The National Cycle Network spans the whole of the UK, from towns to rural countryside. Many of these routes pass through cities with beautiful Christmas light displays. In this blog, we’ve put together seven cities with displays that can be easily accessed from the Network, no matter whether you're walking, wheeling or cycling there.
Credit: Jonathan Bewley
Central Square, Cardiff - Route 8
A new light trail will form the centrepiece of Christmas in Cardiff this year with 11 installations. The Light of Winter Trail will run until 5 January 2026, guiding visitors around the city during the festive season.
Numerous Cardiff locations, including the dock feeder, Central Square (a short cycle) and the historic arcades, will be lit up to create some Christmas magic in the city.
Route 8 starts in Cardiff and passes through two national parks, the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia, leading to the beautiful island of Anglesey.
Princes Street and George Street, Edinburgh - Route 1
From 15 November until 4 January, 2026 Edinburgh Winter Fest pulls together Christmas markets, illuminating light trails, skating, street food, live entertainment, and Hogmanay celebrations across the city’s outdoor spaces.
Princes Street and George street will be transformed with giant illuminated trees and strings of fairy lights.
Continue towards Princes Street Gardens, where Edinburgh’s Christmas comes to life with fairy-lit trees and wooden huts selling festive treats and hosting Scotland’s largest Ferris-wheel.
Route 1 passes through the atmospheric medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town in Edinburgh.
The route takes in fascinating sights, from fantastic views of the famous White Cliffs of Dover to the wild mountain scenery of Scotland.
Route 1 passes through the atmospheric medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town in Edinburgh. Credit: Tony Marsh
Castle Park, Bristol - Route 4
Route 4 runs straight through Castle Park where this year, from 28 November there will a Christmas village.
The village is the perfect destination for festive fun.
Castle Park will play host an array of festive attractions, beautiful decorations and entertainment. With free entry, visitors can enjoy the spectacular display of Christmas trees, lights and decorations.
Route 4 is a great choice for long-distance cycle tourers looking for an interesting new challenge, it passes through beautiful countryside, along canals and through historic towns and cities.
Almost half of Route 4 is completely traffic-free.
New Street, Birmingham - Route 5
Birmingham comes alive every winter with the arrival of the Frankfurt Christmas Market.
The stalls on Victoria Square and along New Street, only a short walk, wheel or cycle from Route 5, offer something for everyone.
Carol singing, a big wheel and ice skating are just a few of the activities on offer - all creating a wonderful Christmasy atmosphere.
Route 5 is a long-distance route passing through both the beautiful British countryside and some of its historic towns and cities. The route, which is 42% traffic-free, travels in sections from Reading to North Wales.
Birmingham comes alive every winter with the arrival of the Frankfurt Christmas Market. Credit: Korng Sok
Just a short distance from Route 2 and Route 27 you will find the historic streets of the Barbican where the Christmas lights will illuminate the waterfront.
Between 27 November to 21 December, you can feel festive and head to the Piazza in the town centre where you will find Plymouth's Christmas Market.
Enjoy beautifully decorated wooden chalets, artisan crafts, bespoke gifts, delicious treats and street food favourites from around the world.
Route 2 is a long-distance route takes you past a rich variety of British landscapes but never deviates far from the coast, allowing you to breathe in the sea air and appreciate stunning views across the water.
Covent Garden, London - Route 4
Covent garden is a short walk, wheel or cycle from Route 4.
More than 30,000 lights will dazzle across the Piazza, Seven Dials, Neal’s Yards and surrounding streets.
There will be golden bells lining the the roof of the market building and a very sparkly 55ft British-grown Christmas tree.
Route 4 is a fantastic long-distance cycling route from London to Fishguard in west Wales. It passes through beautiful countryside, along canals and through historic towns and cities.
More than 30,000 lights will dazzle across the Piazza in Covent Garden. Credit: Daria Glakteeva
St Peter’s Square, Manchester - Route 6
This year the city centre will light up with a giant Santa who is likely to be joined by several illuminated sculptures that you can find across Piccadilly Gardens, St Peter’s Square and New Cathedral Street, as well as St Ann’s Square and the Cathedral.
New to this year, Santa will be riding on his sleigh across The Orient food hall.
St Peter’s Square is just a short walk, wheel or cycle from Route 6.
This route travels in sections from bustling London to the picturesque Lake District, past gorgeous landscapes, alongside historic canals and through some of the UK’s most interesting towns and cities.
