East Suffolk Council
Tour of Britain
The Lloyds Tour of Britain Men returns to East Suffolk in September!
Britain’s biggest professional cycle race and the UK’s largest free-to-spectate live sporting event will return on Tuesday 2 September, with the opening stage of the race departing from Woodbridge and finishing in Southwold.
Since its return in 2004, the Tour of Britain has become a cornerstone of the UK sporting calendar. More than 15 million people have watched the event in person, with the race generating over £330m for the UK economy to date.
Route
Tuesday 2 September will see riders getting underway from Woodbridge in East Suffolk, and facing a 161.4-kilometre (100.4-mile) stage to Southwold, the first time that the opening stage of Britain’s biggest professional men’s cycle race has been held in Suffolk since 2012.
From the start in Woodbridge at 11am, riders will initially head west, before looping back around through Grundisburgh, Wickham Market, and Rendlesham, before passing the famous Snape Maltings to reach the Suffolk coast at Aldeburgh.
Running alongside the sea to Thorpeness, the route then turns inland, weaving through Saxmundham and Framlingham, to the day’s intermediate sprint on Walpole Road in Halesworth.
The stage will reach its northernmost point at Bungay, routing back towards Southwold via Beccles, Wrentham and Reydon, for the finish on North Parade in Southwold, which is expected at around 3.05pm.
Travel information
Details of all road closures and parking suspensions in East Suffolk.
An evening with Ned Boulting - Sunday 31 August
Tickets are now on sale for a special event with acclaimed sports broadcaster Ned Boulting, ahead of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men arriving in East Suffolk.
Sports broadcaster, author, and cycling enthusiast Ned Boulting will be speaking at the Seckford Theatre in Woodbridge on Sunday 31 August, exploring the fascinating intersections of history, sport, and media.
Family fun at Kingston Fields in Woodbridge - Sunday 31 August
We have lots of fun activities taking place in Woodbridge on Sunday 31 August to complement the East Suffolk Sportive.
Not cycling? No problem! Bring your friends and family along for a relaxing day out:
- Picnics on the grass
- Free public access to tennis and pickleball courts
- Games and activities for all ages
- Family fun ride
Celebrate the energy of elite cycling in the community spirit of East Suffolk. Whether you're riding or cheering from the sidelines, there's something for everyone.
Pedal and Picnic 3km family ride
Bring the whole family along for a joyful 3km led ride, hosted by Suffolk County Council, as part of the Pedal & Picnic!
Starts at 11am at Kingston Playing Fields.
Perfect for all ages (under 16s welcome with an adult).
This gentle 3km route is ideal for families and newer riders, offering a safe and scenic ride through local paths with plenty of smiles along the way. Led by friendly ride leaders, it’s a great way to get active and be part of the cycling buzz in Suffolk.
Pedal and Picnic 10km led ride
Get ready for a fun-filled afternoon with Suffolk County Council’s 10km led ride, taking place alongside the excitement of the Woodbridge Sportive.
Starts at 12:30pm at Kingston Playing Fields. Open to riders aged 16+.
This scenic 10km ride is perfect for those looking to enjoy a relaxed cycle through beautiful surroundings, with the added buzz of the sportive near by. Led by experienced ride leaders, it’s a great way to get moving, meet fellow cyclists, and soak up the atmosphere.
Pedal and Picnic bike maintenance - Kingston Fields
Checks include:
- Free safety check
- Free adjustment to your bike's brakes and gears
- Free puncture repair
- Free basic maintenance and replacement of brake blocks and cables if needed
Please book a session in advance.
Family activities - Tuesday 2 September in Southwold
Family Fun Ride – 3km of smiles and cycling
Join us for a relaxed and joyful 3km family fun ride, hosted by Suffolk County Council, as part of the Tour of Britain celebrations!
Start Time: 11am
Starting Point: Southwold Pier, North Parade
Open to all ages (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult)
This short and scenic ride is perfect for families, beginners, and anyone looking to enjoy a gentle cycle in a safe and supportive environment. Led by friendly ride leaders, the route loops through local paths and green spaces, making it a great way to get active and be part of the excitement.
After the ride, stick around for fun in the Tour Village, featuring:
- Cycle activities and bike maintenance
- Suffolk Mind wellbeing zone
- Feel Good Suffolk interactive sessions
- Arts and crafts for all ages
Whether you are pedalling or soaking up the atmosphere, it's a fantastic day out for the whole family. Come celebrate cycling, community, and wellbeing in the heart of Suffolk.
Tour of Britain 10km Led Ride
Celebrate the Tour of Britain in style with a 10km led ride through the stunning surroundings of Southwold and East Suffolk, hosted by Suffolk County Council.
Start Time: 12:30pm
Starting Point: Event Village, Southwold
Finish Line: Official Tour of Britain Finish Line
This scenic ride offers a unique opportunity to cycle part of the official Tour of Britain men's 2025 route, soaking up the race-day atmosphere and riding alongside fellow cycling enthusiasts. Led by experienced guides, the route takes in coastal views, charming villages, and the buzz of the event village before culminating in a triumphant finish on the same line as the pros!
Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just looking for a memorable way to be part of the action, this ride is a fantastic way to experience the Tour of Britain up close.
Plus, enjoy all the fun of the event village before and after your ride, including:
- Cycle activities and maintenance workshops
- Suffolk Mind wellbeing zone
- Feel Good Suffolk interactive sessions
- Arts and crafts for all ages
Spaces are limited, so grab your bike and join us for a ride to remember!
Tour of Britain bike maintenance - Southwold
As part of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men tour village, there will be an opportunity to have your bicycle looked over by a local experienced bicycle mechanic.
Checks include:
- Free safety check
- Free adjustment to your bike's brakes and gears
- Free puncture repair
- Free basic maintenance and replacement of brake blocks and cables if needed
Book a bike maintenance session!
News
- Travel information ahead of major cycling event (22 August 2025)
- Book your place for an evening with Ned Boulting (22 August 2025)
- Suffolk routes revealed for opening stages of Lloyds Tour of Britain Men (6 August 2025)
- Take part in the East Suffolk sportive! (29 July 2025)
- Cycling jersey design competition launched for Tour of Britain’s return to East Suffolk (18 July 2025)
- Funding available to support Tour of Britain activities (17 July 2025)
- Suffolk to host opening stages of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men (15 July 2025)
What does the Tour bring to East Suffolk?
An Economic Impact Report, produced by Suffolk Growth, revealed that over 113,000 spectators lined the 192.4km route of the 2023 stage through the county, with an estimated 53% of these coming to see the event from outside of the local area and 89% pledging to visit the area again. The local hospitality industry also benefited with an estimated 9,500 attendees enjoying overnight stays.
30% of spectators cycled to the event with 52% inspired to cycle more often as a direct result of watching the race, supporting Suffolk’s ambition to get more residents cycling and benefiting from the physical and mental wellbeing it can provide.
Grants
Town and parish councils, local groups and voluntary organisations in East Suffolk are invited to apply for funding to support community activities relating to the upcoming Tour of Britain Men. Applications are now closed.
Design a cycle jersey competition!
East Suffolk Council has launched a cycle jersey design competition to inspire local creativity as excitement builds towards the opening stage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men in East Suffolk on Tuesday 2 September.
Entries from three age categories – 11 and under, 12-17 years old and over 18s – will be judged by a cycling mad panel from East Suffolk Council, with a guest judge from British Cycling. The best design in each age category will be transformed into cycling jerseys by www.thecyclejersey.com.
The winners of each category will be invited to receive a prize on the podium at the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men Stage Finish in Southwold on Tuesday 2 September, and will receive their winning jersey by the end of September.
The competition is open to anyone, of any age, who lives or works in East Suffolk.
Entries are now closed.
East Suffolk sportive
East Suffolk is gearing up for a thrilling cycling celebration as the Lloyd’s Tour of Britain Men returns to our region on Tuesday 2 September - and we’re kicking things off early with a special East Suffolk Sportive on Sunday 31 August. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or simply looking for a new challenge, there’s a route for you, plus plenty of fun for the whole family, with exciting community activities.
A sportive is a mass-participation cycling event that’s open to riders of all abilities, offering a great opportunity to challenge yourself over a marked route with support along the way. Whether you're aiming for a personal best or simply riding for fun, sportives are a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors, improve your fitness, and be part of a vibrant cycling community. It’s also a chance to make a positive impact by supporting our local charity partner, Suffolk Mind, while doing something you love.
Sign up now and you will be automatically entered into a draw to win two tickets for our evening with Ned Boulting!
Fully booked - entries are now closed.