Explore beautiful country villages and rich English history on this 8-day self-guided tour
This Stratford to Bath cycling tour is packed full of scenic beauty and fascinating history. Enjoy cycling from village to village and staying in cute hotels and bed & breakfasts along the way.
Begin your tour in the town of Stratford-upon-Avon, well-known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. The tour ends in the city of Bath, which is famous for its historic Roman baths. In between, you’ll cycle across quiet country roads from one stunningly beautiful village to the next.
Opportunities abound to stop and explore exquisite gardens, riverfront views, ancient buildings, boutique shops, and an overwhelming selection of tea rooms and pubs. You’ll stay in guesthouses where your hosts go above and beyond to make your tour as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Each day of this tour is planned to be so memorable that you’re bound to have a hard time deciding which part of the tour was your favorite.
Highlights of the Stratford to Bath Cycling Tour
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Stratford to Bath Cycling Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Stratford-upon-Avon
Be ye warmly welcomed to the town of Shakespeare! The birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon is a popular tourist destination offering many things to see and do. Your tour begins here, so settle in your wonderful guesthouse and get a good night’s rest.
Overnight Location: Adelphi Guesthouse, Stratford-upon-Avon
Distance: N/A
Meals: None
Day 2 Cycle around Stratford-upon-Avon
Explore Stratford-upon-Avon and its surrounding countryside today, with time to visit all the most popular sights in this historic area. This route keeps you mostly on quiet lanes, passing Mary Arden’s house, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Snitterfield, and Aston Cantlow. You can find great places to stop for lunch in a traditional pub at village inns in Snitterfield, Wilmcote, Aston Cantlow, or Bearly Cross. Spend the night in the same guesthouse in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Overnight Location: Adelphi Guesthouse, Stratford-upon-Avon
Distance: Full Route: 29.5 miles / 47 km; Short Route: 18 miles / 29 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Cycle to Chipping Campden then Moreton-in-Marsh
Leave Stratford-upon-Avon and travel a delightful blend of bicycle paths and country lanes. Along the way you’ll pass the impressive, 16th Century Elizabethan manor house (now a hotel) called The Greenway, and the village of Mickleton, also called the Gateway to the Cotswolds. Other points of interest include the gardens at Kiftsgate and Hicote, and Chipping Campden, an old market town and the starting point of the Cotswold Way national trail. Soon you’ll come to the town of Moreton-in-Marsh, which is your stop for the night. Your luggage will be waiting for you there.
Overnight Location: The Redesdale Arms, Moreton-in-Marsh
Distance: Full Route: 35 miles / 56 km; Short Route: 28 miles / 45 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Cycle to Bourton-on-the-Water
Today’s journey takes you to Bourton-on-the-Water. Along the way, you’ll pass the River Evenlode and ride through several delightful villages, including Upper Slaughter and Stow-on-the-Wold. Pause from time to time to enjoy the lovely views and traditional village atmosphere. Bourton-on-the-Water is a unique place, and a wide range of attractions and points of interest offers something for every visitor, no matter your preferences. Check in to your cozy guesthouse where your luggage has already been transferred.
Overnight Location: Lansdowne Guest House, Bourton-on-the-Water
Distance: Full Route: 25.5 miles / 41 km; Short Route: 18 miles / 29 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Cycle to Cirencester
Cycle today from Bourton-on-the-Water to Cirencester by way of Northleach and Bibury. Northleach is an old market town dating back to the 13th Century with a beautiful 15th Century church. Bibury is a scenic and often photographed village on the banks of the River Coln. You will easily understand why the artist William Morris declared it to be the most beautiful village in all of England. Explore at your own pace then make your way to Cirencester to stay the night.
Overnight Location: Ivy House, Cirencester
Distance: Full Route: 29 miles / 47 km; Short Route: 21 miles / 34 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Cycle to Malmesbury
Leave Cirencester and cycle along quiet roads and through small villages in the surrounding area. You’ll come to the incredible Cotswold Water Park, where you may choose to stop and explore the lakeside beach with a cafe, the water sports center, and much more. Then continue your ride through Tetbury, where you’ll find fabulous boutiques and shops. The next landmark you’ll pass will be the Westonbirt National Arboretum before arriving at today’s destination in Malmesbury.
Overnight Location: Euclid Villas, Malmesbury
Distance: Full Route: 30 miles / 48 km; Short Route: 16 miles / 26 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Cycle to Bath
Though this last day of the tour begins briefly on the main road, you’ll soon be back on quieter roads through Foxley and Norton. Next, you’ll come to the stunningly beautiful village of Castle Combe, where you’ll want to pause to appreciate the lovely and often photographed riverfront view from the bridge. It may be hard to imagine, but this village is also well-known for racing. Continue cycling to reach the lovely and historic city of Bath, where this incredible tour comes to an end.
Overnight Location: The Rising Sun Inn, Bath
Distance: Full Route: 29.5 miles / 47 km; Short Route: 26 miles / 41 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Departure Day
Sadly, your Stratford to Bath cycling tour has reached its end. Trains are easily available from Bath Spa to London, or a bus can take you to Bristol Airport. Safe travels!
Overnight Location: N/A
Distance: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Stratford to Bath Cycling Tour Price and Dates
Pricing for this self-guided cycling tour in the Cotswolds is based on the number of guests on your trip. The best time to travel to the Cotswolds for this tour is during the warmer months from May to September, but the trip is available year-round.
Prices for Self-guided Stratford to Bath Cycling Tour
Prices below are per person:
- Self-Guided Groups of 1: $2,075 USD per person
- Self-Guided Groups of 2-4: $1,250 USD per person
- Self-Guided Groups of 5+: $1,225 USD per person
Accommodation on the Stratford to Bath Cycling Tour
This tour is based in 3-4-star hotels and bed and breakfasts. In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement of $550 USD to have a private room in a hotel.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Adelphi Guesthouse, Stratford-upon-Avon ★★★★
Attentive and knowledgeable hosts, rooms that are beautifully furnished in period style, and a location convenient to all the sights of Stratford-upon-Avon.
The Redesdale Arms, Moreton-in-Marsh ★★★
This has the character and charm of an old coaching inn, but renovated to include modern amenities for your comfort. Enjoy the courtyard when the weather is good and the roaring log fire when it isn’t.
Lansdowne Guest House, Bourton-on-the-Water ★★★★
This lovely family-owned-and-operated guesthouse is conveniently located near the center of Bourton-on-the-Water. You’ll be well taken care of so can focus on enjoying this beautiful area.
Ivy House, Cirencester ★★★
The Ivy House offers clean, comfortable rooms with all the amenities you’d expect, but what sets it apart is the above-and-beyond hospitality of your hosts and the homemade, locally sourced breakfasts.
Euclid Villas, Malmesbury (Bed and Breakfast)
This centrally located, late-Victorian villa overlooks the River Avon and provides easy access to all the attractions of Malmesbury. Your host provides both warm hospitality and a wealth of local knowledge.
The Rising Sun Inn, Bath ★★★
Whether you plan to spend time sightseeing, or just want an easy walk to the train station, the Rising Sun is perfectly situated for your needs.
What’s included in the Stratford to Bath Cycling Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included with accommodations. Lunches, dinners and drinks are not included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights along the tour. Extra nights may be added for an additional fee.
Also Included
- Bicycle hire (hybrid bike) + one-size helmet
- Puncture repair kit, pump, lock, panniers
- Luggage Transfers
- Full Tour Pack with color-coded routes on local maps
- Smartphone App with GPS routes
- 24-hr emergency helpline
Not included
- Lunch, Dinner & Drinks
- Entrance to attractions
- Buses and/or Ferries unless otherwise stated
- E-Bike Hire (available for an additional fee)
- Tourist Taxes where applicable
Optional Extras
- E-Bike Upgrade - $150 USD per day
- Additional nights in Stratford or Bath - $175 USD / night / room
Frequently Asked Questions about Stratford to Bath Cycling Tour
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