Cycling Through Suffolk: The Best Routes Near Woodbridge

It would be a little silly of us to settle down with our Barns for rent in Suffolk if we didn’t absolutely love Woodbridge. With some keen cyclists among our team, we thought it was high time to produce an article about all of the best cycle routes that can be accessed nearby to our accommodation. To provide options for cyclists of all abilities, we’ve shortlisted a range of difficulties to provide something for every kind of cyclist staying at our Barns.  

1. Woodbridge to Sutton Hoo Circular

• Distance: 10 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlights: River Deben views, Sutton Hoo, quiet countryside lanes

For a short and scenic ride, there’s few routes we’d recommend above the one which takes cyclists from the heart of Woodbridge to the legendary Sutton Hoo, one of England’s most important archaeological sites. Start by cycling along the River Deben, taking in the beautiful riverside scenery before heading out towards Sutton Hoo.

At Sutton Hoo, you’ll be welcome to explore the ancient burial mounds where the famous Anglo-Saxon ship burial was discovered. You can also stop for a coffee at the visitor centre before looping back to Woodbridge via peaceful country lanes. This route is perfect for a gentle morning ride or an afternoon excursion.

2. Woodbridge to Orford Coastal Ride

• Distance: 25 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights: Orford Castle, Orford Ness, riverside and coastal views

This route takes cyclists through some of Suffolk’s most picturesque countryside towards the historic coastal town of Orford. Leaving Woodbridge, cycle through quiet backroads and open farmland, passing through the pretty villages of Hollesley and Shottisham.

Arriving in Orford, you’ll encounter the impressive Orford Castle which was built back in the 12th century by Henry II, as well as stunning views across the River Ore. If time permits, it’s also very easy to take a short boat trip to Orford Ness, a unique shingle spit that was once a top-secret military testing site. After exploring, we’d also recommend grabbing lunch at the famous Pump Street Bakery before cycling back towards Woodbridge.

3. The Rendlesham Forest Loop

• Distance: 15 miles
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Highlights: Woodland trails, the ‘UFO Trail,’ open countryside, possible aliens

If you love a mix of on-road and off-road cycling, this loop around Rendlesham Forest is a fantastic choice. From Woodbridge, head north towards the forest, where you’ll find a network of well-maintained cycling trails through dense woodland.

Rendlesham Forest is also home to the infamous UFO Trail, marking the site of the mysterious Rendlesham Incident back in 1980—often referred to as ‘Britain’s Roswell.’ After exploring the trails, continue your ride through surrounding villages before returning to Woodbridge via tranquil country roads.

4. Woodbridge to Felixstowe via the Deben Peninsula

• Distance: 30 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
• Highlights: Martlesham Creek, Bawdsey Quay, Felixstowe Ferry

For a longer and slightly more varied ride, this route follows the Deben Peninsula, passing salt marshes, riverside landscapes, and quiet coastal villages. Head out of Woodbridge towards Martlesham and Newbourne, before reaching Bawdsey Quay, where you can take a short ferry ride across the River Deben to Felixstowe Ferry.

Once across, cycle towards Felixstowe’s seafront, where you can stop for lunch at a seaside café before making your way back via an inland route. This ride offers a fantastic mix of countryside, riverside, and coastal scenery.

With its mix of riverside trails, forest tracks, and quiet countryside lanes, we think that Woodbridge makes for an excellent base for cycling adventures in Suffolk. Whether you’re seeking a gentle ride to Sutton Hoo, a coastal adventure to Orford, or a longer countryside loop, there’s something for every level of cyclist.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your cycling gear and take a look at the current availability of our Barns for rent in Suffolk.