Easter cycling events for the whole family

Have you just realised that the children have got two weeks off school and you have nothing planned for them to do? Take advantage of the better weather (Saharan smog aside) and get the whole family out and about at of these bike themed events.

North

Yorkshire isn’t backwards in coming forwards about hosting the Tour de France Grand Depart. Todmorden Market is hosting a street festival where bikes, scooters and other wheeled transportation will be transformed into beasts and bugs as part of the Fantastical Cycling Parade. Workshops prior to the parade will be held for children to get in on the act and decorate their bike.

April 12-26, 2014
http://handmadeparade.co.uk

Also ready for the Grand Depart, the town of Langsett near Sheffield is planning a cycling festival and Easter egg hunt.Clues will be placed around the woods and children who complete the course will receive a gift from sponsors Polaris Bikewear.

April 19-20, 2014
http://www.yorkshire.com/whats-on/Polaris-Bikewear/Polaris-Bikewear-East...
01246 291100

Tatton Park in Knutsford, Cheshire, is hosting Children’s Cycling Boredom Busters. Kids can explore farm trails and woodland tracks while learning the basics of off-road skills. Helmets are compulsory, minimum age 7, £10.

April 15, 2014
http://events.tattonpark.org.uk/viewEvent.aspx?eid=52439&
01625 374428

Midlands

Bike North Birmingham have organised a plethora of events over the Easter hols. From bike skills courses for youngsters ditching the stabilisers through to Fix It workshops and Bikability Level 3 courses for up to 18 year olds, children can hone their skills before testing them out on a family bike ride. On Sunday April 14 the family ride starts in Sutton Park where you will receive a free bike breakfast.

Various dates
http://bikenorth.birmingham.gov.uk/bike-school/easter-holiday-activities/
0121 464 1020

Shropshire is hosting several family events over the break. The Ludlow Easter Bunny cycle ride starts at Dinham Millennium Green in Ludlow and is a 6 or 9 mile led cycle ride with an Easter egg hunt at the rest stop. There are prizes for the best Easter outfit and a £3 voluntary donation will go to the Shropshire Youth Forum. Check out their website for other Easter family rides, all in support of various charities.

April 12, 2014 and others
http://www.travelshropshire.co.uk/cycle/events/easter-bunny.aspx#sthash....
01743 253008

East

Families with children who have disabilities are well catered for in Cambridge, where You Can Bike Too are running holiday sessions at Milton Country Park. Costing £5 per youngster, there will be a variety of bikes to cater for a wide range of disabilities. All the family is welcome to get involved in this truly inclusive activity.

Various dates
http://www.youcanbiketoo.org
07521 905448

Looking forward to the May bank holiday, Norfolk’s Pedal Cycling Festival will take place at Holkham Hall on the beautiful North Norfolk coast. There is a 20 mile family friendly route to try or a more challenging 50 or 100 mile sportives. Off the bike there will be BMX stunt displays from Extreme Zero’s Gravity display team, or see Doctor Spinoff and his 22 tricky tricycles.

May 3-5, 2014
01485 500 231
www.pedalnorfolk.co.uk

London

At the newly opened Lee Valley Velopark children can try out any of four cycling disciplines: BMX, road, mountain biking (all 7-16 years) or track (12 - 16 years). The Easter taster sessions range from £12 to £22 and last for an hour each. Coaches provide expert tuition and all equipment and bikes are provided. There are many other activities such as horse riding and a farm to visit, and on 20th & 21st April the Easter Country Fair will take place on the showground.

Various dates
http://www.visitleevalley.org.uk
08456 770 600

South East

Bike Beans cycle cafe is running sessions for 8-18 year olds throughout the holidays. Covering beginner road riding skills, bike mechanics(£20 for two hours) and with a family fun mountain bike ride on Sunday 13th April (£15), there is plenty to choose from. Bikebeans is based in Ashtead, Surrey, and being a coffee shop, mum or dad will be able to have a cake stop without even getting in the saddle themselves.

Various dates
http://www.bikebeans.co.uk
01372272855

Ecolocal Cycling are offering inclusive cycling opportunities throughout the Easter holidays. Based in Sutton and Merton, Surrey, various bikes can be booked catering for a wide range of disabilities. Children need to be 8+ and accompanied by a parent or carer.

Various dates
020 8770 6611
http://www.ecolocalcycling.org.uk

South West

Bodmin in Cornwall has a new cycle hub, based around the National Trust property at Lanhydrock. There are 10 kilometers of purpose-built, off-road trails which are all free to use. Bike hire is available and the trails are particularly suited to novices and families. There is a cycle skills practice area and a balance bike track for the tinies. A new park cafe and play area finish the route, and over Easter there is an Easter egg trail for the children too (£2).

Various dates
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lanhydrock/
01208 265950

Scotland

Fancy making a bonnet for your bike? At the Riverside Museum in Glasgow riders are invited to take part in the best dressed bicycle competition and parade. As well as taking part in the parade, take time to explore the museum and learn about the history of transport, including some amazing stories of cycling adventurers.

April 20, 2014
http://bikeeventsscotland.com/event/best-dressed-cycle-parades-competiti...
0141 352 5000

Northern Ireland

With Northern Ireland preparing for the Giro d’Italia, Armagh is preparing a full programme of events for the big weekend, including music throughout the city, and Italian market and family activities. Visit on Saturday 10th May for the festival with the race reaching Armagh on Sunday 11th May.

May 9-11, 2014
http://www.armagh.co.uk/
028 3752 1800

Wales

Margam Country Park in Port Talbot is playing host to a Family Bushcraft day. There are mountain biking sessions for 7 years plus (£6 per session, equipment supplied). Off the bike, there are lots going on in the castle and grounds including learning to light a fire using flint and steel and RSPB Cymru will running free sessions on Fruits, Flowers and Friendly Bugs.

April 16, 2014
http://www.npt.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=1325
01639 881635