A ride to remember: what makes Fuller’s hotels perfect for cyclists
If you’re a keen cyclist, you’ll know there’s nothing more relaxing (and invigorating) than a long weekend spent racking up the miles along some of the UK’s best cycling routes.
Winding your way along sun-warmed paths, meeting the local wildlife, exploring picturesque hamlets and enjoying some delicious food and drink along the way…
Finding the perfect base for your ride – one which is close to your chosen route and understands cyclists’ needs, as well as having a great pub and restaurant on-site for fueling before and after a day of cycling – isn’t always easy.
But at Fuller’s, we know exactly what makes the perfect long weekend away, and our cycle-friendly hotels and pubs offer those extra touches which can transform a good weekend into a great one, whatever the weather, and you’ll find them along some of the South of England’s most beautiful routes.
But don’t take our word for it. Keen cyclists Michelle Brideau and Leonard Lee have shared their experiences staying at The Hampshire Hog, Waterlooville, and The Pilgrim Inn, New Forest, for cycling escapes.
The scenic route
Fuller’s pubs with Beautiful Bedrooms are in stunning spots across the South of England, from the greenery and rolling fields of the New Forest to the picturesque river paths of Stratford-upon-Avon.
Michelle, the blogger behind London cycling blog Ride On, explored the South Downs on her cycling escape, using The Hampshire Hog as a base.
“All Fuller’s hotels and pubs have their own unique character based on the building and location, so no two locations are alike. After taking a look at the Fuller’s pub and hotels within a couple of hours drive of Bristol, we decided on the Hampshire Hog Hotel next to the South Downs in the south of England,” she explained.
“On our route from the Hampshire Hog, we enjoyed views of the rolling hills that make up of this part of the South Downs, as well as admiring some beautiful architecture. The UK countryside can be very charming, even in the rain!”
When choosing a hotel for a cycling holiday, she said finding accommodation that pays attention to the finer details important to cyclists made all the difference.
“Before our stay, I contacted the hotel about the options for bike storage so that I would know what lock I would need to bring for the weekend. I was really pleased by the understanding shown by the hotel of our need to feel our bikes were secure. They advised me that they have plenty of space, two secure sheds, and also offered to put us in a room on the ground floor so that if we wanted, we could keep the bikes in our room. Amazing!”
Exploring the countryside
Meanwhile, fellow cycling enthusiast and vlogger Leonard, took a trip to the New Forest, staying at The Pilgrim Inn in Marchwood – a traditional thatched Fuller’s pub with rooms perched on a quiet road just three miles from the forest.
Leonard said: “Located only three miles from the edge of the New Forest, the inn itself was in a fairly rural area close to a quiet road into the forest. The property comprised of two thatched buildings – an older one that, to me, looked like it was an original 17th century inn and, as such, was very quaint and picturesque and a newer, more recent one, which had been built to match its neighbour.
“With blue skies and the smooth road stretching out before us, it was cycling Nirvana. As we rode, the scenery changed from moorland to leafy, green oak forest to gentle, undulating hills. It was a fantastic ride.”
Well-deserved: Cyclist blogger Michelle Brideau enjoys a glass of wine at The Hampshire Hog following a big day of cycling.
The added extras
As well as being perfectly located for cyclists, Fuller’s hotels offer those luxurious extras that can make all the difference when you’re tired, hungry and ready for some well-deserved relaxing.
Michelle said: “After a tiring ride, we were able to jump in the shower (hot showers, good water pressure and big fluffy towels: check!) and when we were freshened up, we could just walk down the hall for a chilled-out pint and dinner. Before we knew it, we were under the crisp white Egyptian cotton sheets ready for a good sleep looking forward to some more exploring.”
Leonard added: “I really liked the boutique feel of The Pilgrim Inn, and that there was free, fast WiFi, free water, and a complimentary welcome beer in the room. The New Forest is a wonderful place for cycling – and The Pilgrim makes an excellent base.”
Click here to read Michelle’s blog about her cycling holiday with Fuller’s.
Watch Leonard’s full Vlog about his cycling break in the New Forest:
Plan a cycling escape
If you love cycling, choose a Fuller’s hotel and you’ll see for yourself that we’re happy to go that extra mile.
We have a range of pubs with rooms in scenic locations across the South of England with excellent cycling routes nearby. So, whether you're looking to soak up the scenery of the South Downs National Park, or riding loops of Richmond Park, our pubs provide the perfect base for the best cycling routes in England.
Click here to find a hotel perfect for cyclists.
Extend your weekend stay for free
When you book a three-night weekend break, your Sunday night stay is on us* - giving you more time to truly make the most of your weekend!
Click here to see a list of participating pubs.
*offer available until 27th October subject to availability.
Long live the weekend...