EBike Tour 6
This 2 night UK E-Bike holiday combines some gentle cycling, with plenty of interesting stops to enjoy. Transport and racing lovers will be fascinated by the Donington Collection museum, which houses the world's largest collection of Grand Prix racing cars, as well as a large collection of rare military vehicles, including tanks, armoured vehicles and motorcycles. The courtyards and lanes in the unspoilt Derbyshire town of Melbourne are delightful and in summer months you can also enjoy a visit to the privately owned Melbourne Hall. The National Trust property of Calke Abbey is packed with artefacts from years gone by. You're bound to want to spend several hours exploring the house and grounds. Perched on a hilltop, tiny Breedon Church houses one of the best collections of Saxon carvings and offers views for miles around.
NIGHTS
2
AV. DAILY MILEAGE
20 - 30
AVAILABILITY
Start any day, all year
PRICE
From £425 per person
Price includes
Electric bike hire, accommodation on a b&b basis, luggage transfer each day, car parking, detailed self-guide route to follow at your own pace, helmets. We're on hand to offer local support when required
Price excludes
Travel to your holiday starting point. Entry to attractions. Single supplement. Dinners. Extra nights. Travel insurance
ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS
The world's largest collection of Grand Prix cars. The quaint market town of Melbourne, namesake of the Australian city. The magnificent National Trust property of Calke Abbey.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: Your cycling holiday begins in the small town of Castle Donington, close to the River Trent. The town's collection of historic buildings meant that it was the first Conservation Area in Leicestershire. A heritage guide takes visitors through the town, pointing out the most important buildings and the small museum hosts regular changing exhibitions. The town offers a variety of places to eat, to suit all tastes.
DAY 2: A pleasant cycle through the back lanes brings you to the little town of Melbourne. The town supports a lovely selection of local independent shops, restaurants and bars, making this a perfect stop for lunch. In summer months take a tour of Melbourne Hall Gardens, the seat of the Victorian Prime Minister William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne, after whom the Australian city of Melbourne is named. The Hall's stables now house a collection of small individual businesses. From Melbourne your cycle tour takes you deeper into Derbyshire and to the small village of Repton. This was the historic capital of Mercia and is home to the famous Repton School. Take a wander around the village and visit the Anglo Saxon crypt, one of England's most precious survivals of Anglo Saxon architecture. You will stay at the local microbrewery, where you will find a wide selection of beers and wines, as well as excellent food.
DAY 3: The uphill cycle ride to your first stop will be no problem on your electric bike! Cycle through the magnificent grounds, until you arrive at the National Trust property of Calke Abbey. This Grade 1 listed country house was the home to the Harpur family for nearly 300 years and is described by the National Trust as the “unstately home.” The family hoarded many of their possessions and the house slipped into decline. Today the National Trust displays the house in the state it was handed to them, meaning that every corner is packed with interesting things to see. Keen gardeners will love the gardens at Calke, which have been lovingly restored to their former glory. The courtyard cafe is a popular stop-off for cyclists and walkers and is a real sun-trap. A short cycle ride past the hall brings you to another grand estate, Staunton Harold. The buildings at Staunton now house a wide selection of craftsmen and artists. Visitors can watch many of these at work in their studios. In the grounds of Staunton Harold os also a small church, which is managed by the National Trust and is one of the few churches to be built between the English Civil War and the Restoration. Your journey continues to a second important church. Perched dramatically on top of a hill, the church at Breedon on the Hill contains some unique Saxon carvings, including the Breedon Angel. This is believed to be the oldest Saxon carving. The church was saved from disrepair by the Shirley family, who owned the Staunton Harold estate. The view from the church is one of the best in Leicestershire. It's a short cycle ride from here back to your starting point in Castle Donington.
Day 8
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Day 10
Day 11