Cycle the UK's Grand Tour across England, Wales & Scotland

Catching the train from London Paddington to the beautiful city of Oxford, we begin our grand tour of the UK by exploring the various iconic university colleges. Having soaked up the unique atmosphere of this historic city, our handpicked Active England guide will then fit you up with your bikes and lead you on a stunning introductory ride through the Cotswolds. In the evening, we settle down in the charming market town of Moreton-in-Marsh, and enjoy our first dinner together as a group.

Winding our way through the quiet country lanes and over the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, our first stop today is the quintessential English town of Chipping Campden. From here, we continue on to Hidcote Gardens, internationally renowned for its collection of incredible outdoor “rooms.” We then eat a packed lunch at Broadway Tower, enjoying awe-inspiring views over 16 counties in England and Wales, before biking back to our hotel via some of the most region’s most beloved towns and villages. From the Slaughters to the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, Bourton-on-the-Water, our guides will ensure you see the absolute best of this beautiful corner of England.

Today we begin with coffee at Daylesford Organic, the most exclusive farm shop in the Cotswolds, before cycling around 20 miles through idyllic countryside to Blenheim Palace. Winston Churchill’s birthplace and now a World Heritage Site, we eat lunch overlooking the Capability Brown parklands, and take some time during the afternoon to explore the historic Palace or the 2,000-acre estate. Mounting up once again, we end our day with a return ride to Moreton-in-Marsh, for our final evening in the Cotswolds.

We ride north to Stratford-upon-Avon, a medieval market town in England’s West Midlands and the 16th-century birthplace of William Shakespeare. Taking plenty of time to explore all this historic location has to offer, including a visit to Shakespeare’s birthplace and the church in which he’s buried, we’ll then transfer to the Brecon Beacons National Park for the Welsh leg of our grand tour.

Today we’ll bike through the beautiful Brecon Beacons. Heading into Clydach Gorge, a wooded valley containing caves, waterfalls, old railway lines and a fast-flowing river, our route takes us onto the Taff Trail, a 55-mile route stretching all the way to Cardiff. We return at the end of today’s ride to our hotel in Abergavenny. Set against the beautiful Black Mountains, this friendly little town is the perfect place to rest up for our final evening in Wales.

We transfer this morning to the Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and England’s largest National Park. Staying in the bustling market town of Keswick, we mount up and set out on a looped ride of Buttermere. Famous for its glorious setting among the northern fells, this is without doubt one of the most stunning Lake District valleys. Cycling back to Keswick for a pint of local ale and some well-deserved R&R, this lively little town has an excellent selection of local restaurants to choose from for this evening’s dinner.

Today’s itinerary takes us on a circular ride around the North Lake District range, where we’ll encounter the imposing Skiddaw and Blencathra mountains. In the afternoon, we visit the popular tourist destination of Ambleside. Sitting at the head of Windermere, England’s largest natural lake, we’ll take a little time to rest up and visit some of the many local shops and cafés, before returning to the hotel.

We begin today with a transfer to Hadrian’s Wall, the world-famous Roman structure that stretches 73 miles from coast to coast. Hitting the trails, our route takes us from Housesteads, the most complete Roman fort in Britain, to Vindolanda, one of England’s most significant archaeological sites. Following the wall itself, we’ll have plenty of opportunity as we ride to marvel at what is undoubtedly one of England’s most dramatic landmarks, as well as to visit the recently felled Sycamore Gap tree.

Today we cycle to some of Northumberland’s most magnificent castles. We start the day with Lindisfarne, the ancient site of England’s first Christian settlements, its location on a tidal estuary showcases Northumberland’s unparalleled coastline in all its glory. Finally, we end today’s ride at Bamburgh. Sitting high on an outcrop over the beach, with wonderful views over to the Farne Islands and back across the causeway to Lindisfarne, this particular castle is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular in the area. With our ride complete, we end the day by transferring to Edinburgh.

For our last full day, we cycle the highlights of Scotland’s magnificent capital. Starting with the striking Pentland Hills, southwest of the city, we then bike along the canals before exploring some of Edinburgh most iconic local landmarks on foot. From touring the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, to walking post Holyrood Palace and up the famous Arthur’s Seat, our guides will show you all this historic city has to offer. With our grand tour now drawing to a close, we’ll celebrate the end of our adventure with a final dinner together.

After a relaxed breakfast, our Active England guide will lead you to Edinburgh Waverley railway station, where we’ll say our farewells and provide any help you might need with your onward travel arrangements. We can also help with transfers to the airport. Alternatively, extended tours are available on request for those eager to explore the breath-taking Scottish islands and highlands. If you would like to extend your tour, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.