Family bike ride within 1.5 hours?

[katgod]

We like it at Bedgebury, and know about Bewl. Can anyone recommend another family friendly place for a bike ride with off road trails, maybe with a choice of length, possibly a cafe and not too far away? Thanks

[enjoy]

Hi,

Last summer we tried the cycle route 12, from tonbridge to penshurst.

Our youngest was 5.

Got there by train, was a great day trip for the family!

Enjoy

[reeko]

Epping forest is great. You can get there by trian form Liverpool street to Chingford. Lots of trails to explore and not too far away.

[katgod]

thanks both, will investigate.

[Dano]

We went to the Alice Holt Forest for the first time last weekend:

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-92gegv

Took approx 1.5 hours to get there. Very busy on arrival at the car park but once you're in the forest it's much quieter. Theres a cafe, a play area, also various installations for kids to climb on en route.

Would highly recommend.

[JackieO]

Just to say we tried out route 12 Tonbridge to Penshurst and back yesterday - it was great! Lovely trails through woodland, fields and along the river. The children liked the ride, the playground at Tonbridge was fab too, and the heated lido at Tonbridge looks worth another trip.

[nunheadmum]

We did the Cuckoo trail recently - about 14 miles in total but you can do bits of it.

http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/700A2E3F-FB14-486A-BE9B-94E187740AB4/0/cuckoo_trail_leaflet.pdf

We did north from Hailsham and just (I think) outside Hellingly there was a pub with a bouncy castle and small playground and food. Bits of it were a bit urban but as a first bike ride with a 4 year old and 7 year old, it was just about right.

[Smiler]

Epsom downs, train to tattenham corner from east croydon, then under 5 mins walk, good for cycling, lots of routes online and a few places to eat, from tea bar and ice cream van near downs, good greasy spoon or fish and chips near the station to posh pub food at derby arms.