St Edmundsbury & Ipswich Cycle Ride
Cycling through unspoilt Suffolk countryside, you will never travel far without seeing the soaring tower or spire of an ancient church.
‘Of all the great English counties, Suffolk is the most truly medieval,’ wrote author Simon Jenkins, and this is certainly true of its churches.
This tour, in the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, will take you from the impressive St Edmundsbury Cathedral, at the heart of historic Bury St Edmunds, out into open country where you ride along winding lanes, pedal up hills and freewheel down into wooded valleys. The lofty towers, built with the flint so characteristic of East Anglia – some with spires atop them - will spur you on.
Taking time to step inside churches en route, you will be rewarded by spectacular angel roofs, exquisite carving and dazzling stained glass.
If you don’t want to tackle the entire route, there’s a shorter option for a more relaxed ride. Go at your own pace and make it a truly memorable day.
Download Map and Leaflet
We have a PDF Leaflet showing the route and other information that you may find interesting. To download the leaflet please right click on the map image and choose the "Save link as" and select where to store it on your system. Alternatively you can left click the image to open the leaflet in a new browser window and then use the browser menu to "Save file as".
Great Barton - Holy Innocents
This handsome church has an ancient chancel with a 13th century piscina, used to drain the water used at Mass, and sedilia, the stone seats for the priest and his assistants.Look out for the dog on a bench end, marking the time when shepherds brought their sheepdogs into the church as they were too valuable to leave outside.
Pakenham - St Mary
High above the village, this is one of a handful of cruciform churches in Suffolk, its tower rising from the central crossing. Note the west and south Norman doorways before entering. There is much of interest inside, not least the font with its meditating monks sitting round the shaft.
Thurston - St Peter
High above the village, this is one of a handful of cruciform churches in Suffolk, its tower rising from the central crossing. Note the west and south Norman doorways before entering. There is much of interest inside, not least the font with its meditating monks sitting round the shaft.
Tostock - St Andrew
High above the village, this is one of a handful of cruciform churches in Suffolk, its tower rising from the central crossing. Note the west and south Norman doorways before entering. There is much of interest inside, not least the font with its meditating monks sitting round the shaft.
Woolpit - St Mary
The spectacular Victorian spire of this important church can be seen for miles. Look up to admire the decorative flint flushwork before entering through one of the most lavish porches in Suffolk. Inside, wonder at the famous hammerbeam roof with its profusion of saints and angels, the colourful medieval screen and the curious carvings on the bench ends.
Shelland - King Charles the Martyr
This little treasure of a church up a tiny country lane lined with wild hedgerows, is a pleasure to discover by cycle.
Stepping inside, the Gothick wall colours and Georgian box pews might take you by surprise. Another remarkable survival is the 19th century barrel organ that’s still in use.
Rattlesden - St Nicholas
Set in a steep valley, this church sits at the heart of the village. The exquisitely-carved angel roof dates from the 1880s but the real wonder of the church is the complete 20th century replica of a medieval rood (cross) and screen. Take time to admire the 1920s glass in the nave.
Drinkstone - All Saints
In a beautiful country setting, this church has a 17th century brick tower built for ringing. This lovely building was upgraded in the mid 19th century and has spacious aisles and an impressive tower arch. The superbly carved rood screen of 1390 and medieval glass remain.
Hessett - St Ethelbert
A beautiful little church named for a Saxon king of East Anglia, murdered in 794. The tower is embellished with angels and pinnacles and inside are 15th century wall paintings, among them a fine depiction of the Seven Deadly Sins. Learn about the medieval treasure discovered in the church and now in the British Museum.
Rougham - St Mary
This grand and lofty church with a soaring 15th century tower stands some half a mile from the village. You can clearly see the names of the benefactors below the battlements, asking for prayers for their souls.
A superb hammerbeam roof in the nave and graceful 14th century arcades add to its beauty.
