National Cycling Centre
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National Cycling Centre

4.7
·2k reviews·, United Kingdom

UK's premier indoor cycling hub featuring an Olympic velodrome, BMX centre, and mountain bike trails.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more space to ride

CrowdLow
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National Cycling Centre

National Cycling Centre

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more space to ride

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

UK's premier indoor cycling hub featuring an Olympic velodrome, BMX centre, and mountain bike trails.

4.7
(2k reviews)

"Amazing place, top of its game! My son could not ride a bike, Dale a top instructor shown him & give him the confidence."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book BMX Parties in Advance

BMX parties are a huge hit! Book well in advance to secure your spot for an unforgettable experience.

👟 Wear Appropriate Gear

Comfortable athletic wear and closed-toe shoes are essential for most activities. Helmets are often provided.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Olympic Indoor Cycling Track

Olympic Indoor Cycling Track

Experience the thrill of track cycling up close, witnessing incredible speeds and skill.

Reddit
BMX Centre Fun

BMX Centre Fun

Perfect for parties and beginners, this indoor BMX track offers an amazing time for all ages.

Reddit
Mountain Bike Trails

Mountain Bike Trails

Explore dedicated mountain bike trails for a quick buzz and exciting rides.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Peak Times

Popular sessions, especially for BMX and track cycling lessons, can book up quickly. Consider booking your experience in advance to secure your preferred slot, particularly if visiting during school holidays or weekends. Reddit

Fitness is Key for Some Activities

While many activities are accessible to beginners, some, like track cycling, require a good level of fitness. Be prepared for a rewarding challenge! Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more space to ride
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Great for family outings
Crowd
Medium
When
During events
Why
Exciting atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Mountain biking in Manchester...

🎯 Book BMX Parties in Advance

BMX parties are a huge hit! Book well in advance to secure your spot for an unforgettable experience. Reddit

👟 Wear Appropriate Gear

Comfortable athletic wear and closed-toe shoes are essential for most activities. Helmets are often provided. Reddit

💧 Bring an Empty Water Bottle

You can't bring outside drinks, but you can refill empty bottles at limited stations. Reddit

💪 Be Ready for a Workout

Some activities, like track cycling, are a good workout. Come prepared for a rewarding challenge! Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book BMX Parties in Advance

BMX parties are a huge hit! Book well in advance to secure your spot for an unforgettable experience. Reddit

👟 Wear Appropriate Gear

Comfortable athletic wear and closed-toe shoes are essential for most activities. Helmets are often provided. Reddit

💧 Bring an Empty Water Bottle

You can't bring outside drinks, but you can refill empty bottles at limited stations. Reddit

💪 Be Ready for a Workout

Some activities, like track cycling, are a good workout. Come prepared for a rewarding challenge! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the National Cycling Centre for its fun and engaging activities, particularly the indoor BMX track which is a hit for parties and beginners. The staff are frequently highlighted as great and helpful, making experiences memorable. While some find certain activities physically demanding, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many planning return visits.

"Took my 9 year old son and 12 of his friends to the indoor bmx place for a party. 1st time any of us had ever been here or ridden on anything of this nature.
we all had an amazing time , the staff were great, All the equipment was provided and it wasn't as difficult as itb1st appeared. Some of the kids and parents have since been back because of how good it was the 1st time. Will definitely be going again"

Ste McCormick (Cornet Electrical)

"Good fun, birthday present, you need a level of fitness, but a rewarding challenge."

Chris Johnson

"Thoroughly enjoyed the event. Good seats and even though there wasn't a big crowd there was still a good atmosphere. It's really nice to see track cycling up close, see the skill involved and the speeds achieved.
Plenty of toilets and the food and drink is fairly reasonable. The display of bikes around the velodrome is interesting as is the exhibition cabinet on Beryl Burton."

Sam Palmer

What People Like

Amazing BMX parties
Great, helpful staff
Exciting track cycling events

What People Dislike

Limited water refill stations
No outside food/drink allowed

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The National Cycling Centre is located in Manchester. It's accessible by public transport, with nearby tram stops and bus routes. Driving is also an option, with parking available on-site. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available at the National Cycling Centre. It's recommended to check their official website for any parking fees or restrictions. Reddit

Absolutely! Given its purpose, cycling to the centre is a great option. There are often bike racks available for secure storage. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Sessions, especially for BMX and track cycling lessons, can be booked online through the National Cycling Centre's official website. It's advisable to book in advance, particularly for popular times. Reddit

Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended for BMX parties as they are very popular and sessions can fill up quickly. Reddit

Opening hours can vary depending on the day and specific activities. It's best to check the official National Cycling Centre website for the most up-to-date information on opening times and session availability. Reddit

Entry fees for watching events depend on the specific competition or event being held. Some events may be free to spectate, while others will require a ticket purchase. Check the events calendar on their website. Reddit

🎫 🚴 Onsite Experience

The National Cycling Centre offers a variety of activities including Olympic indoor track cycling, an indoor BMX centre, skills zones, and mountain bike trails. Reddit

Yes, the indoor BMX track is great for beginners and even those who have never ridden before. Staff are on hand to help, and equipment is provided. Reddit

For many sessions, particularly lessons and parties, equipment like bikes and helmets are provided. However, if you have your own bike and wish to use it for certain activities, it's best to confirm with the centre beforehand. Reddit

During events, the atmosphere is described as good, even with smaller crowds. Seeing track cycling up close offers a unique perspective on the skill and speed involved. Reddit

Yes, there are good seating areas for spectators. The centre also has plenty of toilets and reasonably priced food and drink options. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The centre offers food and drink options that are considered fairly reasonable. However, outside food and drink are not permitted. Reddit

No, outside food and drink are not allowed inside the venue. You are permitted to bring an empty water bottle to refill. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, personal photography and videography are allowed for non-commercial purposes. However, specific rules might apply during events or for professional shoots. It's always best to check with the venue staff if unsure. Reddit

Yes, the centre features an interesting display of bikes around the velodrome and an exhibition cabinet on Beryl Burton, offering unique photo opportunities. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The National Cycling Centre is a fantastic destination for families. The indoor BMX centre is particularly popular for parties and offers a safe, supervised environment for kids to try something new. Reddit Instructors are great at helping children gain confidence, even if they're new to cycling. Reddit The centre provides all necessary equipment, making it easy for families to participate without bringing their own gear. Reddit

Beyond BMX, families can enjoy watching track cycling events or exploring the on-site displays. Remember to bring empty water bottles, as refill stations are available but can get busy. Reddit

🎉 Birthday Party Planners

If you're planning a birthday party, the National Cycling Centre, especially the indoor BMX track, comes highly recommended. Reddit It's described as an amazing time for all involved, with staff being great and all equipment provided. Reddit Many groups have such a good experience that they return. Booking in advance is crucial due to high demand. Reddit

🚴 Fitness Enthusiasts

For those who enjoy a physical challenge, the National Cycling Centre offers opportunities to test your fitness. Track cycling, in particular, is a demanding sport that showcases incredible speed and endurance. Reddit Even if you're not participating, the energy of events can be inspiring. For mountain biking, the trails offer a good workout in a convenient location. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

BMX Adventures for All Ages

The National Cycling Centre boasts an impressive indoor BMX centre that's a hit for parties and casual riders alike. Even if you've never ridden a BMX before, the staff are incredibly helpful, with instructors like Dale noted for their ability to build confidence and teach riding skills from scratch. Reddit All necessary equipment is provided, making it an accessible and fun experience for everyone. The positive feedback suggests many visitors return after their first visit due to how enjoyable it is. Reddit

This makes it an ideal spot for a birthday celebration or a unique family outing. The centre is designed to be engaging for various skill levels, ensuring that both kids and adults can have a fantastic time navigating the track. Reddit

Track Cycling: Speed and Skill

For those interested in the pinnacle of cycling, the indoor Olympic cycling track offers a chance to witness elite-level track cycling up close. Visitors can observe the incredible speeds and intricate skills involved in this discipline. Reddit While not a beginner activity for riding, spectating provides a thrilling experience with a good atmosphere, even when crowds aren't massive. Reddit

The venue also houses interesting displays, including a collection of bikes displayed around the velodrome and an exhibition cabinet dedicated to the legendary Beryl Burton, adding a historical and cultural dimension to the visit. Reddit

Mountain Biking Near the City

If you're looking for mountain biking opportunities without venturing too far from Manchester city centre, the National Cycling Centre offers access to mountain bike trails. Reddit While specific trail details might require local knowledge or checking with the centre, these trails provide a convenient option for a quick ride and some off-road fun. Reddit

These trails are often mentioned as great for a 'quick buzz,' suggesting they are well-suited for shorter rides or for those looking to get some trail time in without a long commute. Reddit

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