Downs Link Brighton Bike Tour

Experience quintessential England, from the coast to the country

Cycle along the sensational coastline of Sussex, enjoying the benefits of bike rental, and discovering the luscious landscape along the Downs Link route. Ride from Brighton to Bramber Castle via the spectacular seafront, Hove, and Shoreham-on-Sea, experiencing a blissful blend of picturesque pebble beaches, opulent beachside architecture, meandering rivers, and wonderfully rich woodland. A stop for lunch at a traditional English pub completes the quintessential countryside ride.

Your diverse day tour begins in the bustling Old Town of Brighton. As you reach the stunning seafront you’ll find yourself facing another icon of the city - Brighton Palace Pier. A favorite holiday destination of millions of Brits and foreign tourists every year, the seafront is regarded as a ‘pleasure beach’, a traditional British seaside resort of carnival rides, arcades, striped deck chairs and ice cream parlors. This is a timeless landmark on the English coast - one that never loses its allure and charm. You’ll also notice the skeletal structure of the ruined West Pier, and learn from your guide all about its curious history. You’ll pedal along the promenade past the luscious Hove Lawns gracing the seafront. Biking past Brunswick Terrace, admire the flamboyant facades of one of the most popular streets in Brighton.

You’ll soon be cycling along Shoreham Harbour, where the light sparkles off the flanks of the boats moving sedately around their moorings. Pass through the serene village of Southwick to the sublime seaside vistas of Shoreham-by-Sea, a quintessentially English coastal town and port.

Cycling out of Shoreham, your guide will lead you inland along the peaceful Downs Link cycle path. You’ll enjoy the greatly rejuvenating properties of the Sussex countryside, soothing busy minds with its breathtaking vistas of rolling hills, chalky cliffs, and the elegant rhythms of the English Channel gracing the horizon. Bike through a sound bath of gently chirruping bird song, and look up to catch sight of birds of prey soaring spectacularly over the crests of the hills.

You’ll ride along the old railway line to pedal in parallel with the graceful waters of the River Adur as you bike into view of Bramber Castle, a magisterial motte-and-bailey castle built quickly after the Norman conquest to protect the newly won territories of William I. Here, you’ll park up your bicycle for a break, enjoying spectacular views over the West Sussex countryside, the Adur, and the town of Steyning.

Wend your way onwards through the Wealden Woodland, where you’ll be inspired by the patterns of dappled sunshine on the path in front as you bike beneath a burgeoning green canopy. Cycle by the unusual sights of disused Victorian stations as you pedal towards a traditional English country pub (either The Partridge or The Old Railway) where you’ll stop for a lovely lunch in serene surroundings. Once you’re ready, your bicycle tour leads you back to Brighton, enjoying a different perspective as you follow the river right down to the coast.