Want to get away? Want to explore the beautiful English countryside by bike? Want to do it without spending too much money? Well we have the perfect answer, go on a camping & cycling trip.
Cyclechic has teamed up with Fallow Fields Camping in east Kent to help you make the most of your cycling and camping holiday – for a carefree, relaxed adventure much closer to home
Reasons to go camping & cycling
Enjoy time with your loved ones: Studies have shown that many people feel that camping holidays bring them closer to their partners and families.
Fresh Air: There’s a huge synergy between cycling and camping and it’s all about spending the WHOLE DAY in the fresh air. Leave the car at the campsite, explore the countryside, and prepare to feel liberated and invigorated.
Money Matters: Best of all, camping, like cycling, is affordable. There’s no need to factor in air fares, hotel rooms, taxis from the airport, or expensive meals out – it’s altogether a less wallet-bothering experience
Why East Kent?
East Kent is emerging as an exciting place to visit. There’s surfing in Joss Bay, off-road cycling in Betteshanger Park, and plenty of art galleries and stylish boutiques to browse through in the new arts quarters of Margate, Ramsgate, and Folkestone.
- Combination of coastal & countryside routes: East Kent has a fantastic combination of beautiful coastline and lush countryside, making the cycle routes particularly varied and scenic
- Kent is largely flat, so it’s the perfect place for a leisurely cycling holiday. And if you fancy a hillier challenge, then the North Downs – an area of outstanding natural beauty – offers some breath-taking views.
- Easy to get to from the big smoke: It might be only an hour’s drive from London, but it feels like half a world away.
Fallow Fields Camping
Fallow Fields Camping is the perfect base to access host of fantastic cycling routes. The picturesque and historic towns of Sandwich, Walmer and Deal are just a short ride away, while the North Kent Coast offers mixture of long, sandy beaches, and vibrant sea-side towns.
Nestled in a gentle valley, on the edge of Kent’s picturesque North Downs, Fallow Fields is set in the idyllic grounds of a working farm, and offers camping with a modern twist.
The site provides customers with the opportunity to get away from it all, freeing up time to unwind, and it offers a lot more than just a pitch and basic facilities.
- Food nights: During the school holidays there are stone baked pizzas on offer on Wednesdays and Fridays and pulled pork on Saturdays.
- Yoga: Of course, it’s not all about the kids, and after a few days in the saddle you’ll welcome a spot of yoga at the weekend to help you limber up.
- Cinema Nights: There are even cinema nights, held twice a week.
- Bell Tents: You can rent a luxurious bell tent if you fancy a spot of glamping, or you’re just dipping your toe into the camping scene, and don’t have one of your own yet. And don’t forget, space saved by not bringing your own tent, is space you can use for packing your cycling gear, or might we even suggest, more champagne.
- Lots of kids activities: Fallow Fields offers bush craft sessions, so the little ones can channel their inner-Bear Grylls, while the ‘Kids Retreat’ is stocked with colouring pencils, board games, giant floor games, swing-ball, badminton.
Six places to cycle to from Fallowfields campsite
- Walmer Castle (approx. 7 miles)
- Betteshanger Park off road cycling centre for all abilities (approx. 4 miles)
- Margate (approx. 12 miles)
- Sandwich – beautiful, historic town, well worth a visit (approx. 3 miles)
- Reculver, historic towers, amazing coastal views, nice pub (approx. 15 miles)
- Barnsole Vineyard: We rather like this pootle of a cycle to the charming Barnsole vineyard, where you can sample various wines and chat to the owners. The wine is really good to be sure to take panniers so you can bring a few bottles back to camp. (approx. 1.6 miles)
Top Tips
Hire-a-bike? You may not be comfortable strapping bikes onto a roof-rack, but that’s OK. You can always consider hiring bikes when you get to your destination. Try Atman Bicycles in Sandwich.
Plan your route on your phone Worried you’re going to get lost down a quiet country lane? Don’t forget you’ve got a GPS in your back pocket. Attach it to your handlebars with a Bike Citizens Finn Mount and you’re good to go.
Pace yourself, don’t try to do too much The Key to a relaxing days cycling is not trying to do too much. Set yourself one main destination and enjoy the ride rather than setting yourself too hectic an agenda. This give you plenty of time for that impromptu swim in the sea or a cake and coffee stop off.
What to take:
Bike Panniers If you’re tired of sore shoulders and a sweaty back, swap the rucksack for panniers. Their rigid design makes them perfect as impromptu beach bags and for keeping your food and drink upright and spill-free back at camp.
Cycling Helmet – We sell helmets for all the family but we particularly like the space savng Closca Fuga for a camping trip.
Gloves . Nothing ruins a nice cycle more quickly than aching hands, so do them a favour and kit yourself out with a pair of cushioned cycling gloves, like these stylish retro crochet backed beauties.
Waterproof You never know when that random shower will strike. A pack-away waterproof is an insanely useful item for both cycling and camping
So why not treat yourself to something different this summer or perhaps a September jaunt when the weather has cooled. You’ll have a safe, comfortable base, with everything you could need, set in the perfect spot for some idyllic cycling adventures.
At the end of your break you should be feeling closer as a family, healthier in mind, body and wallet, and already making plans for your next cycling and camping holiday.
Book your camping break at FallowFields.com
Shop Cyclechic.co.uk to get kitted out for the adventure.
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