With many historic sites re-opening in April across the UK, we share 12 places you can explore from the National Cycle Network. From clifftop castles to grand halls and gardens, these routes offer the perfect blend of fresh air, spring scenery and rich heritage.
Stirling is home to one of Scotland's most historically significant castles, just off Route 76. Credit: Brian Sweeney.
Spring is the perfect time to pair a day out on the Network with a journey into the past.
As historic sites across the UK reopen for the season, the National Cycle Network offers a brilliant way to reach them.
From rolling countryside, along quiet towpaths or into the heart of ancient towns, in this blog we explore historic sites close to the National Cycle Network.
England
Beningbrough Hall and Treasurer's House, Yorkshire
Beningbrough Hall is just a quick visit off Route 65 between York and Ripon.
This National Trust property offers art exhibitions, history and beautiful gardens in the Yorkshire countryside.
It makes for a great round trip to York.
The city itself hosts a fantastic array of heritage sites to explore.
In short distance from Route 658, lies Treasurer’s House.
Nestled close to York Minster, this historic townhouse contains a collection of artworks, antiques and furniture.
You can also visit the tranquil garden from which you can view the cathedral.
Rainham Hall, London
Along with a three-acre community garden that’s free to explore, this 18th-century merchant’s home hosts a range of exhibitions centred around its many interesting inhabitants across the years.
Every two years, the interior is changed to bring a different inhabitant’s story to life.
Outside, the garden is an oasis for butterflies, birds and wildflowers.
The largely traffic-free Rainham Marshes ride on Route 13 passes close to the property.
It can easily be combined with nearby historic properties such as Eastbury Manor House.
Avebury Stone Circle, Wiltshire
While less well-known than nearby Stonehenge, Avebury in fact contains the largest stone circle in the world.
It’s a true wonder of prehistoric Britain, first constructed between 2850 BC and 2200 BC.
It’s also within this henge that Routes 403 and 45 converge.
A quick trip south will take you to the other monuments of West Kennet Long Barrow and the enigmatic Silbury Hill.
Experts believe that together they make up an ancient ‘ritual complex’.
You can cycle along Dumbarton road with breathtaking views of Stirling Castle right beside you. Credit: Walk Wheel Cycle Trust.
Scotland
Stirling Castle, Stirling
Perched high above the city, Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s most historically significant castles.
Located in Stirling's city centre and close to public transport links, the Historic Scotland site makes for a great day out.
For a scenic day out, take Route 76 with stunning views over the Ochills.
Climb to the top of Alloa Tower, which lies just off the traffic-free Alloa Hillfoots Loop.
From the largest surviving castle keep’s tower in Scotland you’ll have commanding views over the surrounding nine counties.
Crathes Castle, Aberdeenshire
Right next to the Deeside Way (Route 195), lies Crathes Castle.
The castle is nestled amid gentle rolling hills and surrounded by beautifully tended gardens.
Crathes Castle embodies the charm of a classic scottish tower house - offering a memorable and family‑friendly day out for visitors of all ages.
Dumbarton Castle, Dumbarton
The 18th-century Dumbarton Castle offers beautiful views across the Clyde and towards Ben Lomond on a clear day.
Located close to Route 7, the section running from Glasgow to Balloch makes for a great day out on the Network.
An hour's walk or a 20 minute cycle from Dumbarton, you will find the small village of Bowling.
Famous for its shipbuilding in the 18th-century, the route takes you through the 1895 railway tunnel on the recently transformed Bowline to Bowling Harbour.
The perfect stop for a tea and exploring Scotland's industrial past.
Both, Dumbarton and Bowling are reachable by train from Glasgow.
Route 7 runs through a forest area to Bowling Harbour, which makes for a great coffee stop with scenic views over the Clyde. Credit: Nadja Korner.
Wales
Caernarfon Castle, Gwynedd
Looking across the Menai Strait and out to Anglesey is one of the most impressive buildings of the Middle Ages.
Caernarfon Castle was built by King Edward I, and was eventually completed in the early 14th century after 47 years of construction.
It was the site of King Charles’ investiture as Prince of Wales in 1969.
The immense outer walls ringing Caernarfon Castle are themselves encircled by Route 8 and the Lôn Eifion.
Cardiff Castle, Cardiff
Also known as Lôn Las Cymru, Route 8 runs in sections down the whole length of Wales.
It runs right past the city of Cardiff with its historic castle.
With almost two millennia of history embedded in its walls, the castle offers an exceptional window into Cardiff’s past.
Llanerchaeron, Ceredigion
This 18th‑century Georgian villa designed by the renowned architect John Nash, offers a rich glimpse into Welsh gentry life.
Set within the wooded Aeron valley, Llanerchaeron provides a scenic and culturally rewarding stop for anyone exploring Mid Wales.
Route 822 connects Aberaeron and the National Trust property at Llanerchaeron.
The National Cycle Network and the National Trust
Over 200 National Trust properties lie within a mile of the Network, meaning you can walk, wheel and cycle to some of the most amazing places in the country.
Route 8 runs past the city of Cardiff with the historic castle at its centre. Credit: Matthew Horwood.
Northern Ireland
Minnowburn, Belfast
With great views of the Lagan Valley and a number of scenic trails, Minnowburn is an oasis of meadows and woodland.
It can be reached via the traffic-free Lagan and Lough path.
The 20 mile route can be split easily into shorter sections by the use of trains, which carry cycles. There are several stations along the route including one at each end.
Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, Castlerock
This 18th-century coastal estate offers beautiful views over the Atlantic Ocean and the near-by Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The Mussenden Temple sits on a clifftop, surrounded by dramatic coastal paths to explore.
Route 93 runs right past the estate with public transport access to a train station in Castlerock and bus services linking towns.
Derrymore House, Newry
Connected by Route 9, the Lagan Towpath, from Belfast to Lisburn, Derrymore House is an iconic late 18th-century thatched house.
The area is great for a stroll through the park and woodland.
Route 9 follows the River Lagan towpath south-west from Belfast to Lisburn.
Being traffic-free, the Lagan towpath is ideal for families.
Trains and buses link Belfast, Lambeg and Lisburn station, which makes it possible to break the path into smaller sections.
Historical sites in Northern Ireland are easily explored by walking, wheeling or cycling from the National Cycle Network. Credit: Brian Morrison.
