2025
Time Tower in Warwick

Cycle tour through the Cotswolds

On the trail of Shakespeare

Stratford-upon-Avon – Broadway – Burford – Stratford-upon-Avon

  • Warwick Castle
  • Broadway Tower
  • Bourton-on-the-Water
  • Daily routes ●○○○○, altitude profile ●●○○○
  • New trip!

days
8

Ø km per day
40

The rolling hills of the Cotswolds, picturesque villages of honey-colored limestone, green meadows and time-honored manor houses – a cycle tour through this unique region in central England is a real experience for connoisseurs. Discover one of the most beautiful landscapes in Great Britain on this individual cycle tour – where time seems to tick a little slower and every village is a postcard idyll.

The start and end point of your journey is Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. From there, your route takes you to magnificent castles, such as the imposing Warwick Castle, through gentle valleys, past quaint pubs, blooming gardens and vast sheep pastures. You will cycle on small, barely used roads and paths through typical English landscapes, discovering small towns such as Broadway, Burford and Stow-on-the-Wold – charming places full of history, culture and British lifestyle.

Whether you choose the longer or shorter version of the King's Stage, whether you stroll through National Trust gardens or fortify yourself with a cream tea – this tour is the ideal combination of nature enjoyment, cultural highlights and active experiences. Look forward to an unforgettable cycle tour through the Cotswolds – individual, inspiring and full of lasting impressions.

 

Itinerary

  • Booking code
    EN-GBSS7
  • Accommodation level
    national 3* / 4* level
  • Duration
    8 days / 7 nights
  • Arrival days
    on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
  • Minimum number of participants
    2 persons
  • Travel documents Languages
    English

Day 1: Individual arrival in Stratford-upon-Avon

Welcome to Stratford-upon-Avon – the home of William Shakespeare. The charming town on the River Avon welcomes you with half-timbered houses, pretty cafés and a touch of history in every alleyway. Explore the poet's birthplace, stroll through the well-kept parks or treat yourself to a cup of tea with a view of the river. In the evening, you can stop off at one of the traditional pubs or – depending on the schedule – get in the mood for a visit to the famous Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Your cycle tour through the Cotswolds begins with cultural enjoyment and a relaxed arrival.

Day 2: Excursion to Warwick Castle, approx. 45 km

To start your journey, head north-east towards Warwick. The route takes you along quiet roads and through classic British farmland to the famous Warwick Castle. The Norman fortress towers majestically over the idyllic Avon and provides a spectacular backdrop with its towers, battlements and manicured gardens. After an extensive visit, cycle back to Stratford-upon-Avon – a stroll through the charming streets or a visit to the picturesque Bancroft Garden is a great way to end the day. A stylish evening in one of the town's cozy cafés rounds off the day.

Day 3: Stratford-Upon-Avon – Broadway, approx. 30 km

On today's stage, you will cycle through a typical English postcard landscape: rolling hills, flowering hedgerows and small farmsteads line your route. A highlight on the route is Chipping Campden, a picturesque market town with a medieval tradition and a magnificent High Street. Once you arrive in Broadway, one of the most beautiful places in the Cotswolds awaits you: the wide high street with its elegant Georgian houses, stylish tea rooms and small galleries invites you to take a stroll. If you wish, you can take a short climb up to Broadway Tower, from where you can see as far as Wales in good weather.

Day 4: Cotswolds Explorer circular tour, approx. 45 km

On this circular tour, you will experience the region from its particularly charming side – a real highlight of your cycle tour through the Cotswolds. You cycle leisurely along winding paths through hilly landscapes, lush hedgerows and fragrant meadows. In Ashton under Hill and Beckford, small stores and handicrafts invite you to browse. A real insider tip is the quiet village of Stanton, which seems to have fallen out of time with its Tudor architecture. Treat yourself to a classic cream tea on the way – this sweet treat makes the day perfect.

Day 5: Broadway – Burford, approx. 40 km

Your stage today takes you through the heart of the Cotswolds – over picturesque hills, through idyllic villages and green pastures. A detour to the Cotswold Farm Park is worthwhile, as is a stopover in Bourton-on-the-Water, whose small bridges and babbling river have earned the town the nickname "Venice of the Cotswolds". Finally, you reach Burford, a charming market town with a medieval flair. The crooked main street with its stores, cafés and pubs invites you to linger.

Day 6 : Burford – Stow-on-the-Wold, approx. 70 / 35 km

A varied section of your cycle tour through the Cotswolds awaits you today. The shorter route takes you through lovely hilly landscapes and quiet villages directly to Stow-on-the-Wold, a historic market town with quaint pubs and antique stores. The longer option rewards you with a detour to the impressive Blenheim Palace, the baroque birthplace of Winston Churchill – a cultural highlight in the midst of stately parkland. No matter which route you choose: Enjoy a day full of English country charm that takes you through tranquil villages and impressive parkland.

Day 7: Stow-on-the-Wold – Stratford-upon-Avon, approx. 50 km

The return journey to Stratford takes you through classic English countryside, with sweeping views across fields, through small hamlets and past old manor houses. Experience the tranquil beauty of the Cotswolds once again before returning to the famous birthplace of Shakespeare. Perhaps end your trip with a walk along the River Avon or a last visit to the pub – with a pint or a cider to a successful week of cycling.

Day 8: Individual departure

After a last leisurely breakfast, your cycle tour through the Cotswolds comes to an end. If you like, you can stroll through the streets of Stratford-upon-Avon one last time, treat yourself to a souvenir or visit the picturesque Bancroft Garden on the River Avon. With many wonderful memories in your luggage, you start your journey home – inspired by the English way of life, the tranquillity of the countryside and the variety of your experiences. Or you can extend your stay in a relaxed manner – there is still so much to discover!

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Dates / Prices / Services

Season times and prices 2025

Arrival on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 04.04.2025 to 28.09.2025

Bookable dates are shown in the booking form. The season is dictated by the arrival date.

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Season A
04.04. - 28.09.

from1299 €

All prices per person in a double room

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Services

  • 7 nights with breakfast, selected bed & breakfast houses and hotels at national 3* / 4* level
  • Luggage transport from hotel to hotel, max. 1 piece of luggage per person, max. 23 kg / piece
  • Digital travel documents
    - only available in English -
  • Route navigation via app
  • Service-Hotline (7 days, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
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Minimum number of participants: 2 persons

Not included is the city or visitor's tax (if payable).

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Children discounts

No child discount is offered on this trip.

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Additional services

Additional bookable services

Additional fee single room (from 2 persons)

999 €

All prices are per person

Rental bikes

Rental Bikes

Rental Bike
Rental Bike
249 €
E-Bike
E-Bike
399 €

Types of rental bikes

  • 24-gear unisex / men's bike
  • E-bike / pedelec
Fittings

Pannier, map holder, bike lock, pump, repair kit (1 x per booking)

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Route profile

  • Start / Destination
    Stratford-Upon-Avon
  • Length
    approx. 245 km
    Daily routes ●●○○○
    between 30 and 50 km, Ø 40 km
    Altitude profile ●●●○○
  • Tour operated by
    Local cooperation partner
  • Mobility note
    The trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility.

days
8

Ø km per day
40