The Cotswolds Highlights Cycling Tour
DISTANCE
25 – 45 miles (25 – 64 km) per day
DURATION
5 nights
DIFFICULTY
Moderate
Accommodation
B&B Accommodation, Village Inns & Luxury Hostels
Travel Information
Price
£1250
Cotswold Bike Tour Overview
This self-guided Cotswold cycling tour blends the very best of the region with two of England’s most iconic landmarks. You’ll pedal through the timeless beauty of Chipping Campden, the picturesque Slaughters, and the charming village of Bourton-on-the-Water before reaching the historic market town of Burford. Along the way, you’ll experience the grandeur of Blenheim Palace, the ancestral home of the Churchill family, set against the stunning Oxfordshire countryside. Your adventure passes quaint Cotswold villages and culminates in the world-renowned university city of Oxford, where centuries of history and academic excellence await.
An area of outstanding natural beauty, the Cotswolds offers a rare chance to slow down and fully immerse yourself in its rolling landscapes, honey-hued villages, country lanes and tranquil woodlands. You’ll enjoy the finest accommodations in Chipping Campden, Upper Slaughter, and Woodstock, ensuring comfort and relaxation after each day’s ride.
A suitable bike and equipment are essential for this tour. If bringing your own, a Hybrid or Mountain Bike with at least 21 gears is recommended. Please ensure your bike is in excellent condition and properly insured.
For those hiring a bike, repair kits and helmets are included in the rental. The tour features high-quality UK-manufactured hybrid ‘Trek’ bikes, equipped with Shimano 21-speed gears, front and rear V-brakes, fitted mudguards, and bottle holders—perfect for tackling the gentle hills and scenic lanes of this unforgettable cycling experience.
Cotswolds Bike Tour Highlights
Begin your Cotswold cycling holiday in the historic market town of Chipping Campden, renowned for its beautifully preserved limestone buildings and rich artistic heritage. Visit the 17th-century Market Hall, a striking relic of the town’s bustling trade past, and step inside St. James’ Church, an exquisite example of a medieval wool church. Discover the legacy of the Arts and Crafts movement at the Court Barn Museum, celebrating local craftsmanship and design.
UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is a stunning example of Baroque architecture set within 2,000 acres of landscaped parkland. Explore its opulent State Rooms, adorned with priceless art and tapestries, and discover Churchill’s legacy through interactive exhibits. Outside, the award-winning gardens and vast parkland, designed by Capability Brown, offer breathtaking views, serene water terraces, and the intricate Marlborough Maze. Whether immersing yourself in history or enjoying a peaceful stroll, Blenheim Palace is an unmissable highlight of your journey.
Wander through the enchanting streets of Bourton-on-the-Water, famous for its low-arched stone bridges spanning the River Windrush. Explore the fascinating exhibits at the Cotswold Motoring Museum, home to vintage cars and nostalgic memorabilia. Get up close with exotic birds and reptiles at Birdland Park and Gardens, or take a detour to the Model Village, a perfect miniature replica of Bourton itself. Unwind with a locally brewed pint at Hawkstone Brewery, where Cotswold craft beer meets tradition.
Experience the postcard-perfect charm of Upper and Lower Slaughter, two of the most idyllic villages in England. Walk along the River Eye’s gentle banks, where stone footbridges and ancient cottages create a scene straight from a painting. Visit the Old Mill in Lower Slaughter, now a museum and café, where you can learn about the village’s milling heritage while enjoying homemade treats. In Upper Slaughter, embrace the peace of a “Thankful Village,” one of the few in England that suffered no casualties during World War I.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Chipping Campden
Arrive in Chipping Campden for your first overnight stay in the beautiful Cotswolds. Stroll along the iconic High Street, where centuries-old architecture stands as a testament to its rich past. Discover the elegant Almshouses, the characterful Market Hall, and the magnificent St. James’ Church, each offering a glimpse into the town’s storied history. At your accommodation, your route notes and maps will be waiting, ready to guide you on the journey ahead.
Day 2: Chipping Campden to Upper Slaughter (25 miles/40 km or 45 miles/72 km)
On day two, you have the option for a shorter route that passes nearby Stow-on-the-Wold, or a longer route which will take you through some beautiful countryside and pass Broadway Tower and include the lively little town of Winchcombe, and the historic Sudeley Castle.
Day 3: Upper Slaughter to Woodstock (30 miles/48 km)
Head south towards Burford, in the county of Oxfordshire, passing a succession of charming small villages. From Burford, continue to Swinbrook, with its connections to the Mitford sisters and remarkable Fettiplace memorials in its church; the romantic ruins at Minster Lovell; and finally to Woodstock and Blenheim Palace, the ancestral home of the Churchill family and the Dukes of Marlborough.
Day 4: Free day
Day four is a free day to visit Blenheim Palace or to cycle into Oxford, where you can shop at the historic Covered Market, view the city’s spired skyline from Carfax Tower, or go boating on the Thames. Overnight at Woodstock.
Day 5: Woodstock to Chipping Campden (30 miles/48 km)
Cycle Woodstock to Chipping Campden via the bustling market town of Chipping Norton; Adlestrop, the inspiration for one of the most evocative poems (by Edward Thomas) in the English language; Moreton-in-Marsh; and Batsford with its arboretum and falconry centre. Overnight at Chipping Campden.
Day 6: Departure
Departure after breakfast.
Map
The Cotswolds Highlights Cycling Tour follows one of the most picturesque Cotswold cycling routes, traversing rolling hills and valleys, quiet woodland, and charming countryside villages. This cycling route combines the very best of the Cotswolds, beginning in Chipping Campden and taking you through quiet woodland and rolling hills to Upper Slaughter and Woodstock, before ending off in Chipping Campden.
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Distance
Total: 105 miles (169 km)
Duration: 3 or 4 cycling days
Average daily mileage: 26 miles (42 km)
Longest day: 45 miles (72 km)
Shortest day: 20 miles (32 km)
Duration
5 nights
3 days cycling
Moderate
More consistently longer cycling days across varied walking surfaces and conditions. Elevation gain and descent through the day can accumulate and there may be one or two larger uphill sections per day depending on the itinerary. A reasonable pace should be maintained to cover distances in good time. Aimed more at those who have cycling experience and reasonable to good level of fitness.
Highest elevation gain in one day: 1537 ft (468 m)
Average daily elevation gain: 1375 ft (419 m)
Accommodation
Accommodation has been hand-picked to provide guests with an authentic Cotswolds experience.
Though accommodation may vary from tour to tour, we gravitate towards a selection of quintessential English countryside stays. Some favourites when it comes to our Cotswolds Highlights Cycling Tour include:
Cotswold House Hotel at Chipping Campden
The Lion Inn at Winchcombe
The Slaughters Country Inn at Lower Slaughter
The Marlborough Inn at Woodstock
All of our selected B&Bs, Inns, and Hotels will give you a warm welcome with a hearty breakfast for you in the morning to set you off on your day’s cycling.
Travel Information
Best time to go: March – September
Arriving By Train:
The Cotswolds are at the heart of the British rail network. The closest train station to Chipping Campden is Moreton-in-Marsh and trains run from London Paddington on direct services frequently. From there, a 15-minute taxi journey brings you to Chipping Campden. We are happy to arrange private transfers to your starting accommodation. Please contact us for further details.
Arriving By Plane:
Recommended airports: Birmingham Airport (54.1km) London Heathrow (164km).
From London Heathrow, you can take the Heathrow Express train directly to London Paddington from where you can take a direct train to Moreton-in-Marsh.
Arriving By Car:
Note that there is some limited on-road parking with no restrictions in the village. Accommodation will often not permit you to leave your car for the duration, or may charge a fee. There is a long-stay car park at the train station.
Private Transfer:
We are happy to arrange private transfers to your starting accommodation.
Please contact us for further details.
Price
£1250 pp
Two people sharing a room
B&B accommodation with a private bathroom
Pricing includes:
Accommodation
Luggage transfers each cycling day
Route notes and maps
Local backup on-call
Bike hire:
£140
£20 per day for additional days
Panniers are available at extra cost
You must be able to do basic bike maintenance including puncture repairs
Optional extras:
E-Bike Hire: £35.00 per day;
Please contact us to enquire about the single supplement for this tour if you plan on travelling alone.
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