The Rebellion Way Cycle Route in Norfolk, UK

Nestled in the heart of East Anglia, Norfolk offers a cycling experience that combines rich history, scenic landscapes and a gentle terrain perfect for leisure cycling or gravel biking. The Rebellion Way, a 232-mile (373 km) circular route, is an ideal choice for cyclists seeking a relaxed yet adventurous journey and the Trailbrakes Team recently undertook a research trip to Norwich to discover what the region had to offer multi-day cycling tour enthusiasts. We found that the terrain is ideal for biking tours on hybrid or gravel bikes and is surprisingly hilly, although gradients tend to be gentle and climbs are generally short.

The Rebellion Way pays homage to Norfolk's rebellious past, named after two notable figures: Boudicca, the warrior queen of the Iceni tribe who led a revolt against Roman rule, and Robert Kett, who led a 16th-century uprising against land enclosures. As you pedal through the route, you'll encounter landmarks such as Venta Icenorum, the capital of Boudicca’s tribe, and Kett’s Heights, a site commemorating Kett’s Rebellion.​

Designed with leisure cyclists in mind, the Rebellion Way features a mix of quiet country lanes, byways, cycle paths, and bridleways. The route is predominantly flat, making it accessible for cyclists of all levels. Off-road sections are fast, non-technical, and weather-resistant, ensuring a smooth ride throughout. Norfolk's mild climate and numerous rest stops add to the appeal, offering opportunities to recharge and enjoy local hospitality. 

Peter and I took four fabulous days of cycling to explore this gorgeous area of the UK. During our fantastic cycling tour of Norfolk, we were able to visit royal estates, stunning coastlines and quiet countryside, including secluded nature reserves and forests. The North Norfolk coast was the perfect location for an ice-cream at Wells-Next-the-Sea, where the its massive sandy beach lined with colourful beach huts meets a peaceful pine forest, full of native wildlife. Holkham Hall was another highlight on our multi-day cycling adventure in Norfolk. The sprawling estate is home to herds of fallow deer and shared-use paths lead through the rolling parkland offering gorgeous views of the grand stately home. You can spend hours exploring the estate and gardens but Peter and I weren't able to hang around as we had 60 miles to cycle that day!

Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or new to multi-day tours, the Rebellion Way offers a perfect blend of history, scenery and leisurely cycling. It's an excellent choice for those looking to explore Norfolk at a relaxed pace, immersing themselves in the county's rich heritage and natural beauty.

The Rebellion Way is typically completed over four to six days, but like all of our biking tour itineraries, it can be adapted to suit your schedule.