To mark the recent publication of the latest Motorcyclists Welcome Guide, the ideal travelling companion for biking around Britain, Insidebikes has been hunting out some of the best biker-friendly B&Bs by the sea.
If you are planning a last-minute bank holiday getaway this weekend, make sure that check out these ten rest-stops, dotted all around the coast of the UK, to be sure of a warm and bike-friendly welcome.
Amblecliff, Brighton, East Sussex
Brighton’s bohemian whiff is heavily fragranced with engine oil. Madeira Drive hosts many motorcycling and motoring events, including free fest, Brightona – the South’s biggest bike show – and September’s weekend double-header of the National Speed Trials and Ace Cafe Reunion which attracts some 40,000 bikers. Then there’s the annual London-Brighton Pioneer Run and, if it takes your fancy, various classic car runs. Oh, and Goodwood’s up the road. Whichever you choose, do it in style in one of this boutique hotels 13 rooms which include everything from simple singles through four posters and a sumptuous suite. Locked parking.
The bottom line: Singles from £35, doubles £55, suite from £120, per room, per night. Parking permits £5 daily.
Web: www.amblecliff.co.uk
Roskhill House, Roskhill By Dunvegan, Isle of Skye
A welcoming stone-walled, wood-beamed lounge with log fire and steaming breakfast porridge are among the charms of this 120 year old former croft house. AA 4* accommodation comprises five simply and tastefully decorated bedrooms with fridges and iPod docks complementing the standard tea/coffee offering, plus there’s free wi-fi and secure parking. Skye itself is fabulous to explore with some great roads with the sky-puncturing Cuillin mountains providing a stunning backdrop. Alongside natural beauty you’ll find man-made charms such as the Talisker malt whisky distillery and plentiful Gaelic history and culture.
The bottom line: Doubles/twins from £34 pppn; single occupancy £45pppn. Note £2 single night supplement.
Richmond House, Dale, Pembrokshire
After biking the Brecons or the byways of the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast National Park there can be few better places to rest your head than this splendid seafront property. OK you might think the nautical naming of the rooms a touch naff, but there’s no jolly Rogered styling of the four 4* twin/double and family rooms, which are uncluttered and elegant. There’s free secure parking, drying facilities and wi-fi and if needs your hosts will not just whip up breakfast but a packed lunch. Neighbouring watering hole the Griffin Inn offers excellent real ales and food.
The bottom line: Twins/doubles £65 per room, £45 for single occupancy. Family room (3 adults, 2 children) £110.
Famous Schooner Inn, Alnmouth, Northumberland
This 17th century coaching inn is reputedly home to 60 ghosts, no doubt attracted by its tidy location some 100 yards from the beach in this small, pleasing Northumbrian resort. Just a short ride away lie Alnwick, Warkworth, Bamburgh, Holy Island – all boasting castles of varying magnificence – and the Northumberland National Park, with the bright lights and boozers of Newcastle further south. Some 32 single, double, triple and family rooms – all en suite – are complemented by two bars, conservatory and beer garden, in all of which food is served. Secure parking, drying facilities and wi-fi.
The bottom line: POA
Web: www.theschoonerhotel.co.uk
Bryn Derwen, Llandudno, Conwy
Enjoying a touch of the-land-that-time-forgot, Llandudno’s Victorian dignity is well preserved with the pastel shaded seafront – neon is banned – blessed with a traditional pier and cable car which hoiks up the Great Orme. The peak can also be reached via the Marine Drive toll road and affords superb views of the coast and Welsh biking pleasure zone, Snowdonia, which lies pleasingly close. Bryn Derwen is similarly well preserved, offering nine enticing, well equipped rooms. amenities include drying facilities, private parking, bar, lounge with open fire and even a beauty salon!
The bottom line: Doubles/twins £45 pppn or Superior £50 pppn – reduced for multiple nights. Single £49-55;
Bay View Guest House, Beer, Devon
This recently refurbished eight room guest house overlooks the beach at the heart of this lovely village on East Devon’s world Heritage Coast which genuinely earns its ‘remarkably unspoilt’ tag. Bay View offers are six recently refurbished, comfy and individually furnished rooms, plus two brand new additions in the neighbouring cottage, including a generous suite. There’s free secure parking for two bikes. Perfect as a touring stop off or base from which to explore the neighbouring coast and Dartmoor National Park.
The bottom line: Doubles from £30pppn, £182 pppw; singles £40pppn, £182pppn
Sandrock Hotel, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex
Whilst perhaps having seen better times, Clacton’s not without its charms and, of course, “mods and rockers” bike and scooter history. The latter roll into town for September’s Mersea Rally held down the coast, which pulls in scooter nuts from across the continent, and the St. George’s Weekender. England’s oldest town, Colchester, is also a quick scoot up the road. Sandrock is a pleasant, affordable 4* Victorian guest house with nine simply furnished rooms, set a few strides from the sandy beach and handy for the seaside rides on the pier. Drying facilities, free wi-gfi and secure parking.
The bottom line: doubles/twins from £60 per room, singles from £39.
The Windmill, Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Most of this Grade II listed hotel’s rooms are set around a cobbled courtyard but push the boat out for a suite and you’ll enjoy the novelty of stopping over in an actual windmill, right in the heart of this gem of a resort’s town centre. It’s a little pricier than some but still good value given its central location and quality. It’s almost as tempting as North Yorkshire’s roads, motorcycle magnets which have put place like Helmsley firmly on the biking map. The Magpie Cafe in nearby Whitby, also serves arguably the nation’s finest fish and chips. Secure parking and drying facilities.
The bottom line: Twin/doubles from £75 per room, family (2 adults, 2 children) from £115, suites from £115. Single night supplements apply.
Web: www.scarborough-windmill.co.uk
Underwood Country Guest House, Millom, Cumbria
This restored Victorian vicarage sits amidst eight acres of gardens in the south west Lake District, in an enviable wooded setting overseeing the oft overlooked but nonetheless beautiful Duddon estuary. All ways but, naturally enough, west, lead to the Lakes’ many and varied delights with more gloriously enticing, twisting, undulating roads than the touring motorcyclist can shake a dipstick at. Make Underwood base camp and you’ll enjoy not just well appointed rooms with Sky telly but also a pool, steam room, bar, restaurant and if you so desire, croquet! Secure parking, drying facilities and wi-fi.
The bottom line: £130 per night, per room although at least 20% off on advanced booking (see website).
Thistle House Guest House, Cairndow, Argyll
A mild cheat as this gem sits beside Loch Fyne rather than the briny itself although this famous stretch of water reaches out to the Atlantic. A fantastic location justifies. We’re talking marvellous views across the loch and to pretty Inverary and a great base from which to explore Loch Lomond, the Trossachs, Glen Coe, Fort William and the west coast. Having hung up your leathers you can enjoy a dram by the open fire whilst the seven king size, double/twin and family en suite rooms offer generous comfort. Drying facilities, secure parking and free wi-fi.
The bottom line: From £40 per person, per night. £20 single supplement.
Web: www.thistlehouseguesthouse.com
