Cotswolds Bike Tour

Meet your guides at Oxford train station for a short transfer to the enchanting town of Woodstock, set on the eastern edge of the Cotswolds. Spanning 800 square miles from Gloucestershire to Oxfordshire, this storied region was designated an Area of Outstanding National Beauty (AONB) in 1966. It’s easy to see why: peaceful stands of beech trees and limestone bedrock give rise to a grassland habitat found nowhere else in the UK. We’ll begin with a visit to Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Winston Churchill and one of Britain’s most magnificent homes, delving into three centuries of history. Harry Potter fans can seek out the majestic Cedar of Lebanon tree featured in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, while the guides prepare the bikes. Today’s ride offers a perfect introduction to the Cotswolds with rolling hills, narrow lanes, and honey-colored villages that make you want to slow down and linger. In the heart-achingly picturesque villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter, stone cottages bathed in beautiful light line the River Coln, treating us to some truly idyllic afternoon scenery. We’ll roll into our first luxury hotel with time to relax and settle in with a drink on the lawn before dinner.

Meals: Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Woodstock, Idbury, Lower Slaughter
Accomplished: 24 miles / 39 km, elevation gain: 1,509 feet / 460 meters
Accommodations: Lords of the Manor Hotel

This morning, a brief transfer brings us to Stratford-upon-Avon, the medieval market town where William Shakespeare was born. We’ll visit the Bard’s childhood home for a glimpse into the world that shaped England’s greatest playwright, then pause for tea and freshly baked scones at a nearby café. Our route begins just outside of town on the Stratford Greenway—a former railway line converted into a smooth, level path perfect for cycling. Cross the River Avon via the historic Stannals Bridge, then weave through rolling fields dotted with golden limestone cottages to Moreton-in-Marsh, a charming town framed by handsome Georgian façades. With luck, we’ll catch the weekly farmers market—the largest and liveliest in the Cotswolds. From there, the route dips and climbs through gentle valleys, passing through the hilltop town of Stow-on-the-Wold before returning to the hotel. This evening we’ll regather and head to dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Stratford Upon Aven, Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow on the Wold
Accomplished: 28 miles / 45 km, elevation gain: 1,690 feet / 515 meters
Accommodations: Lords of the Manor Hotel

Today’s countryside loop unfolds along quiet roads through the green patchwork expanse that defines the Cotswolds. Our first stop is a local farm, where we’ll join the estate team to learn the story of the land and meet a selection of rare breed animals that have long defined the region’s agricultural heritage. Back on the bikes, we ride to the historic village of Broadway, widely known as the “Jewel of the Cotswolds” and home to the 18th-century Broadway Tower. Perched high on the escarpment, this whimsical landmark rewards a climb to its rooftop terrace with views that stretch all the way to Wales. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the village before strolling the elegant high street, perhaps pausing to sample some locally distilled Cotswold gin. The road saves its most surprising sight for last: Sezincote, a lavish country estate inspired by Mughal architecture, where we’ll stop for tea. From there, choose to ride or transfer back to the hotel. The evening is yours—dine at the hotel’s award-winning Atrium restaurant or head to a nearby village. Your guides can recommend their favorite spots.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Destinations: Snowshill, Broadway, Longborough
Accomplished: 32 miles / 52 km, elevation gain: 2,375 feet / 724 meters
Accommodations: Lords of the Manor Hotel

After a hearty English breakfast, we’ll set off on a ride through some of the Cotswolds’ most enchanting scenery, traveling from one storybook town to the next. Leaving the twin villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter, pedal along rolling country roads to Bourton-on-the-Water, often called the “Venice of the Cotswolds” for the lovely footbridges that span the River Windrush. Soak up the charm of this picture-perfect village, then continue cycling, pausing for a delightful picnic near Bibury. From there, our route takes us through the historic market town of Cirencester and on to Tetbury. If time allows, we’ll stop at a local bowling club to try our hand at the quintessentially British pastime of lawn bowls. Our ride ends at our final hotel—a traditional country house and spa in Gloucestershire—where a cool glass of Pimm’s awaits. Check in and get settled then gather for a short transfer to the town of Stroud for tonight’s dinner.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Bibury, Cirencester, Tetbury
Accomplished: 43 miles / 70 km, elevation gain: 2,175 feet / 663 meters
Accommodations: Calcot & Spa

This morning, choose your own adventure: hop on the bike for an easy loop through the surrounding hills and hedgerows, with a stop at the world-renowned Westonbirt Arboretum, or join a local guide in the pretty village of Castle Combe for a countryside walk that ends at a cozy pub. Back at the hotel, the afternoon is yours to relax by the pool or indulge in a treatment at the spa. As evening falls, we’ll gather on the lawn for a celebration of fiddles and folk dance as a troupe of Morris dancers brings a centuries-old tradition to life, complete with bells, handkerchiefs, and sticks. Our farewell dinner follows in the hotel’s brasserie, where we’ll raise a glass to our adventures and sit down to a meal showcasing the region’s finest local ingredients.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Leighterton, Sherston, Westonbirt
Accomplished: 24 miles / 38 km, elevation gain: 1,030 feet / 314 meters
Accommodations: Calcot & Spa

Rise early for one last ride or linger over a leisurely breakfast. Later this morning, your private transfer will deliver you to the elegant spa town of Bath for your return to London (or your next destination).

Meals: Breakfast
Destinations: Wotton-under-Edge, Nibley Noll, Calcot, Bath
Accomplished: 19 miles / 30 km, elevation gain: 422 feet / 129 meters