Cyclopark
A 49-acre cycling and outdoor activity park in Gravesend — BMX track, road circuit, mountain bike trails and 1,400 sqm skatepark
A 49-acre cycling and outdoor activity park in Gravesend — BMX track, road circuit, mountain bike trails and 1,400 sqm skatepark
Cyclopark occupies 49 acres of reclaimed land beside the A2 in Gravesend, making it the largest dedicated cycle sports park in Europe. Opened in 2012 as part of the Olympic legacy programme and funded by Kent County Council, Sport England and British Cycling, the site transformed disused ground adjacent to the ancient Watling Street route into a purpose-built multi-sport venue.
Visitors can ride a 2.9-kilometre traffic-free road circuit, tackle a 340-metre BMX racing track, explore six kilometres of mountain bike trails designed by World Cup trail builder Hugh Clixby, or use the 1,400-square-metre skatepark. A modern gym, fitness studio and the ParkEat cafe round out the facilities.
Cyclopark opened in 2012 on 49 acres of disused land beside the A2 dual carriageway in Gravesend, Kent. The site sits on the ancient route of Watling Street, the Roman road that once connected London to the Channel ports. Construction began in January 2011 and took approximately ten months, with funding provided by Kent County Council, Sport England, the Colyer-Fergusson Trust, British Cycling and the Homes and Communities Agency.
The project was conceived as part of the Olympic legacy programme, transforming redundant land into a purpose-built venue for cycling and outdoor activity. Kent County Council owns the site, which has been operated by an independent charity since opening. That charitable status means the park runs community health programmes alongside its commercial activities, offering free and discounted sessions for residents on low incomes, people with long-term health conditions, and older adults.
The 2.9-kilometre road circuit is the park's centrepiece — a six-metre-wide tarmac loop that stays traffic-free and suits everyone from families on hire bikes to club cyclists training for races. Bike hire costs £13 per hour with helmets included. The 340-metre BMX track runs coaching sessions for beginners from age six, with regular club nights and regional racing events drawing competitive riders from across the south-east. Floodlights extend the season into darker evenings.
Six kilometres of mountain bike singletrack thread through the surrounding woodland, designed by Hugh Clixby, whose trail-building credentials include World Cup downhill venues. The 1,400-square-metre concrete skatepark caters to skateboarders, scooter riders and BMX freestylers, with bowls, rails and a street section. For younger children, the CycloLand play area features a mini road circuit with child-sized traffic signs, and the adjacent play park is free to use.
Cyclopark is directly off the A2 at the Tollgate junction between Gravesend and Cobham, with free car parking on site. By train, Gravesend station is three miles north with Southeastern services from London St Pancras taking 24 minutes via high-speed, while Ebbsfleet International offers connections in 17 minutes. Bus routes 306 and 483 stop near the Tollgate junction.
The ParkEat cafe serves hot and cold food throughout opening hours, and a cycle shop on site sells spares and accessories. The modern gym offers up to 70 fitness classes per week, from spinning and HIIT to yoga and sessions for over-65s. National Cycle Route 1 passes directly through the park, connecting it to the wider Kent cycling network and the redundant A2 route between Pepperhill and Marling Cross.
The play park is free to use. Skatepark all-day access costs £8. Under-16 gym memberships start at £16.50 per month.
The road circuit and skatepark get busy from late morning on sunny weekends. Arriving when gates open at 9am gives you the best chance of quieter conditions and easier parking near the main building.
Bike hire is £13 per hour which adds up quickly for a family. If you have your own bikes, the road circuit day pass at £7 per person is the only cost. Helmets are mandatory on all cycling facilities.
BMX coaching sessions run at set times and must be booked ahead. Drop-in riding is available during open sessions but times vary by season. Check the Cyclopark website or call reception before travelling.
The play park and CycloLand mini road circuit are free and suit children under eight who may be too young for the BMX track or skatepark. No booking needed — just turn up during opening hours.
National Cycle Route 1 passes through the park, linking to the traffic-free path along the old A2 towards Cobham. It makes a pleasant extension to a road circuit session with no extra cost.
London Travel Writer · 12+ years covering UK attractions and tourism
Last reviewed: March 10, 2026
