Whether you’ve brought your bike down to the south coast for a summer adventure or are simply looking for a daytime activity to pursue, The Grand Brighton is conveniently located in the heart of the city with access to many cycling routes suitable for the novice peddlers or any keen cyclist.
Here’s a round up of our favourite cycling routes throughout Brighton & Hove, and beyond…
Route 1 - City cycling route
Best for sightseers
If you’re looking for a relaxing ride to explore the local sites in the city, then we thoroughly recommend hopping on a BTN Bikeshare bicycle, which you can find available to rent by the minute from outside the front of the hotel. From there, you can follow the city’s conveniently mapped cycled paths from the hotel along to the famous Brighton Pier, past the Royal Pavilion and through the North Laine shopping district. Take your time and hop on and off your city bike as you browse Brighton’s best selection of independent shops and cafes, and loop back round to the seafront to complete your cycle ride at Hove Lawns - an idyllic spot to lounge with a picnic whilst people-watching.
Route 2 - Flat coastal route
Best for beginners and sea-lovers
The central beach in Brighton is plenty of fun, but if you’re looking for a quieter patch on the coastline we suggest taking the seafront cycle path eastward from outside the front of the hotel towards Rottingdean beach. The route will take you along the National Cycle Route 2, an underpass beneath the white chalky cliffs of the East Sussex coastline, and will take you approximately 15 minutes to reach your destination after completing the almost entirely flat ride. You’ll enjoy a scenic and fairly effortless cycle past Brighton’s Palace pier, the Volks railway, and Brighton Marina before stopping off at Rottingdean. When you arrive, you’ll find a picturesque seaside village with traditional tea rooms open throughout the year, and rockpools stippling the edge of the beach at low tide - it’s easy to while away the hours of a summer day in at this quaint little beach before heading back to Brighton.
Route 3 - From sea to Stanmer park
Best for a green escape
Stanmer Park sits at the cusp of the South Downs area, designated as a site of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is the perfect spot to enjoy a takeaway afternoon tea as you sit in the grounds of the heritage Georgian-style Stanmer House. To get there from the hotel, meander your bike through the North Laines until you reach The Level park where you’ll join the A270. From there, it’s a straight 20-minute cycle (with just a couple of inclines) all the way to the heritage park site. Advanced cyclists can access the road routes around the South Downs for some fantastic views of the coastline and beyond, or those with mountain bikes can take their pick of many off-road public paths through the woodlands areas coming off of Stanmer Park.
Route 4 - Historic river route
Best for a full day out
From the original palace by the sea, to a historic castle nestled in the woods; take a scenic cycle route from the hotel to the ruins of Bramber Castle. Head straight to the seafront and take the westward cycle route along the coast towards Shoreham and turn inland once you reach the Adur River. The route is 10-miles each way, so leave yourself at least an hour to travel there and back. The majority of the route follows the river, past the ‘Shoreham gap’ port, and through some beautiful woodland passes. When you reach Bramber Castle, founded in 1073, reward yourself with a lunchtime picnic in the green grounds and explore the quaint local village before heading back to soothe your well-used legs in the bathtub.
If you’re bringing your own bicycle, our concierge team can help you store your bike securely as you enjoy the rest of your stay. If you are planning to rent a bike for the day, we recommend the city’s BTN Bikeshare, otherwise there are plenty of bike-hire shops located on the seafront just steps away from the hotel.
You can access all of the cycling routes in Brighton & Hove from the council map here.
