One of the UK's biggest cycle races is coming to Suffolk next month and a number of road closures and parking restrictions will be in place. 

The Tour of Britain is set to come to Suffolk for stage 5 in 2023, with the race set to start and finish in Felixstowe on September 7.

This is the first time since 2017 that Suffolk has hosted one of the stages of the UK's most iconic cycle race.

Here is some key information you should know ahead of the race:

How can I watch the Tour of Britain?

With Felixstowe hosting both the start and the finish this offers the perfect opportunity to ‘make a day of it’.

We recommend arriving in Felixstowe in plenty of time before the start to find a parking space and avoid the road closures. Try to use public transport if you can.

Because the race is held on public roads there are some great opportunities to watch riders come through. The best locations will be those on long, straight sections so that you can see riders approaching. The sprint sections will be popular so make sure you arrive in plenty of time to take your place.

Road closures during the Tour of Britain 2023 

A number of roads in Felixstowe will be closed during the race. 

They are:

  • Undercliff Road
  • Cavendish Road
  • Holland Road
  • Russel Road
  • Beach Road West
  • Buregate Road
  • Arwela Road
  • Manwick Road
  • St Edmund's Road
  • Platters Road
  • Micklegate Road
  • Beach Station Road
  • Sea Road

How will the road closures for the Tour of Britain affect me?

The race operates with rolling road closures for around 15 minutes before the estimated time of arrival until approximately 10 minutes after the last rider has passed. If you are travelling along the route some forward planning is recommended.

Will there be parking suspensions in place during the Tour of Britain 2023 

There will be parking restrictions in these Suffolk towns and villages during the race:

  • Bidleston 
  • Debenham
  • Earl Soham
  • East Bergholt 
  • Felixstowe - Sea Road and Undercliff Road 
  • Framlingham
  • Garrison Lane and Langer Road 
  • Hadleigh 
  • Ipswich 
  • Leiston
  • Melton 
  • Saxmundham 
  • Shotley 
  • Stutton 
  • Trimley 
  • Woodbridge 

Where does the Tour go next?

After Suffolk, the Tour moves to Essex for stage six covering the 146km from Southend to Harlow.

If you’re planning to watch the action along the route, please don’t park on the race routes, in lay-bys or on road verges. Don’t get in the way of the peloton or individual riders.