Family bike rides to blow away the cobwebs!

February half term is a great time to stretch your legs and get outside to blow away the cobwebs of the first half of winter!

Here are 5 of our favourite places to cycle to with the kids in tow – mostly road-free – and routes from our hire shop.


1. Solar System Route

If you’ve cycled in York with your family before, you’ve more than likely explored the University Of York Solar System route as it’s well-loved by local cyclists. A scale model of our solar system (created when Pluto was still a planet!) with planets and satellites at to-scale intervals along the way. A brilliant mostly road-free and educational ride for adults and kids!
Stop off at the Brunswick Organic Nursery in Bishopthorpe for a coffee, snack or drink, maybe stock up on plants and be on your way again!
The route is 6.4 miles each way so set aside a few hours with rest breaks or just go as far as your little one’s legs can take them!
It’s one of our favourite routes to share with families and we’re sure you’ll love it too!

All routes and information here

2. Rawcliffe Bar Country Park

Rawcliffe Bar Country Park is a great spot to take the kids this half term, offering not only a lovely cycle route along the river from the city centre, but it also boasts wide open fields and woodland, a climbing boulder for your budding climbers, a lovely playground and a fantastic pump bike track which includes a series of exciting and challenging jumps, banks and turns that will be fun for all levels of off-road bike enthusiasts!
Toilets? Yes, at the Park & Ride.

Cycle route from Get Cycling

3. Askham Bog

Photo credit: Little Vikings

Askham Bog is an idyllic nature reserve tucked away in the southwest of the city. Championed by Sir David Attenborough himself it’s well-loved and visited by locals seeking a bit of peace and greenery.

A gentle cycle ride with the kids will take you past the Sun, the beginning of the iconic Solar System Route (See above) and under the A1036 on a protected cycle route, past the Askham Bar Park & Ride and into the car park of the bog, where you can park your bikes and wander down to the decked walkway, exploring local fauna and flora.

Cycle route from Get Cycling

4. York Designer Outlet

A cycle ride to a shopping centre doesn’t sound too exciting but the York Designer Outlet is something special! It is a lovely cycle ride along the Solar System route to Saturn, then a small turn off to a quiet road leading you to one of the most popular shopping destinations in York. Not only does it have a great selection of shops, but it also has a range of cafes and restaurants to suit everyone and a fantastic outdoor covered adventure play area. It also has a lovely Woodland Trail for any kids that love nature!

Toilets? Yes inside the Outlet, with baby change facilities.

Cycle route from Get Cycling

5. Knavesmire Wood

One of the closest woods to GCHQ, Knavesmire Wood is a great place to let the little ones explore the forest and let off some steam. Loved by families and dog walkers alike, its proximity to York Racecourse makes it one of the most accessible nature spots in Southbank. Its central path is flat and short but going off into the trees is what makes it popular with mini explorers.

Cycle route from Get Cycling


Want to make February half term a bit more exciting?

We have cycles for all so head over to our hire page to book. You can also get in touch by calling us on 01904 636812 or email us at shop@getcycling.org.uk for more information!


Get Cycling CIC, 22 Hospital Fields Road, York YO10 4D
getcycling.org.uk | 01904 636 812 | admin@getcycling.org.uk