and two short sections on A roads.
Most cyclists complete the route in around 2-3 hours, though we recommend longer to take advantage of the fabulous views. Stop at Blue Pool to enjoy a pleasant walk around the stunning lake or stop off at one of the fantastic country pubs in Corfe for a leisurely lunch. There is ample cycle parking at Corfe Castle Railway Station if you’d like to take some time to explore the area by foot.
Lawrence Cycle Ride
The Lawrence Cycle Ride is one of the best routes in the Isle of Purbeck and a must during your cycling holiday in the Isle of Purbeck. The 22 mile route has been classified as ‘moderate to challenging’ and is best suited to confident riders. The cycle path takes 4-5 hours to complete and incorporates stops at Morton Church and Ford.
We recommend stopping at Clouds Hill to tour T.E Lawrence’s much-loved home. It is now owned by the National Trust and has changed very little over the years. There’s an excellent tea room in the Walled Gardens where you can enjoy some coffee and cake whilst looking out over the gardens. Don’t forget to have a paddle in the ford!
Download the Lawrence Cycle Ride map >
Priory Cycle Ride
Discover the historic town of Wareham during your cycling holiday at Ulwell Holiday Park. This walled town is one of our favourites in the area and has much to offer families visiting for the day. Start the route at Wareham Quay or cycle from the park, if you don’t mind the extra miles. The official trail is 8 miles long and follows minor roads with just one A road to cross at a designated cycle crossing.
The gentle ride passes through the Frome Valley and takes just over an hour. Take some time to explore the quayside and watch the boats passing up and down the river.
Download the Priory Cycle Ride map >
Wareham Forest
Wareham Forest is just a short drive from our holiday park in Swanage. The scenic trails are ideal for younger members of the family getting to grips with the basics and mastering new found skills. There are lots of trails to choose from allowing you to venture deep into the forest. It’s also a great place for a walk with your four-legged friend!
Purbeck Cycle Ride
The Purbeck Cycle Ride is 47 miles long and best suited to experienced cyclists that want to clock up some miles during a cycling holiday in Swanage. The circular routes incorporates a number of historical attractions and iconic beauty spots, including Durdle Door, Corfe Castle, Lulworth Cove and Moreton Ford.
If you decide to tackle the ride in one go it will take a whole day to complete, but many visitors decide to take on smaller, more manageable sections. You’ll pass through a variety of rural landscapes and will enjoy far-reaching out to sea.
The majority of the route is on road and there are some steep hills to contend with in the South West of the region.
Download the Purbeck Cycle Ride map >
Rempstone Cycle Ride
The Rempstone route is ideal for mountain bikers looking to head off road. The 12 mile route extends from Norden to Studland and is mostly flat, making it an excellent choice for families who’d prefer to forgo the hills! You’ll pass through a variety of landscapes, including woodland, heathland and farmland. It should take around 3 hours to complete at a gentle pace.
One of our favourite things about this bike trail is the abundance of wildlife along the route. The unique landscapes are a haven for bird life and you’ll see lots of butterflies and bees.
This route is fairly easy and suitable for children aged 10 and up. It’s great fun and an excellent way to spend the day during your camping or caravan holiday at Ulwell Holiday Park.
Download the Rempstone Cycle Ride map >
Purbeck Ridgeline
If you’re feeling adventurous you can tackle the Purbeck Ridgeline directly from our park. This off road route is reserved for experience riders, who don’t mind battling some steep hills! The initial climb reaches a 20% gradient in places, so you might need to get off and push in places. Once you reach the top you’ll be rewarded with far-reaching views of Swanage and a vast expanse of the Jurassic Coast.
You can follow the bridleway for a couple of miles before taking the grassy decent towards Old Harry Rocks. These chalk sea stacks are one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the area and well worth taking some time to photograph. From here there are multiple routes you can take to extend your route further or head back to the park.
Please note this area does get busy with walkers, so you should exercise caution at all times.
Cycle hire in Swanage
There are a couple of of bike hire facilities in the local area if you don’t plan on bringing your own gear. Rent road bikes, mountain bikes, e-bikes and children’s bikes for the day, or your entire stay. All of the bike hire companies have an excellent reputation and maintain their equipment to a high standard. Bicycle helmets, locks and other accessories are also available.
- The Bike Shop Swanage, Swanage town centre
- Cyclexperience, Purbeck Park
Cycling Holidays Accommodation
Ulwell Holiday Park has plenty to offer cyclists looking to enjoy a biking holiday in Swanage. We have a wide selection of accommodation to choose from – with something to suit everyones needs. Our deluxe caravan holiday homes are the perfect place to rest and recuperate at the end of a strenuous day. Relax and unwind in the cosy living area, before retreating to one of the comfortable beds to get a good nights sleep.
If you’d prefer to bring your own accommodation, we have a number of spacious touring and camping pitches available. Set up camp in our scenic touring field and enjoy lovely views of the surrounding Purbeck hills. Our amenities block is clean, modern and maintained to a high standard allowing you to refresh after a strenuous ride.
Holiday Park Facilities
Our family friendly holiday park in Swanage has plenty of facilities to ensure you have an enjoyable stay. The Village Inn serves a varied menu of delicious dishes from our bright and airy restaurant if you need to refuel at the end of your ride. Treat yourself to a pint of local ale or a tasty pudding as a well-earned treat!
If you’d prefer to self-cater during your stay, our on-site shop has everything you’ll need to cook up a storm in your caravan. We stock a wide variety of local produce for BBQs and packed lunches to take on your ride.
Other facilities include a children’s play park and indoor swimming pool.
Holiday Park in Swanage
If you’d like to treat yourself to cycling holiday in Dorset – we’d love to welcome you to Ulwell Holiday Park! To secure your accommodation, please book online or contact our friendly reception team. You can also search availability and book accommodation via our website 24 hours a day. We look forward to welcoming you soon!
