Thanks to our love of mountain biking, we get to see some of the best countryside in the UK – particularly around our home patches of Sussex and Surrey. But what do we do when we’re not on the bike? What else is there to see and do in the areas we love?

Whether you’re into watersports, nature, restaurants or pubs, let’s share some of our favourite ways to turn a bike ride into a full day (or weekend) of fun.

Arundel & Amberley

In the centre of the South Downs, historic Arundel is our base for our classic South Downs Way weekends, and nearby Amberley hosts Introduction to Mountain Biking rides as well as private guiding. What else does the area offer?

• Central Arundel – a breathtaking castle, surrounded by picture-postcard streets, plus boutiques and restaurants
• Arundel Wetland Centre – full of birds and wildlife, a chance to get to know the animal life of the South Downs
• Riverside South Downs – near Amberley station, a combination of tea rooms, bike hire and boating on the River Arun
• Amberley Heritage Museum –, a short walk from Riverside, a collection of old vehicles, industrial artefacts and historical items
• Arden House – one of several places to stay in Arundel, our favourite, with a very warm welcome from Lucie

Littlehampton & Felpham

Not far from Arundel, the coastal destinations of West Sussex offer a chance to get down the sea as part of a day or a weekend away.

• The Beach – a fun new beach club venue with a tasty menu, drinks, and watersports like kitseurfing – provided by expert instructors
• East Beach Guest House – classic seaside hospitality a stone’s thrown from Littlehampton beach
• Beachcroft Beach Huts – beachfront luxury in Felpham (and our base for Shore to South Downs)

Cuckmere Valley

Perhaps the most scenic spot in Sussex, where the South Downs meet the sea. Home to our East Sussex Explorer and another location for our Intro to Mountain Biking rides, with bike hire from Cuckmere Cycle Company. But also…

• Alfriston – a riverside village bustling with pubs and cafes, and home to the National Trust’s very first property: the Clergy House
• Seven Sisters Country Park – if you’re not biking, go walking, where dense forests give way to dramatic clifftops
• Buzz Active – canoeing and paddleboarding on the calm waters of Cuckmere Meanders
• Rathfinney – a wonderful example of Sussex’s growing reputation for high quality sparkling wine
• Saltmarsh Farmhouse – a charming place to stay, well-located for all the valley’s activities

Surrey Hills

A legendary area for mountain biking, and home to so many Marmalade rides, the Surrey Hills offer lots besides amazing singletrack…

• Peaslake, Holmbury St Mary, Abinger Hammer and other villages – classic English countryside villages waiting to be explored
• Silent Pool – sample local Surrey gin, produced using Surrey spring water
• Albury Vineyard – another tasty example of England’s booming wine scene
• Run Surrey Hills – our go-to experts when it comes to exploring this area on foot, whether running or walking
• Hurtwood Inn – one of our favourite places to stay, with excellent Italian food, local ales and the Riders Hub bike hire just across the road

Shoreham & Horsham

The Adur Valley, home to rides like our Tour de Rings and Adur Valley Adventure, has its own share of places to visit while you’re in the area for your off-road riding. Maybe even combine these rural delights with the bright lights of nearby Brighton…

• Tottington Manor – as a place to stay, or just to dine, this charming spot has an amazing view of the South Downs.
• Chalk – part of the Wiston Estate, sample fine wines and enjoy a gourmet lunch (or combine with our Ride and Dine experience)
• Knepp Wildland – famed for its rewilding, a real chance to get back to nature with a walk or a wildlife safari