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10 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Twisted Oaks Bike Park
Planning a trip to Twisted Oaks Bike Park? Tucked away in the Suffolk countryside, this rider-built destination has quickly become a favorite for mountain bikers of all levels.
With purpose-built trails, jump lines, and a progression-focused layout, it’s the kind of park that lets beginners build confidence while giving advanced riders plenty to push their limits.
Whether you’re visiting for a few hours of flow or a full weekend of skill-building, here are 10 things you should know before you go.
Navigating Twisted Oaks Bike Park: Trails, Services, Costs, and Hours
Twisted Oaks Bike Park is Suffolk’s largest rider-built MTB venue, covering around 42 acres of woodland in Brightwell, near Ipswich. Run by mountain bikers themselves, it’s designed with progression in mind welcoming first-time riders while also challenging experienced jump enthusiasts. With flow trails, technical features, and a dedicated skills zone, it’s the go-to spot for riders across East Anglia.
Trails and Riding Zones
The park’s trail network is compact but varied, offering options for all abilities:
Blue Trails – Smooth, flowing lines with small features ideal for beginners and younger riders.
Red Trails – More technical, with berms, drops, and rollers to test intermediate skills.
Black Trails (in development) – Advanced jump lines and challenging features, being added progressively.
Dual Slalom Track – A head-to-head race track for friendly competition.
Skills and Jump Zones – Purpose-built areas for practicing bike handling, progression, and airtime.
All trails are accessed via pedaling or short push-ups there is no uplift service.
On-Site Facilities
Twisted Oaks offers rider-friendly essentials, including:
- Free on-site parking
- Toilets and basic changing facilities
- Café/snack bar (open on busier days)
- Bike workshop and spares support
- Picnic benches and rest areas
Facilities are simple but well-maintained, so riders should still bring their own tools and essentials.
Entry Costs
All riders must pre-book online, with flexible ticket options available:
- Adult Day Pass – ~£12.50
- Junior Day Pass – ~£8.50
- Thursday Evening Pass – ~£7.00
- Family & Group Packages – From £20–£39
Memberships and season passes are also available for frequent visitors at reduced rates.
Opening Hours
Twisted Oaks is open Wednesday to Sunday, with slightly different timings depending on the day:
- Wednesday & Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Monday & Tuesday: Closed
Always check the park’s official booking page or Facebook for the latest updates, as opening times can change due to events or weather.
Trail Guides & On-Site Navigation
Twisted Oaks Bike Park is compact and straightforward, which makes it easy to find your way around. A trail map is available online, but most riders find the layout simple to follow once on site. The park features a clearly defined loop of trails, with signposted zones for blue, red, dual slalom, and skills areas. Black trails are being added gradually, and these are highlighted in official updates. Riders typically move between trails quickly, and the park’s progression-based design makes it easy to session features repeatedly without losing track of where you are.
Location & Address
Twisted Oaks Bike Park is located just outside Ipswich, in the village of Brightwell, Suffolk.
Official Address:
Twisted Oaks Bike Park
Brightwell Road
Brightwell (Bucklesham)
Ipswich
Suffolk
Postcode: IP10 0AZ
United Kingdom
The park is accessed via a rough farm track from the main road, so allow extra time to navigate the final approach. Free on-site parking is available, though surfaces can be uneven in places.
Nearby Support & Essentials
While Twisted Oaks provides essential rider facilities, a few extras are worth knowing about:
- On-Site Facilities – The park has toilets, a small café/snack bar (open on busy days), a bike workshop for repairs, and picnic benches for resting between rides.
- Local Wildlife – The surrounding country park is home to deer, badgers, hares, and buzzards. Riders are encouraged to respect the woodland environment and ride responsibly.
- Nearby Towns – Ipswich is just a short drive away and offers supermarkets, petrol stations, and medical facilities if needed. Bike shops in the town also provide additional mechanical support beyond what’s available at the park.
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Helpful Guides
Rules of Twisted Oaks Bike Park
Twisted Oaks is built and maintained by riders, and that community spirit depends on everyone following a few simple rules. They’re not about restricting your ride—they exist to keep the woodland trails in good shape and to make sure the park remains safe and enjoyable for all who visit.
Riders are expected to wear a helmet at all times, and while not mandatory, additional protection such as gloves, knee pads, and full-face helmets on the bigger lines is strongly recommended.
Only properly maintained mountain bikes are permitted on the trails, with working front and rear brakes and suitable off-road tyres; scooters, BMX bikes, or e-bikes that don’t meet off-road standards are not allowed.
Every session must be booked online in advance, as the park does not allow walk-ins and uses pre-booking to control numbers for both safety and sustainability.
When you arrive, you’ll need to collect a wristband and keep it visible throughout your visit so staff can quickly confirm you’re registered to ride.
All riding must stay on the marked trails, as cutting corners or creating unofficial lines damages the environment and risks long-term closure of certain sections.
Modifying jumps, reshaping berms, or adding your own features is not permitted, since every element has been professionally designed for rider safety and progression.
There is no uplift service, which means every run requires either pedalling or pushing back up—using private shuttles or vehicles on site is not allowed.
The park encourages progression, but riders should stick within their ability level; pushing too far too quickly can create accidents that affect others on the trails.
Anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present on site, even if that adult is not riding.
Dogs may accompany visitors in the car park if kept under control on a short lead, but they are not permitted on the riding trails for safety reasons.
Alcohol, drugs, and smoking are strictly prohibited on site, and anyone under the influence will be asked to leave immediately.
Open flames, barbecues, and camping stoves are not allowed anywhere on the property due to the risk of fire in a woodland environment.
Parking is only permitted in the designated areas, and visitors should take care not to block access points or tracks.
All rubbish must be taken home, as waste facilities are limited and the park relies on visitors to keep the site clean.
Commercial coaching sessions, filming projects, or large group activities can take place only with prior agreement from park management.
The team at Twisted Oaks has full authority to enforce these rules, and riders who ignore them risk losing their pass or being asked not to return. By following the guidelines, every visitor helps protect the trails and keep the park welcoming for the whole MTB community.
Reddit and TripAdvisor Reviews of Twisted Oaks Bike Park
Among UK mountain biking communities, Twisted Oaks often comes up in conversations about progression-friendly riding. Riders on Reddit highlight how well the trails are built for learning, with a clear jump line progression that allows beginners to build confidence and advanced riders to push themselves. The dual slalom track gets frequent mentions as a fun, competitive feature, while the mix of woodland flow trails and technical sections earns praise for keeping the riding varied. Several posts also note the friendly, inclusive atmosphere, with staff and regulars making the park approachable for newcomers.
TripAdvisor
On TripAdvisor, reviews of Twisted Oaks are consistently positive, especially from families and riders visiting for the first time. Many describe the park as well-maintained and welcoming, with trails that feel accessible rather than intimidating. Parents often point out that the site is a safe place for children to develop their mountain biking skills, while more experienced riders appreciate the technical challenges of the red lines and the quality of the jump areas. The facilities such as toilets, a café, and on-site parking are frequently mentioned as being simple but convenient. Overall, visitors rate the park highly for delivering exactly what it promises: a fun, progression-focused MTB experience in a friendly setting.
FAQs About Twisted Oaks Bike Park
- Do I need to book in advance, or can I just turn up?
All sessions at Twisted Oaks must be booked online before you arrive. The park does not accept walk-ins, as numbers are controlled each day to keep trails safe and enjoyable.
- Is there an uplift service available?
No uplift is provided. All trails are accessed by pedalling or pushing up, which also makes it easy to session features repeatedly.
- What kind of trails are available, and who are they suitable for?
The park currently has blue and red trails, plus a dual slalom track, skills areas, and dedicated jump lines. Black trails are being added in stages. It’s suitable for everyone from first-timers to advanced riders looking to progress.
- Are there any facilities like toilets or food on-site?
Yes, the park has toilets, on-site parking, and a small café or snack bar (open on busier days). A workshop is also available for basic bike support. Facilities are simple but cover the essentials.
- Can I bring children or less experienced riders?
Absolutely. Twisted Oaks is known for being progression-friendly and family-oriented. Younger riders can enjoy the blue trails and skills areas, while more advanced riders have the option of red lines and jump features. Anyone under 18 must be supervised by a responsible adult.
- Are dogs allowed at the park?
Dogs are welcome in the car park if kept on a short lead but are not permitted on the riding trails.
Local Accommodation Near Twisted Oaks Bike Park
For riders looking to make more than just a day of it, there’s no shortage of places to stay near Twisted Oaks. Whether you want something simple and outdoorsy or a touch of comfort after hours on the bike, the surrounding Suffolk area offers a mix of options.
- Camping and Caravan Spots
If you like the idea of staying close to nature, campsites around Bucklesham and Kesgrave provide easy access to the park. These are often budget-friendly and welcome tents, campervans, and caravans. Facilities vary, but most cover the basics you’ll need.
- Holiday Cottages and Rentals
The villages near Brightwell are dotted with self-catering cottages and holiday homes. These usually come with kitchens, private parking, and sometimes bike storage, making them a good fit for groups of riders or families planning a weekend stay.
- Guesthouses and B&Bs
Suffolk has plenty of small guesthouses and traditional bed-and-breakfasts. Many are run by locals and offer a friendly, homely atmosphere along with a hearty breakfast to set you up for a full day of riding.
- Hotels in Ipswich
Ipswich town centre, about fifteen minutes away, has a broad choice of hotels ranging from budget chains to more modern boutique options. These are convenient if you prefer having restaurants, shops, and other amenities right on your doorstep.
- Family-Friendly Lodges and Parks
Holiday parks and lodge resorts in the wider Suffolk countryside provide larger spaces with multiple bedrooms, kitchens, and recreational areas. They’re particularly useful for longer stays or for groups who want extra facilities beyond a simple room.
If you’re travelling with bikes, it’s worth checking in advance whether your chosen accommodation offers secure storage, as not all places have this in place.
Events at Twisted Oaks Bike Park
Beyond its everyday trail riding, Twisted Oaks has grown into a regular venue for some of the UK’s most exciting mountain bike events. These gatherings range from grassroots competitions to national-level races, each making full use of the park’s woodland setting and purpose-built tracks.
- Fireride UK Jam
Every July, Twisted Oaks transforms into the home of the Fireride UK Jam, a festival-style weekend that blends competition with community spirit. Riders compete in events such as Long Jump, Dual Slalom Racing, High Jump, Best Trick, and Whip-off Battle, while spectators enjoy bike demos, food, and evening entertainment. It’s one of the park’s biggest highlights of the year and attracts riders from across the country.
- MTB East XC Series
The park also plays host to rounds of the MTB East cross-country series. Courses make use of the woodland singletrack and natural terrain, creating challenging but accessible racing for all categories. These events are well-supported by the local scene and provide a platform for youth and grassroots riders to get involved.
- Schwalbe British 4X Series
Twisted Oaks has earned a spot on the national calendar by hosting rounds of the Schwalbe British 4X Series. Using its dual slalom track and purpose-built features, the racing is fast, close, and action-packed, with some of the UK’s top riders battling it out in head-to-head heats. The series finals and upcoming rounds further cement the park’s reputation as a competitive venue.
- Seasonal and Community Races
Alongside larger competitions, the park regularly features smaller-scale gatherings such as Southern Enduro mashups and festive XC races. These events focus on fun and participation, bringing together families, club riders, and local enthusiasts in a welcoming environment.
Because the events calendar changes each year, riders interested in taking part should always check the park’s announcements for the latest updates and confirmed dates.
Final Verdict
Twisted Oaks Bike Park has quickly established itself as a cornerstone of the MTB scene in Suffolk. With 42 acres of trails designed by riders for riders, it offers a progression-focused environment that works just as well for children on their first blue trail as it does for experienced jump riders looking to sharpen their skills. Facilities are simple but practical, and the emphasis is firmly on riding rather than extras.
What sets Twisted Oaks apart is its balance of accessibility and ambition. The park feels welcoming to newcomers, yet it also pushes the sport forward by hosting national competitions such as the Schwalbe British 4X Series and community favourites like the Fireride UK Jam. Add in the friendly atmosphere and supportive local scene, and it’s clear why the venue has become such a draw.
For anyone serious about mountain biking or just eager to spend a day on well-built trails Twisted Oaks is more than worth the trip.
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Arjun Mertiya
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Since Arjun was a young child, bikes have played a big part of his life. He races bikes, rides bikes and also loves writing about bikes. It’s always just been a way of life for Arjun and a passion that he loves to share with others..
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