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Highlights
Discover beautiful English countryside and villages on this 7-day self-guided cycling tour
Cycle through the breathtaking nature of the English countryside, visiting historic sites, gardens, and architectural gems.
Visit the exquisite gardens at Hidcote Manor and Kiftsgate Court.
Discover iconic Cotswold villages such as Stow-on-the-Wold, Upper Slaughter, and Snowshill.
Spend the night in authentic guesthouses in the cultural centers of Cheltenham, Moreton-in-Marsh, and Bourton-on-the-Water.
Explore one of the most beautiful parts of England on this self-guided cycling tour of the Cotswolds. Hop on your bicycle for a week of exploration and relaxation in the tranquil countryside of the Cotswolds.
The Cotswold self-guided cycling tour helps you to make the most of your Cotswold vacation, helping you to experience all the highlights of this delightful region in England.
Exploring by bicycle is the perfect way to see the Cotswolds, giving you a calm pace that matches the atmosphere of your surroundings. You’ll have time for sightseeing in many interesting and beautiful locations, but you’ll also have time for traditional English tea in village tea rooms or to grab a pint in a typical local pub.
This tour is the perfect blend of an active adventure trip and a peaceful, relaxing holiday. You’ll get all the best advantages of both when you book this self-guided Cotswold Classic cycling tour!
Explore one of the most beautiful parts of England on this self-guided cycling tour of the Cotswolds. Hop on your bicycle for a week of exploration and relaxation in the tranquil countryside of the Cotswolds.
The Cotswold self-guided cycling tour helps you to make the most of your Cotswold vacation, helping you to experience all the highlights of this delightful region in England.
Exploring by bicycle is the perfect way to see the Cotswolds, giving you a calm pace that matches the atmosphere of your surroundings. You’ll have time for sightseeing in many interesting and beautiful locations, but you’ll also have time for traditional English tea in village tea rooms or to grab a pint in a typical local pub.
This tour is the perfect blend of an active adventure trip and a peaceful, relaxing holiday. You’ll get all the best advantages of both when you book this self-guided Cotswold Classic cycling tour!
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Cotswold Classic Cycling Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Cheltenham
Arrive in Cheltenham and take some time to explore the most complete Regency town in England. There is plenty of period architecture, a variety of boutique shops, and a number of great restaurants to choose from when you get hungry. Get a good night’s rest in preparation for the start of your cycling tour.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Cheltenham
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Cycle to Snowshill then Moreton-in-Marsh
Meet up with a tour guide at 9:30 in the morning at your hotel to receive your tour pack and rental bike plus equipment. Take a short transfer from Cheltenham, then you’ll ride through several picturesque Cotswold villages, then come to the delightful Snowshill village.
Stop to enjoy the Snowshill Manor House and its historic artifact collection. As you continue along the way to Moreton-in-Marsh, you’ll pass the Cotswold Wildlife Park, which is home to traditional farm breeds, as well as the Sezincote House, where you can tour typical Indian architecture. Your luggage will be waiting for your in Moreton-in-Marsh, where you will stop for the night.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Moreton-in-Marsh
Distance: Full Route: 30 miles / 48 km; Short Route: 23 miles / 37 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Bike around Moreton-in-Marsh
Today’s circuit route gives you an opportunity to explore Moreton-in-Marsh and its surrounding area. You’ll have the opportunity to visit lovely gardens at Kiftsgate Court or Hidcote Manor if you wish. Stop for lunch in a charming and traditional Cotswold village along your way. When you are finished exploring, return to your hotel in Moreton-in-Marsh to stay another night.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Moreton-in-Marsh
Distance: Full Route: 25 miles / 40 km; Short Route: 18 miles / 28 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Cycle to Stow-on-the-Wold then Bourton-on-the-Water
Today’s adventure takes you to Bourton-on-the-Water. Along the way, you’ll pass the River Evenlode and ride through several wonderful villages, including Upper Slaughter and Stow-on-the-Wold. Stop 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 interests. Check in to your lovely guesthouse where your luggage has already been transferred.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Bourton-on-the-Water
Distance: Full Route: 25.5 miles / 41 km; Short Route: 18 miles / 29 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Cycle around Bourton-on-the-Water
Explore Bourton-on-the-Water and its surrounding area today as you cycle a circuit route. The villages and countryside are beautiful and historic. You’ll enjoy wonderful examples of architecture from the 17th and 18th Centuries. Return to your guesthouse when you have finished exploring for another night in Bourton-on-the-Water.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Bourton-on-the-Water
Distance: Full Route: 33 miles / 53 km; Short Route: 21 miles / 33 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Return to Cheltenham by bike
This cycle route includes a visit to Northleach, an old market town, before proceeding through a number of pretty villages on the way to Cheltenham. Chedworth Roman Villa is a highlight, which is the most complete villa in Britain with mosaic floors, bathhouses and heating system all on display in their original settings. There is also a collection of artifacts in the museum and an interesting visitor centre. Other stops include Withington, Shipton, and Whittington before reaching Cheltenham. Cheltenham is the most complete Regency Town in the UK, with beautiful architecture and plenty of independent restaurants, shops, museums, and culture.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Cheltenham
Distance: 25 miles / 40 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Departure Day
Sadly, your Cotswold Classic cycling tour has come to an end. We hope you have enjoyed your time exploring the Cotswolds. Buses and trains are available in Cheltenham to take you to Birmingham, Bristol, or London, and beyond. Safe travels!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Cotswold Cycling Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided biking 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: GBP1250
- Price per person staying in a single room: GBP2150
Accommodation on the Cotswold 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 Cotswold Cycling Tour?
Meals
Six breakfasts are included with accommodations. Lunches, dinners and drinks are not included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 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
- Upgrade to E-Bike (available for an additional fee)
- Tourist Taxes where applicable
Optional Extras
- E-Bike Upgrade
- Additional nights before or after the tour.
- How hard is this tour?
- Can this tour be extended?
- 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 Cheltenham to start this tour?
- Where does the tour end?
- 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 33 miles (53 km) per day.
Yes! From Bourton-on-the-Water, you can choose to extend your tour to Cirencester instead of returning directly to Cheltenham. Choose to spend one night in Cirencester before returning to Cheltenham or add 2 nights in Cirencester and spend a day exploring Cirencester and the village of Daglingworth. You can also add additional nights in Cheltenham to explore Stanton or Tewkesburry.
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 Cheltenham by car via major UK roads and motorways. Train service with the Great Western Railway operates with regular connections to London.
The tour ends in where it began, in Cheltenham.
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.
