Prices
Is this tour for me?
Get In Touch
Highlights
Explore beautiful country villages and rich English history on this 8-day self-guided tour
Visit the popular and historic town of Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare.
Discover the tranquil beauty of the English countryside as you cycle from one village to the next across country roads and cycling paths.
Explore picturesque and historic villages in the Cotswolds, including Bibury, Castle Combe, Mickleton, and many more.
Experience local hospitality and culture as you stay in guesthouses with friendly hosts who provide home-cooked breakfasts and gladly share their knowledge of the area.
This Stratford to Bath cycling tour is packed full of scenic beauty and fascinating history. Enjoy cycling from village to village and staying in cute hotels and bed & breakfasts along the way.
Begin your tour in the town of Stratford-upon-Avon, well-known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. The tour ends in the city of Bath, which is famous for its historic Roman baths. In between, you’ll cycle across quiet country roads from one stunningly beautiful village to the next.
Opportunities abound to stop and explore exquisite gardens, riverfront views, ancient buildings, boutique shops, and an overwhelming selection of tea rooms and pubs. You’ll stay in guesthouses where your hosts go above and beyond to make your tour as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Each day of this tour is planned to be so memorable that you’re bound to have a hard time deciding which part of the tour was your favorite.
This Stratford to Bath cycling tour is packed full of scenic beauty and fascinating history. Enjoy cycling from village to village and staying in cute hotels and bed & breakfasts along the way.
Begin your tour in the town of Stratford-upon-Avon, well-known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. The tour ends in the city of Bath, which is famous for its historic Roman baths. In between, you’ll cycle across quiet country roads from one stunningly beautiful village to the next.
Opportunities abound to stop and explore exquisite gardens, riverfront views, ancient buildings, boutique shops, and an overwhelming selection of tea rooms and pubs. You’ll stay in guesthouses where your hosts go above and beyond to make your tour as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Each day of this tour is planned to be so memorable that you’re bound to have a hard time deciding which part of the tour was your favorite.
Read more
Stratford to Bath Cycling Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Stratford-upon-Avon
Be ye warmly welcomed to the town of Shakespeare! The birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon is a popular tourist destination offering many things to see and do. Your tour begins here, so settle in your wonderful guesthouse and get a good night’s rest.
Overnight Location: Adelphi Guesthouse, Stratford-upon-Avon
Distance: N/A
Meals: None
Day 2 Cycle around Stratford-upon-Avon
Explore Stratford-upon-Avon and its surrounding countryside today, with time to visit all the most popular sights in this historic area. This route keeps you mostly on quiet lanes, passing Mary Arden’s house, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Snitterfield, and Aston Cantlow. You can find great places to stop for lunch in a traditional pub at village inns in Snitterfield, Wilmcote, Aston Cantlow, or Bearly Cross. Spend the night in the same guesthouse in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Overnight Location: Adelphi Guesthouse, Stratford-upon-Avon
Distance: Full Route: 29.5 miles / 47 km; Short Route: 18 miles / 29 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Cycle to Chipping Campden then Moreton-in-Marsh
Leave Stratford-upon-Avon and travel a delightful blend of bicycle paths and country lanes. Along the way you’ll pass the impressive, 16th Century Elizabethan manor house (now a hotel) called The Greenway, and the village of Mickleton, also called the Gateway to the Cotswolds. Other points of interest include the gardens at Kiftsgate and Hicote, and Chipping Campden, an old market town and the starting point of the Cotswold Way national trail. Soon you’ll come to the town of Moreton-in-Marsh, which is your stop for the night. Your luggage will be waiting for you there.
Overnight Location: The Redesdale Arms, Moreton-in-Marsh
Distance: Full Route: 35 miles / 56 km; Short Route: 28 miles / 45 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Cycle to Bourton-on-the-Water
Today’s journey takes you to Bourton-on-the-Water. Along the way, you’ll pass the River Evenlode and ride through several delightful villages, including Upper Slaughter and Stow-on-the-Wold. Pause from time to time to enjoy the lovely views and traditional village atmosphere. Bourton-on-the-Water is a unique place, and a wide range of attractions and points of interest offers something for every visitor, no matter your preferences. Check in to your cozy guesthouse where your luggage has already been transferred.
Overnight Location: Lansdowne Guest House, Bourton-on-the-Water
Distance: Full Route: 25.5 miles / 41 km; Short Route: 18 miles / 29 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Cycle to Cirencester
Cycle today from Bourton-on-the-Water to Cirencester by way of Northleach and Bibury. Northleach is an old market town dating back to the 13th Century with a beautiful 15th Century church. Bibury is a scenic and often photographed village on the banks of the River Coln. You will easily understand why the artist William Morris declared it to be the most beautiful village in all of England. Explore at your own pace then make your way to Cirencester to stay the night.
Overnight Location: Ivy House, Cirencester
Distance: Full Route: 29 miles / 47 km; Short Route: 21 miles / 34 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Cycle to Malmesbury
Leave Cirencester and cycle along quiet roads and through small villages in the surrounding area. You’ll come to the incredible Cotswold Water Park, where you may choose to stop and explore the lakeside beach with a cafe, the water sports center, and much more. Then continue your ride through Tetbury, where you’ll find fabulous boutiques and shops. The next landmark you’ll pass will be the Westonbirt National Arboretum before arriving at today’s destination in Malmesbury.
Overnight Location: Euclid Villas, Malmesbury
Distance: Full Route: 30 miles / 48 km; Short Route: 16 miles / 26 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Cycle to Bath
Though this last day of the tour begins briefly on the main road, you’ll soon be back on quieter roads through Foxley and Norton. Next, you’ll come to the stunningly beautiful village of Castle Combe, where you’ll want to pause to appreciate the lovely and often photographed riverfront view from the bridge. It may be hard to imagine, but this village is also well-known for racing. Continue cycling to reach the lovely and historic city of Bath, where this incredible tour comes to an end.
Overnight Location: The Rising Sun Inn, Bath
Distance: Full Route: 29.5 miles / 47 km; Short Route: 26 miles / 41 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Departure Day
Sadly, your Stratford to Bath cycling tour has reached its end. Trains are easily available from Bath Spa to London, or a bus can take you to Bristol Airport. Safe travels!
Overnight Location: N/A
Distance: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Stratford to Bath Cycling Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided walking tour in England is run as private tour for your group only and the price is based on the number of guests on your trip.Prices below are per person:
- Price per person sharing a double/twin room: GBP1820
- Price per person staying in a single room: GBP2890
Accommodation on the Stratford to Bath Cycling Tour
This tour is based in 3-4-star hotels and bed and breakfasts. In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel.
What’s included in the Stratford to Bath Cycling Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included with accommodations. Lunches, dinners and drinks are not included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights along the tour. Extra nights may be added for an additional fee.
Also Included
- Bicycle hire (hybrid bike) + one-size helmet
- Puncture repair kit, pump, lock, panniers
- Luggage Transfers
- Full Tour Pack with color-coded routes on local maps
- Smartphone App with GPS routes
- 24-hr emergency helpline
Not included
- Lunch, Dinner & Drinks
- Entrance to attractions
- Buses and/or Ferries unless otherwise stated
- E-Bike Hire (available for an additional fee)
- Tourist Taxes where applicable
Optional Extras
- E-Bike Upgrade
- Additional nights in Stratford or Bath
- How hard is this bike tour from Stratford to Bath?
- What kind of rental bike is included?
- Can I bring my own bicycle?
- Do I need a helmet?
- Do I need a Visa?
- Are meals included?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Stratford-upon-Avon to start this tour?
- Where does the tour end?
- Can I extend this tour?
- Do I need vaccines?
- What should I wear?
- What is the weather like in the Cotswolds?
- When is the best time to travel to England for this tour?
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. The difficulty level is moderate but you should be ready to ride up to 35 miles (56 km) per day.
Rental of a hybrid bike is included in your tour price. The bicycles are branded tour bikes, lightweight, and equipped with 21-speed derailleur and freewheel. They do not come with stands. Also included: puncture repair kits, pumps, locks, panniers, and a handlebar mounted mobile phone pouch. Computers are not provided.
Yes! If you prefer to bring your own bike, the cost of the bicycle rental can be deducted from the price of your tour.
A one-size helmet is included with the rental bicycle. You may bring your own if you prefer. Helmets are not required by law in the UK, but they are always recommended for your safety.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Breakfasts are included with your accommodations. Lunches, dinners, drinks, and other food is not included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
You can reach Stratford-upon-Avon by car via major UK roads and motorways. Train service operates with regular connections to Birmingham or London.
The tour ends in Bath. Train and bus connections are available to return to Stratford-upon-Avon, the Bristol Airport or London and beyond.
Yes! Stay an extra night in Stratford-upon-Avon at the beginning of the tour. This optional addition allows you to spend your first day exploring Stratford-upon-Avon and the surrounding countryside.
Check with your family doctor.
Dress for the weather of the season in the Cotswolds. Always pack a jacket in case the temperatures are cooler than expected, and quality rain gear. Sun protection such as a hat and sunglasses is also recommended. Choose clothes that are comfortable and manage moisture well. Padded cycling shorts will help improve your comfort on the trip.
The Cotswolds have mild weather, without extremes of heat or cold, making it reasonable to visit at any time of year. This beautiful area is not known for abundant sunshine and it rains frequently, particularly during the winter. More information about weather in the Cotswolds.
The best time to travel to the Cotswolds for this tour is during the warmer months from May to September, but the trip is available year-round.
Customer Ratings
Compass Holidays has been helping walkers explore the best walks in the UK since 1990. Their expert team organize great walking holidays so you can sit back, relax and enjoy your time away.
