Why Ramsgate is the perfect cycling destination

One of our most popular Active Ramsgate activities is cycling – and it’s easy to see why.

First and foremost, we have some amazing trails on our doorstep, and so it’s understandable for people to take advantage of that.

The Viking Coastal Trail is 32 miles (51.4km) long (don’t worry, you don’t have to cycle all of it in one go!) and is suitable to cycle right through the year. Perfect for all the family, there are plenty of cafes, restaurants and Cyclists Welcome-accredited hotels to rest your head and fill your stomach along the way.

Not only is it a great way to get some exercise, but a chance to catch up on some culture at the same time. Ride through Kent’s smugglers’ territory, the haunts of Turner and Dickens and whistle-stop tours of the Isle of Thanet’s vibrant coastal towns and villages. Whatever it is you’re looking for, Ramsgate’s fantastic cycling route will soon have you in the saddle.

Historical sights to see along the way include the Ramsgate Maritime Museum, the Pugin Victorian Church of St Augustine’s Abbey as well as natural wonders such as Monkton Nature Reserve and the picturesque Botany Bay.

Or, there is a fantastic Pier to Pier route which takes you from Ramsgate to Deal (and back if you like!). Yes, we have called it Pier to Pier, believe it or not, there was once a pier in Ramsgate, learn more about its history here.

The route has an introduction to medieval Sandwich as the half-way point, and an overview of Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve and Deal Pier. The route also takes you right past three golf courses, including Royal St George’s where the Open Golf Championship was recently held, so golf fans will be delighted to take a pit stop here!

Visitors to Ramsgate needn’t worry if they don’t have bikes to bring – Harbour Bikes is based in the arches of Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour and have a wide range of cycles to hire (babies, toddlers and dogs all catered for!) – or if you have brought your own, they can help repair or service your two wheels if they need a spot of fine tuning before you head off.

To download our Active Ramsgate cycle routes, or for more information on cycling holidays in Ramsgate and the surrounding areas, visit our cycling pages.