Special Open Day celebrates Herne Hill Velodrome’s newly restored Off-Road Trails area, Sat 6th June 2026

The Herne Hill Velodrome has announced that the long-awaited improvements to the off-road trails at Herne Hill Velodrome are now complete.

To celebrate, they’re holding a Trails Open Day on Saturday 6th June, which will feature racing for youth riders in the morning, followed by free-riding and an accessible timed laps competition designed for riders of all ages and abilities.

This development has been made possible due to a grant from the Rapha Foundation, as well as multiple rounds of fundraising, with the Herne Hill Velodrome community and local clubs pitching in, whose “enthusiasm and generosity have played a vital role in bringing this project to life.”

The works included:

• Establishing an important wildlife corridor within Southwark and improving biodiversity on the site. Over 50 semi-mature trees planted to strengthen the tree canopy and enhance the woodland habitat, as well as establishing 60 metres of new native hedgerow. Reseeding open areas with a meadow mix of grasses and wildflowers to create richer, more diverse green space.
• Removing bricks and debris beneath trail surfaces to improve ride quality, and repairing worn sections and slopes to maintain safe and accessible trails.
• Upgrading the bike wash area with a better rainwater capture and pump system for improved sustainability, with new taps and more reliable water pressure across all wash stations.

These improvements are a huge step forward that protects the long-term future of the site and will support a wide range of off-road activity across three cycling disciplines: Mountain Bike (MTB), Gravel and Cyclocross.

It will mean that HHV can improve access for youth, schools, community groups and public-coached sessions for all ages and
abilities.

Schedule for Saturday 6th June

9.30am-1pm
South London Go Ride Racing League MTB: £4.50 – £5.00
Herne Hill Youth Cycling Club are hosting a round of the South London Go Ride Racing League for youth riders. Entries are via South London Go Racing

1.30-2.30pm
Off-Road Trails Free-Riding: Free
Bring or borrow a Mountain bike or Gravel bike and explore our verdant and secluded corner of South-East London at your leisure.
 Please book a free ticket via Ticket Tailor

2.30-4pm
Off-Road Trails Timed Laps: Free
Riders can look forward to a fun yet challenging circuit that showcases our newly restored off-road features, all while racing against the clock in an exciting time-trial format.
 Please book a free ticket via Ticket Tailor

4pm-5pm
Off-Road Trails Free-Riding: Free
Bring or borrow a Mountain bike or Gravel bike and explore our verdant and secluded
corner of South-East London at your leisure.
Please book a free ticket via Ticket Tailor

Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic, however our cafe and bar will be open for cold
and hot drinks. Please don’t bring any alcoholic beverages or glass on to our site.

Location

Getting There

There is  no parking at the Velodrome and parking in the local area is limited. They recommend people walk, cycle or come by public transport. They are a short walk from Herne Hill, North Dulwich and West Dulwich train stations. Buses 3 & 201 to Croxted Road/Turney Road, 37 to Half Moon Lane/Burbage Road.

Background

Herne Hill Velodrome (HHV) is a community cycling centre in South East London offering cycling sessions and events that promote an active lifestyle and build social connections. HHV was the site for cycling in the 1948 Olympics and was established in 1891. 

We host a range of activities for all abilities and ages: whether you’re learning to cycle as an adult or as a child, or if you’re looking to get fit and find a new active hobby.

We have dedicated cycling sessions for youth, kids, women, over 40s and people with physical disabilities and visual impairments.

You don’t even need (or want) to cycle to visit us: we host dozens of races from April to September with free spectator entry and the most affordable cafe and licenced bar in Dulwich.

Herne Hill Velodrome is managed by a small, enthusiastic and multi-skilled core team, from talented coaches to events and operational experts. We operate as a charity – the Friends of Herne Hill Velodrome being our fundraising arm – and this helps keep us running in a sustainable, social, and equitable way, ensuring we serve the community that we exist for.

HHV has a website: https://www.hernehillvelodrome.com/ and two instagram profiles (@hernehillvelodrome / @hhvwomen), which people can follow to get regular updates on sessions and racing.

Herne Hill Youth Cycling Club celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026, marking a quarter-century of inspiring young riders and building one of London’s most respected youth cycling communities.

Founded by Bill Wright and run entirely by volunteers, HHYCC has introduced thousands of children to off-road cycling, helping riders of all abilities develop skills, confidence and a lifelong love of the sport.

The club’s proud alumni include Fred Wright, Ben and Dan Tulett, Abi van Twisk, Alec Briggs and Joe Blackmore. As it celebrates this milestone year, HHYCC remains committed to making cycling accessible, inclusive and the best of fun for the next generation. 

[Top pic credit: Honor Elliott]