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Sussex Self-Guided Bike Tour

Discover a beautiful rural corner of southeast England

Tour Duration

5D / 4N

Trip Style

Self-Guided

Activity Level

2

Hotel Level

Luxury

Bikes

Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 2022
Trek Electric-Assist Verve+ 1

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Starting from

$2,599.00 per person

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Experience a great combination of beautiful countryside, coastline, and cultural heritage on an incredible bike tour in southern England.

Riding the hallowed hills of Sussex is truly like no other experience on Earth, with acre upon acre of rolling hills, vibrant green countryside, and an exquisitely picturesque coastline that has served as the gateway of an empire that has stood the test of time. On this self-guided bike tour, from one handpicked hotel just outside of the hustle and bustle of London, you'll meander through peaceful lanes discovering the historic stone cottages, cobbled streets, and cozy pubs of Sussex. You'll meander through the sun-soaked vineyards in the South Downs, which have the same chalky subsoil as the Champagne region in France, and savor its homegrown, award-winning sparkling wine. There's no landscape like the English hills. And there's no getaway quite like this one, where you are free to explore as you wish! Learn more about Self-Guided trips and if they're right for you »

Trip Wows
  • Discover the sun-soaked vineyards in the South Downs and sample England's award-winning sparkling wines

  • Enjoy a traditional treat of "fish and chips" on the pebble beach of the vibrant seaside resort town of Brighton

  • Pamper yourself at the hotel's beautiful spa set in an Elizabethan Manor House

  • Explore the charming village of Lewes, home to one of the oldest breweries in the UK

  • Enjoy unrivalled cycling down beautiful lanes, through quaint villages, and surrounded by a landscape rich in history

Row of coloured houses in Brighton with big wheel in the background

Brighton


What Guests are Saying
Cyclist poses beside UK telephone box and union jack

A very well-conceived trip with fun routes, excellent food, and interesting side tours. We felt Trek was fully behind us whilst enjoying the freedom of self-guidance. And the Trek bikes inspired confidence!

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Trek Travel Guest

two people cycling in England with matching jerseys and helmets

Every day was a great experience that really surpassed my expectations.  The attention to detail was amazing with surprises at every turn.

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David, Trek Travel Guest

A cyclist in Yorkshire, England

I don’t have the words to do it justice, but it was the best trip I’ve ever been on, and I cannot imagine anything surpassing it.  

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Marc, Trek Travel Guest


Green field with oak trees and sheep in south downs sussex

Great Ride

The Vineyard Loop

Our flagship ride, wind your way along quiet country lanes and stop off at leading local vineyards en route!


Dates & Pricing

Book early for the best price

  • Guaranteed

  • Join Waitlist

  • Private

  • Limited Availability


Itinerary
Rider Information

Hotels
Rooftop terrace above indoor pool at hotel Ockenden
Afternoon tea laid out on tabel in front of old timey couch
Exterior of hotel Ockenden with surrounding green lawn
Table in drawing room of hotel ockenden
Double bed in hotel Ockenden
Cuckfield, England
Ockenden Manor Hotel & Spa
Luxury

A fine and tranquil Elizabethan Manor House with lavishly decorated rooms, an outstanding spa, a delightful swimming pool, and an award-winning restaurant set on eight acres of beautiful grounds overlooking Cuckfield Park. With its history and character, this elegant property is a wonderful place to both unwind and indulge while enjoying stunning views all around.

...

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Bikes & Gear
Ride the Best Bikes in the Industry
Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Road
Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 2022

It isn’t the cycling vacation of a lifetime unless you have the industry’s best bike to match. The Checkpoint ALR 5 is a high-quality build that is light and fast, and is incredibly comfortable for many miles of exploring beautiful terrain. What sets this model apart is the performance components, progressive geometry, and a wealth of features that give you a smooth ride even when the pavement is a bit more rugged. It is the ideal choice for your kind of adventure.

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Trek Verve+ Lowstep 1 E-Bike
Trek Electric-Assist Verve+ 1

With its Low-Step frame design, hopping on and off the Trek Verve+ is super easy. The suspension seat post will take the edge off any bumps in the road and the Bosch system will keep you smiling from ear to ear.

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Additional Gear
  • Trek Travel water bottles to keep
  • Bontrager saddle
  • Bontrager helmet
  • Bontrager front and rear Flare R lights
  • Garmin Edge 830 or 1030 GPS computer with pre-loaded routes
  • Shimano SPD-SL road style pedals, Shimano SPD mountain style pedals, caged, or flat pedals
  • A flat pack containing a tube, levers, and a CO2 cartridge with inflator
  • For the most comfortable ride, we recommend you bring your own saddle. If you prefer, you can bring your own pedals and helmet on the trip and your host will install your gear on the first day during your bike fit.
A collage of cycling gear guests will use on a Trek Travel Self-Guided Bike Tour.

Trip Inclusions

Additional Details

Your Day. You Decide.

Our self-guided vacations are designed to fit all types of travel styles. Whether you like to spend your time relaxing or on a non-stop adventure, you get to decide what your day looks like. Choose your mileage, itinerary, and experience level and leave the rest to us!

Your Trip Need to Knows:

  • We do our best to avoid busy roadways as much as possible, however, urban riding and sections of busy roads are unavoidable for some segments of your rides.
  • There are some short sections of gravel and uneven lanes on this bike tour which can be slightly bumpy at time however our Checkpoints and Verve’s are fitted with wide, semi-slick tires that are perfect for this terrain.
  • We recommend that you bring good walking shoes or boots as there are some fantastic hikes nearby including the South Downs Way — a long distance trail along the ridge of hills known as the South Downs – and some lovely walks with spectacular views of the coastline and the Weald.
  • Look right and keep left! In England, you cycle on the left side of the road along with traffic. Extra attention and caution are required as you ride, cross intersections, and enter traffic circles if this is the opposite side of the road that you are accustomed to.

Before and After Your Trip

Weather

Average monthly temperature and precipitation

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High (°F) 46.0° 47.0° 52.0° 56.0° 63.0° 68.0° 72.0° 71.0° 66.0° 59.0° 52.0° 47.0°
High (°C) 7.8° 8.3° 11.1° 13.3° 17.2° 20.0° 22.2° 21.7° 18.9° 15.0° 11.1° 8.3°
Low (°F) 36.0° 35.0° 37.0° 40.0° 46.0° 51.0° 55.0° 54.0° 49.0° 45.0° 39.0° 36.0°
Low (°C) 2.2° 1.7° 2.8° 4.4° 7.8° 10.6° 12.8° 12.2° 9.4° 7.2° 3.9° 2.2°
Rain (in) 1.86° 1.27° 1.01° 1.23° 1.02° 0.91° 0.93° 0.93° 1.85° 1.62° 1.7°
FAQs

The best time to visit Sussex, England is late-June through September. In this period you have pleasant temperatures with temperatures that range from 68-77°F (20-25°C) and little precipitation. Always remember that rain is possible at any time, weather in the UK can be unpredictable! Please, be prepared with the proper rain gear in order to best enjoy your vacation.
View our Packing List

To reserve your space on a trip, you can either call us at 866-464-8735 to speak with an expert Trip Consultant or book online any time by clicking the “BOOK THIS TRIP” icon near the upper right of each destination’s overview page.* Once you have submitted your reservation online, a Trip Consultant will contact you within one business day to answer any questions you may have and to confirm space, bike, and room availability on your desired trip. Your booking will be finalized once your no-risk deposit is paid. If you make a reservation more than 90 days prior to the trip, a $750 no risk deposit is due at the time of booking.** If you reserve your trip less than 90 days prior to the departure, the full balance is due at the time of booking. Once your booking is complete you will receive an email confirmation with important information pertaining to your trip.

*Please note that select trips cannot be booked online at this time. For those trips, please call a trip consultant at 866-464-8735.

**Deposit amounts vary for all Race, Cross Country, Special Edition, Ride Camp, Discover, and Self-Guided tours. Please confirm deposit amounts for all trips with your Trip Consultant at time of booking.

When a trip is booked, a guest confirmation letter is immediately sent out. One week prior to the trip start, you’ll receive an email containing your trip start meeting location reminder and any last-minute information that you’ll need to know before you go. Once you arrive at your destination, your Trek Travel host will brief you on the day-to-day plan for the trip and give you an overview on the daily route information and detailed maps within the Ride with GPS app. Your host will also review with you the preloaded Garmin GPS computer that allows you to ride with complete confidence and independence.

We understand things happen in life and sometimes you have to cancel or change your self-guided bike tour. We want to make it as easy as possible to do so and below you’ll find our timeline.

Have a question? Just give us a call, 866-464-8735.
Read our Cancellation Policy

Trek Travel recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help safeguard you and your travel investment against the unexpected. We offer a travel protection plan through Arch RoamRight that provides coverage for unforeseen events that could affect your ability to travel with us. Learn more about our Travel Protection

We've collaborated with a specialized travel agency committed to delivering tailored vacation planning, ensuring your entire Trek Travel journey is nothing short of unforgettable. Learn more about our Travel Services

Your Self-Guided trip price is per person based on two guests sharing a room. If you are a solo traveler or if you want to stay in your own private room while traveling with other people, you will have a Single Supplement Fee added to your trip price at the time of booking.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Check out our General FAQs section. You will find answers to the most common questions that don't necessarily pertain to a specific trip. See Self-Guided FAQs


Guaranteed Trips

Our trips are guaranteed to run once we have one confirmed booking on the trip. Click here to view our full guarantee policy.

Trek Travel reserves the right to cancel trips with zero guests, therefore you must book with Trek Travel before making travel arrangements for the trip. We are not responsible for travel arrangements made prior to confirming your Trek Travel Trip. Select trips are not guaranteed.

Sold Out/Waitlist

This trip is currently sold out, but you may be added to the waitlist in the case of availability.

Limited Availability

If a date is marked with Limited Availability, there are few spots left to book. We will secure additional rooms from our hotels before confirming your reservation.

Looking to travel with a small group? Ask our trip consultants about private trips and learn more.

What are your trip styles?

Classic - Reserve:

Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discovor:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Ride Camp:

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

Pro Race:

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Self-Guided

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

Private

If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.

Looking to travel with a small group or looking for a custom date?
Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735

What is the Difference?

Ultimate Luxury:

Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.

Luxury:

Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.

Explorer

These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.

Combined

On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of hotel levels, from Explorer to Luxury to Ultimate Luxury. Rest assured, no matter which level of hotel you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.

Activity Level

Level 1:

Road: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Level 2:

Road: 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).

Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).

Level 3:

Road: 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).

Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).

Level 4:

Road: 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

What are your trip styles?

Classic - Reserve:

Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discovor:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Ride Camp:

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

Pro Race:

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Self-Guided

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

Single Occupancy

Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself