England – The Cotswolds Bike Tour
When you imagine “picture-postcard” English countryside, it’s likely an image of the Cotswolds – England’s largest “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty” – that comes to mind. Now picture yourself there – riding a bicycle! – on bucolic country roads with polite English drivers and beautiful views around every corner. It’s hard to believe that this enchanting, richly rural, region is so close to the “big city” hustle and bustle of London. Beautiful villages and towns of honey-colored stone dot the landscape of “wolds” (hills) and “cots” (stone-fenced sheep pens). In addition to iconic locations such as Oxford, Shakespeare’s Stratford upon Avon, and Bath, you’ll discover outstanding gardens, medieval churches and castles, country homes, lovely hotels, and some of the best (as well as oldest) pubs in the world. Truly, this is the “real England” in all its glory!
RENTAL BIKES: Models will be different for the bike-types (road, flat bar and e-bike) shown at the bottom of the web page. Call or request our Guest Information Packet for more specifics.
Itinerary
Day 01
Meet in Oxford. Ride past Winston Churchill’s Blenheim Palace on your way to the delightful market town of Moreton-in-Marsh.
Meals
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Redesdale Arms
Mileage
40 miles
Elevation
2000 ft elevation gain
After we meet in Oxford in the morning and get set-up on our bicycles, we’ll take a spin bike around the city before heading out into the stunning patchwork-quilt landscape the Cotswolds. Today’s ride takes us gently uphill, past Winston Churchill’s Blenheim Palace, on our way to the delightful market town of Moreton-in-Marsh. The Chequers in Churchill makes a great place to stop along the way – for a rest, a pint, or both. Spend three nights at the Redesdale Arms.
Day 02
Pedal the famous Moreton Loop and get a birds-eye view of the Cotswolds countryside from Broadway Tower.
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Redesdale Arms
Distance
45-50 miles
Elevation
2500-4000ft elevation gain
Pedal the famous Moreton Loop via some of the best-known places in the Cotswolds, including Chipping Campden and Broadway Tower, where sixteen English counties are laid out before you and the views stretch all the way to Wales. If you want more of a challenge today, you can tackle the Cotswolds escarpment as well. Have lunch at a historic pub dating back to the 17th century. The afternoon route takes you back to our hotel on some of the best biking roads in the Cotswolds.
Day 03
Cross the crest of the Cotswolds ... "thence" to Stratford for some Shakespeare!
Meals
– Breakfast
Lodging
Redesdale Arms
Distance
45 miles
Elevation
2500ft elevation gain
Head north today, to the top of the Cotswolds, before dropping into the Vale of Evesham. Follow quiet roads and an abandoned railway line right into the heart of Stratford. Have lunch in Stratford on your own with the chance to see Shakespeare’s birthplace, grave, and the world-famous Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Pedal back to Moreton-in-Marsh via the escarpment and a pub that has been voted the best in England on many occasions. Dinner is also on your own tonight.
Day 04
Veer toward the southern Cotwolds today. Relax in "royal" accommodations at the Prince of Burford.
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Prince of Burford
Distance
40 miles
Elevation
2500ft elevation gain
Today’s route veers southward toward Burford, with the terrain getting slightly flatter as we make our way towards the Southern Cotswolds. Along the way, we pass the Slaughters (meaning “muddy place”), one of only thirteen villages in England who lost nobody in either WWI or WWII and Bourton-on-the-Water, renowned locally as the “Venice of the Cotswolds.” Spend tonight at the Prince of Burford, an 18th century “coaching inn” which once provided stabling for horses in addition to food, drink, and accommodation for travelers.
Day 05
The Southern Cotswolds: A picture-book village, the King's home, and a Roman Road.
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
Lodging
Hampton Hilton by Bath City
Distance
55+ miles
Elevation
3500 ft elevation gain
Today is our longest day as we pedal from Burford through the South Cotswolds. Bike through the enchanting village of Bibury – so pretty that Henry Ford once wanted to transport the whole village back to the USA! Stop for a delicious lunch at the duly famous Wild Carrot Bike Hub. In the afternoon we pass King Charles’ Highgrove House near Tetbury before our route joins the Fosse Way – a 2000-year-old Roman Road. We follow this ancient track straight into the center of Bath – one of the world’s oldest and most famous destinations for well-being and relaxation. Stay at the Hampton Hilton by Bath City tonight and tomorrow. Dinner is on your own tonight.
Day 06
Cycle along the Kennet and Avon Canal and venture into history at the Roman Baths museum. Raise a toast to a great week at our celebratory dinner!
Meals
– Breakfast
– Dinner
Lodging
Hampton Hilton by Bath City
Distance
40+ miles
Elevation
2000 ft elevation gain
Our final ride takes us out of Bath down the Kennet and Avon Canal through wonderful countryside. We stop for a coffee in the unspoiled village of Lacock, and lunch is on your own in another great bike café en route. Head back to Bath in the mid-afternoon to visit the historic Roman Baths (included) and spend some additional time to exploring this wonderful city. Raise a toast to a fantastic week of cycling in the Cotswolds at our last-night dinner in our favorite Nepalese restaurant. If you want to keep the party going, Bath’s vibrant and varied night life won’t let you down either!
Day 07
Enjoy breakfast in Bath before your departure.
Meals
– Breakfast
Our tour finishes after breakfast at the Hampton Hilton by Bath City. If you are leaving Bath today, we will drop you off at Bath Spa railway station between 9-10am, where trains are available to both London and London’s airports.
