Top 10 Best National Trust sites in the UK
With a mountain tricycle you can confidently tackle muddy trails thanks to its wider tyres, front suspension, excellent ground clearance as well as the added stability of the third wheel.
If you want new places to adventure to this Autumn, we have whittled down the National Trust's hundreds of historic buildings, gardens, parks, castles, monuments and nature reserves down to just a few favourites.
10 of the best National Trust sites for cycling
In order to determine the top 10 National Trust sites, we have looked at the average monthly google searches for every site across the UK.
1. Cheddar Gorge, Somerset
(96,000 average monthly google searches)
It’s famous for: Largest gorge in England, at 400 ft deep and 3 miles long
Fun fact: The neighbouring village of Cheddar is where cheddar cheese originates from Best for: Geology enthusiasts (and cheese lovers!)
When to visit: Summer
Click here to explore the local cycle routes (some even have a café or tea room along the way, perfect for a pit stop!)
2. Tatton Park, Knutsford
(61,000 average monthly google searches)
It’s famous for: Being one of the UK’s most complete historic estates
Fun fact: The gardens have been growing for over 200 years with each owner putting their own stamp on it
Best for: Animal lovers
When’s best to visit: Spring/Summer
As well as cycling around Tatton Hall, Tatton Mere, through the gardens and the 1,000 acre deer park, click here to find cycling routes around Tatton.
3. Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire
(58,000 average monthly google searches)
It’s famous for: Being home to Rothschild Collections of paintings, sculpture and decorative arts
Fun fact: The Crown (2016) and Cinderella (2021) were filmed here
Best for: Art lovers
When’s best to visit: Christmas
Waddesdon Greenway is a safe cycle route that joins Aylesbury Parkway to Waddesdon Manor. It’s a tarmac path that runs along the countryside so you’re able to cycle at ease while taking in the beautiful views.
4. Corfe Castle, Dorset
(47,000 average monthly google searches)
It’s famous for: One of the most iconic and impressive defensive fortress’
Fun Fact: It was the site of a royal murder - a young king was killed at this castle
Best for: Young history fiends
When’s best to visit: Autumn
The Castle Cycle Ride not only offers you views of Corfe Castle but passes through Church Knowle, past Blue Pool and then through Hartland Moor.
5. Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire
(41,000 average monthly google searches)
It’s famous for: Being ‘more glass than wall’, making it extremely architecturally unique for its time
Fun fact: It was home to Bess of Hardwick, one of the UK’s richest and most influential women in Elizabethan times
Best for: Interior design and home decor lovers
When’s best to visit: Autumn
The Five Pits Trail is nearby and can be enjoyed by cyclists, walkers and horse-riders.
6. Sutton Hoo, Suffolk
(40,000 average monthly google searches)
It’s famous for: Being one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time
Fun fact: The Dig, a film by Netflix, tells the tale of the excavation of the Great Ship Burial at Sutton Hoo
Best for: Keen historians
When’s best to visit: Winter
There are no cycle paths on site, but there are many walking trails to explore Sutton Hoo by foot.
7. Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds
(39,000 average monthly google searches)
It’s famous for: It is the last remaining Regency playhouse in the country
Fun fact: Designed and built in 1819, this theatre still lots of its original features intact Best for: Theatre-goers
When’s best to visit: Winter/Autumn
Take a look at the Bury St Edmunds Cycle Map if you want to explore the towns architecture, shops and local pubs and restaurants. Alternatively, ‘The Miller’s Trail’ takes you on a route that’s only accessible to cyclists. It takes you through quaint neighbouring villages and past some wonderful nature reserves.
8. Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire
(38,000 average monthly google searches)
It’s famous for: For over three centuries, it was home to the Dukes of Newcastle
Fun fact: Within Clumber Park is The Serpentine Lake, which took 15 years to build and covers 87 acres
Best for: Family cycling
When’s best to visit: Spring
With over 20 miles of cycle routes, cycling is the perfect way to explore Clumber Park. Click here to find out more about cycling at Clumber Park and find the best route for you.
9. Dunham Massey, Cheshire
(37,000 average monthly google searches)
It’s famous for: Being the only surviving medieval park in Trafford
Fun fact: Since it was built three centuries ago the house has remained in the same family
Best for: Walkers
When’s best to visit: Autumn
While it’s only those under 5 that are allowed on bikes inside the park, there is a cycle station in the car park to keep your bike or tricycle safe while you explore the park and gardens. Click here to explore the nearby cycle routes.
10. Stoneacre, Kent
(36,000 average monthly google searches)
It’s famous for: It was once going to be destroyed until Arts and Scholar Aymer Vallance saved it, and restored it
Fun fact: The front door is the same door from the 15th Century
Best for: Fine art lovers
When’s best to visit: Spring
This Medieval yeoman’s house and garden is best explored by foot so you may be best leaving your bike or tricycle at home when visiting Stoneacre.