Welcome to the Cotswolds! This charming region in England offers a scenic landscape of rolling hills, quaint little towns and villages, hedgerow lanes and historic landmarks. Many of the buildings are made from the honey-coloured Cotswold Stone, making the villages very attractive. The Cotswolds have been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, lending it levels of protection from development due to its beautiful landscape.
Moreton-in-Marsh, UK
Days 1+2
Chipping Campden, UK
Days 3+4
Stow-on-the-Wold, UK
Days 5+6
| Start any date between May 1 and Oct 31. |
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| Custom trips are also available and can start any date, call or email for details. |
Total Days
Arrive/Depart
Activity LevelModerate
TerrainRolling hills
CostClassic Accommodation: US $2,650
Single Supplement: US $680
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $320
Racing Bikes: US $420
E-bikes*: US $480
*E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
Getting There
Arrive to Moreton-in-Marsh by train or bus from London Paddington station. You can catch the Heathrow Express from London Heathrow to Paddington station and then transfer from there to a train for Moreton-in-Marsh.
Moreton-in-Marsh
Your trip starts in Moreton-in-Marsh, a historic market town in the Cotswolds, with a rich history that dates back to medieval times and beyond. Despite evidence of Roman occupation in the area, the town’s name suggests Saxon origins, with “Moreton” deriving from the Old English “mor” (moor) and “tun” (settlement), indicating a settlement in a marshy area. Your Area Manager will meet you at 2pm on Day 1 so you have time for a warm-up ride if you choose. Enjoy the town known for its well-preserved Cotswold stone buildings and traditional architecture, and make sure to visit a local pub in the evening – shall it be the Swan Inn, Black Bear Inn or Redesdale Arms?
Distance: 17 km; elevation gain: 100 m
Moreton-in-Marsh
There are two options today: a 49-km route that takes you through Evenlode, Kingham, Chadlington and past the Chastleton House; or a 54-km option that takes you through beautiful countryside and pretty villages including Evenlode, Kingham, Chipping Norton and Barton-on-the-Heath. The Evenlode is a beautiful meandering river that eventually joins the Thames. On this route, you can visit Chastleton House, built in 1607 by a wool merchant and features ornate stone carvings and wood paneling, as well as gardens that feature a traditional 17th century design. The other route takes you to Chipping Norton, founded as a market town in medieval times and has retained its historical character.
Distance: 49 km; elevation gain: 502 m or 54 km; elevation gain: 613 m
Chipping Campden
This is a short day, should you want to ride to Chipping Campden and have the afternoon to visit. Don’t miss the Hidcote gardens, a world-famous Arts and Crafts-inspired garden nestled in a North Cotswold hamlet. Chipping Campden is a small market town with a high street that dates back to the 14th century. Bakers Arms, Eight Bells Inn and Kings Arms are just some of the local pubs to visit.
Distance: 28 km; elevation gain: 369 m or 50 km; elevation gain: 530 m
Chipping Campden
Today’s ride goes to Stratford-upon-Avon, purported to be Shakespeare’s Birthplace and where the home of Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare’s wife grew up. Today, it is one of Britain’s most popular tourist destinations, drawing up to three million visitors a year. That is a logical place for lunch, and then walk around town to see its half-timbered buildings.
Distance: 53 km; elevation gain: 530 m
Stow-on-the-Wold
Ride from Chipping Campden to Stow-on-the-Wold via Broadway, Snowshill and Guiting Power. Don’t miss visiting Snowshill Manor and Gardens on this ride. Snowshill is the unconventional home of the eccentric Charles Wade, who delighted in creating a stage for his life and passions. The longer option adds on a leg to Sudeley Castle and then you’ll be ready for a visit to the Porch House or Sheep on Sheep Street pub!
Distance: 39 km; elevation gain: 631 m or 45 km; elevation gain: 890 m
Stow-on-the-Wold
Visit “Venice of the Cotswolds”, also known as Bourton on the Water, with the River Windrush flowing through and five arched bridges crossing the river. Stop en route for lunch or get a sandwich from Cotswold Baguettes (2 Church St, Stow-on-the-Wold) to take with you. On the longer option, visit Cirencester which was the largest city in Britain after London in Roman times. It is one of the best preserved towns in the Cotswolds.
Distance: 64 km; elevation gain: 1,029 m or 77 km; elevation gain: 1,110 m
Depart
You can depart at your leisure after breakfast. Take the bus or taxi to Kingham Station and then catch a train for onward travel.
Set in a 16th-century Cotswold stone manor house, this upscale guesthouse features elegant rooms individually decorated in contemporary country-house style. A full English breakfast is offered, and the restaurant serves upmarket, locally sourced dishes.
Set in a Regency stone property with 2 acres of gardens, this upmarket hotel is a 2-minute walk from Chipping Campden historic Market Hall. They have stylish country-style rooms, as well as a refined restaurant offering locally sourced British dishes, plus a spa with a hydrotherapy pool and aromatic steam room.
Set in a 16th-century Cotswold stone inn overlooking the old penal stocks in Stow-on-the-Wold's historic market square, this straightforward B&B is a 3-minute walk from the Cotswold Cricket Museum. Full English breakfast is included, and the historic pub, with exposed stone walls, oak beams and a log fireplace, features a patio garden and offers classic dishes.
Tour Reviews
“Beautiful country. Quaint small villages. Fabulous pubs. Lots of art galleries, theatre and historical sites along the way. Our Travel Advisor and Area Manager were always friendly, courteous, helpful and efficient. The whole trip was excellent!”
“Wonderful little villages. Great pubs. Amazing farms and towns. All the food was very good. Could be advertised as “British small town bicycle pub tour.” Very friendly people.”
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