Romantic Bike Rides Perfect for Valentine's Day
By Anna Jones at Eversure,
3rd February 2025, 15 min read
Have you thought about doing something different this Valentine’s Day? A couple’s bike ride could be the perfect idea! It’s an excellent way to connect with loved ones, get outside, enjoy some exercise, and get the endorphins flowing. Whether you’re celebrating with a partner or friends, a bike ride is a fun way to embrace love and create lasting memories. This guide features a variety of routes across the UK of varying lengths, so there’s something for everyone.
Beach
Seafront bike rides are a perfect choice for your Valentine’s Day adventure. With the cycle paths empty due to winter weather, you can take your time and enjoy each other’s company without the distraction. The soothing sound of the waves and the crisp sea air set the stage for a romantic atmosphere.
Suggested beach routes:
Oyster Bay Trail (Kent)
Distance: 13km (8.1 miles)
This flat route along the promenade between Whitstable and Reculver offers stunning coastal views. Along the way, you'll find plenty of pubs and cafes where you can stop to enjoy a meal or a drink.
Mumbles Head to Swansea Bay (Swansea)
Distance: 9.3km (5.8 miles)
Follow the curve of Swansea Bay on this route which boasts incredible views of Mumbles Head and the gateway to the Gower Peninsula.
Alnmouth to Druridge Bay (Northumberland)
Distance: 14.5km (9 miles)
Discover the beauty of Northern England’s coastline on this scenic ride. Before reaching Druridge Bay, you will pass Warkworth Castle so why not take a detour and enjoy a free audio tour?
Worthing to Brighton (East Sussex)
Distance: 20.7km (12.9 miles)
This easy, flat route showcases the best of both worlds: the beaches of Worthing and Brighton on one side, and the rolling South Downs on the other.
Forest
A bike ride in the forest immerses you in the calmness and beauty of nature making it ideal for Valentine’s Day. The fresh air coupled with the quiet trails and breathtaking views is perfect. Cycling through winding, undulating forest paths offers a sense of adventure and shared achievement. The quiet nature will allow you to escape the bustle of daily life and enjoy some uninterrupted quality time together.
Suggested forest routes:
Wyre Forest (Shropshire)
Located on National Route 45, Wyre Forest is a lush woodland teeming with diverse plants and wildlife. For a scenic ride, follow the old railway line loop starting from Bewdley and you will cover around 16.4 km (10.2 miles).
New Forest (Hampshire)
Distance: 4.3km (2.7 miles)
This route follows a section of the former railway line between Brokenhsurt and Wimborne. The trail passes through heathland and pine woodland offering the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife.
Whinlatter Forest (Cumbria)
Set within the Lake District World Heritage Site, Whinlatter Forest is accessible via National Route 71 from Keswick and leads into Braithwaite. The forest itself offers unparalleled views of the lakes and has trails suitable for cyclists and mountain bikers. For specific routes and distances, visit the official Whinlatter website.
City
Urban rides through cities and towns can be just scenic as those along the coast and in the countryside. Consider a route that passes local landmarks of places of special significance to you as a couple. You could finish your ride by stopping off somewhere for dinner or dessert to round off your romantic bike ride.
Suggested city routes:
Tower Bridge to Greenwich (London)
Distance: 8km (5 miles)
This is a quintessential route in London that passes through all the touristy landmarks. Cycle along the River Thames to see iconic sights like Greenwich, Putney as well as the vibrant heart of the city itself as you pass Tower Bridge and the London Eye.
Bristol Docks Loop (Bristol)
Distance: 4.8km (3 miles)
Explore the charming and historic docks of Bristol on this scenic route. Starting in the city centre, this route will take you to the Cumberland Basin, offering views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Avon Gorge, and Ashton Court. There are plenty of cafés, museums, and historic sites that line the docks that you can enjoy on the way.
Arthur's Seat Circular (Edinburgh)
Distance: 12km (7.4 miles)
This route starts at Arthur’s Seat, which you can climb and be rewarded with panoramic views of Edinburgh and the Lothians. From there, it takes you past Portobello beach before finishing in Holyrood Park. Along the way, you’ll cycle by the Coade Stone Column and the Abbey Strand where the historic Sanctuary Stones are located.
Located at the foot of the Royal Mile, Holyrood Park has well-surfaced roads ideal for cyclists. The park provides a spectacular backdrop to Edinburgh as its dramatic hills shape the city’s skyline.
Castle
Rides near castles combine history and romance and make an enchanting destination for a bike ride. These routes often include picturesque surroundings and the charm of fairy-tale settings. Take the opportunity to explore the grounds or gardens of a castle during your stop.
Suggested castle routes:
Cardiff to Castell Coch (Cardiff)
Distance: 14.5km (9 miles)
This scenic route begins in Bute Park, winds past the iconic Principality Stadium and then follows the River Taff through the heart of Cardiff. The ride leads to Castell Coch, a 19th-century fairytale-esc castle perched on medieval remains. Nestled on a hillside and surrounded by beautiful beech woodland, the castle’s conical turrets give it a storybook appearance. How romantic!
Chepstow to Blaise Castle (Bristol to Monmouthshire)
Distance: 23.2km (14.4 miles)
This ride connects Blaise Castle in Bristol to the historic Chepstow Castle in Monmouthshire and offers a mix of gorgeous scenery and history. You'll cycle across the Old Severn Bridge before reaching Chepstow Castle, perched above the River Wye. It’s one of Britain’s oldest surviving stone castles and features some of the earliest castle doors in Europe that date back over 800 years.
Coast and Castles South (Newcastle to Edinburgh)
Distance: 321km (200 miles)
For adventurous cycling couples seeking an epic journey, this long-distance ride is a must. Stretching from Newcastle to Edinburgh, the route offers stunning views of unspoiled coastlines and passes through Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, nature reserves, and historic landmarks. Highlights include the stunning Lindisfarne (Holy Island) and Bamburgh Castle. This route combines coastal charm with some of Britain’s finest heritage sites, making it a memorable adventure perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Local Park
Don’t overlook cycling around your local park as they can be both peaceful and leisurely. Consider cycling at sunset for a more magical experience and pack a picnic with your favourite foods.
Ride a Tandem Bike
Why not try riding these routes on a tandem bike instead of two separate bikes? Riding a tandem bike requires teamwork, communication and synchronisation so it is a perfect activity for Valentine’s Day. Not only is it a fun and memorable way to spend time together but it’s also sure to make you laugh.
The stronger or more experienced rider typically takes the role of the ‘pilot’. You will be seated on the front saddle to manage steering, brakes, and gears. Meanwhile, the rider at the back, known as the ‘stoker’ also plays an essential role by providing additional pedalling power.
At Eversure, we insure tandem bikes. So why not bring yours out, insure it with us today, and enjoy your ride with peace of mind? What is more romantic than that?
Final Thoughts
A romantic bike ride for Valentine’s Day is a wonderful way to enjoy quality time with your partner or your friends. It combines adventure, romance and the beauty of nature. Whether you choose a peaceful beach route, a serene forest trail, or a scenic city path, the possibilities for creating lasting memories are endless. This Valentine’s Day hop on a bike, explore your surroundings and enjoy the adventure together.
Insure your bikes with us today! You and your partner can both cover your bikes under one policy with our Family Cover, which is included in our essential cover – no need to purchase benefits. Whilst romance is important, safety is paramount.