Cycling The Cotswolds

Description

The Cotswolds is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in central-south-west England and a superb destination for cycling, sightseeing and exploring. It covers nearly 800 square miles across five counties, primarily Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. Renowned for its quintessential English charm, it features rolling hills (the "wolds") and, crucially, towns and villages constructed from distinctive golden-coloured, honey-hued limestone. It’s picturesque, with quaint historic villages with honey-coloured stone cottages, such as Castle Combe, and market towns like Cheltenham, Cirencester, and Chipping Campden. The region, which derives its name from "sheep enclosures in rolling hillsides," is famous for its sheep and a relaxed, rural, and idyllic atmosphere.

The Cotswolds features picturesque stone villages, historic market towns, and grand estates, with top spots including Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, and Castle Combe. Must-visit attractions include Broadway Tower, Blenheim Palace, Sudeley Castle, and walking the Cotswold Way. Key locations are focused around rural charm, boutique shopping, and scenic countryside.

Cycling in the Cotswolds offers a mix of scenic, rolling countryside, quiet country lanes, and charming limestone villages, featuring an array of different cycling terrains. Ideal from mid-spring to autumn, it provides both challenging limestone escarpment climbs and leisurely, traffic-free paths, suitable for road, hybrid, and mountain bikes. The Cotswolds boast cycle-friendly lanes, rolling countryside, canal paths and bridleways perfect for exploration by bike.

This fully guided cycling holiday is based in the Cotswold town of Bourton-on-the Water and is our base for the 5-day trip, with its abundance of shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs and other services. All three guided rides are mainly on quiet country roads and lanes and will cover approximately 95 miles, but the scenery and sites are spectacular. The routes chosen are not without their challenges and this area is well known for the odd steep climb and descent, but some sections offer an easier gradient, with far reaching views over open countryside.

Bourton-on-the-Water, often called the "Venice of the Cotswolds," is a highly popular, picturesque village in Gloucestershire, England, renowned for the shallow River Windrush flowing through its centre, spanned by five low, arched stone bridges. It is famous for its honey-coloured Cotswold stone buildings, quaint cafes, and attractions like the Model Village, Birdland Park, and the Motor Museum, attracting many tourists.

Accommodation for this trip is based on a room only basis staying in a luxury large house in Bourton on the Water, sharing a twin or double room or for sole occupancy. There is a sole occupancy supplement on this holiday. The property has a number of bathrooms and you may have to share facilities.

On this holiday, we also offer our group the opportunity to enjoy some downtime and dine out together in a pre-selected choice of local restaurants and hostelries. It’s a great way to get to know each other and enjoy some of the very best food and drink this area has to offer. Please note, pre-booked local taxis will take us from our accommodation to the restaurant or pub and return after the meal. The return taxi fare is not included in the holiday and will be an extra cost individually, which will need to be paid locally. There is no pressure for you to join the group in an evening, just let the guide know you will not be attending.

Everyone who is booked on this trip will receive a bespoke itinerary via email about one week before departure explaining every element of your trip. There are some real highlights to relish on this trip including visits to Broadway Tower, Burford, Coln St Aldwyn’s, Guiting Power, Stow-on-the-Wold and many more besides.

Holiday Highlights:

• Opportunity to visit historic town of Stow-on-the Wold and charming village Guiting Power
• Explore beautiful Burford
• Opportunity to visit landmark Broadway Tower
• Stay in good quality accommodation and enjoy the fantastic services in Bourton-on-the- Water
• The chance to visit a variety of quaint Cotswold villages and enjoy spectacular scenery
• Cycle in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Enjoy a good qulity central accommodation on a room only basis in Bourton on the Water with good bike storage

Itinerary

This is a fully guided and supported 5 day cycling trip. Itinerary as follows:

Day 1 - Monday 31 May 2027

Arrival in Bourton-on-the-Water
If you are travelling by train, you will arrive at Moreton-in-Marsh. Arrangements can be made to transfer you and your bike to Bourton-in-the-Water, but this will need to be arranged at the time of booking. For those driving, simply make your way to the accommodation in Bourton-on-the-Water by the designated time. A representative from Halcyon Cycling Holidays will meet you and show you to your accommodation. There is limited car parking on site. You are then free to spend time exploring the town. Please note, an evening meal has been booked at a local restaurant or hostelry to welcome everyone on the trip.

Day 2 - Tuesday 01 June 2027

Bourton-on-the-Water to Broadway Tower (30 miles/48km, ascent 2241feet/682m)
After breakfast, we will assemble at the war memorial in town, and the Halcyon ride leader will explain the ride in detail to the group. This ride is graded as grade 3, steady. There are some challenging ascents and descents on this ride. The ride is approximately 30 miles with a couple of coffee/lunch stops and you will ride through a variety of Cotswold villages and interesting places to visit including Lower and Upper Sewell and Lower Slaughter. Our destination on this ride is a well-known landmark Broadway Tower, an iconic 18th-century Gothic folly situated at the second-highest point in the Cotswolds. Known as the "highest little castle in the Cotswolds," the 65-foot tower stands at 1,024 feet above sea level on Beacon Hill, offering panoramic views that can span up to sixteen counties on a clear day. We will also have lunch and a coffee stop on this ride.

On day 2, after we get back after our ride, please note this is a free evening, no evening meal has been booked, so you will have the opportunity to enjoy the accommodation facilities and dine with your fellow housemates.

Day 3 - Wednesday 02 June 2027

Bourton-on-the-Water to Burford and Coln St Aldwyn’s. (34 miles/55km, ascent 1931feet/588m)
After breakfast, we will assemble at the war memorial in town, and the Halcyon ride leader will explain the ride in detail to the group. This ride is graded as grade 3, steady. This ride is approximately 34 miles and is mainly on quiet roads and lanes visiting a variety of Cotswold villages like Coln St Aldwyn’s and the historic market town of Burford. Burford, frequently called the "Gateway to the Cotswolds," is a quintessential, picturesque, and historic market town in West Oxfordshire, known for its steep High Street that slopes down to the River Windrush. Famous for its stunning medieval bridge, Tudor and Georgian stone houses, and antique shops, it offers a timeless atmosphere This is a very scenic and rural ride, full of scenery and surprises! A coffee and lunch stop is planned for this ride. Please note, an evening meal has been booked at a local restaurant or hostelry for everyone to enjoy.

Day 4 - Thursday 03 June 2027

Bourton-on-the-Water to Guiting Power and Stow-on-the-Wold (31 miles/48km, ascent 2600ft/792m).
After breakfast, we will assemble at the war memorial in town, and the Halcyon ride leader will explain the ride in detail to the group. This ride is graded as grade 3, steady. We head out on quiet country lanes and roads with a steady ascent up to Guiting Power. Guiting Power is a quintessential, historic Cotswold village in Gloucestershire's Windrush Valley, known for its honey-coloured stone cottages, serene atmosphere, and strong community feel. With origins as an Anglo-Saxon settlement (Gyting Broc), it features a central green, two traditional pubs, a shop/cafe, and is a popular walking and cycling destination. After Guiting Power, we ride through a variety of Cotswold villages to our destination, Stow-on-the-Wold, an historic market town in the heart of the Cotswolds. Known for its large, antique-filled market square, honey-coloured stone buildings, and ancient history as an Iron Age Fort, it serves as a bustling, picturesque hub for shopping and dining and renowned for its independent shops and cafés, and the impressive St Edward’s medieval-built Church. A coffee and lunch stop is planned for this ride.

Please note, our final evening meal has been booked at a local restaurant or hostelry for everyone to enjoy and to say our goodbyes before returning home after our trip.

Day 5 - Friday 04 June 2027

Final day and departure

After breakfast, we will leave for home. A transfer back to Moreton-in-Marsh railway station will be provided if you are travelling by train or, if driving, you can leave directly from our accommodation. Don’t forget to leave your key!

Accommodation

Accommodation is a large described luxury house in central Bourton on the Water with a garage used for bike storage.  Its just 1 minute from the centre of the village of Bourton-on-the-Water, the Venice of the Cotswolds. Parking for 6 vehicles.  It comprises a number of bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a large modern kitchen, utility with chest freezer and washer/dryer, 3 reception rooms & a stunning enclosed garden. Stunning, luxurious, spacious and super clean!

On entering this charming property you will find yourself in the spacious entrance hall which leads in to the large lounge. There you will find an array of comfortable seating, perfect for some family time together catching up, playing games or cosying up with a movie. Off the lounge is the bright and airy conservatory with new John Lewis furniture and a large dining table, perfect for all mealtimes. Enjoy your breakfast overlooking the glorious enclosed garden which boasts an array of colour all year round. This garden is completely private and is not overlooked by neighbours. The second conservatory door leads into the formal Dining room which has an extendable dining table perfect for social dinings. For those more special occasions there is a cabinet full of an array of crystal glass especially for you to use if you wish.

No house would be complete without a kitchen and this kitchen certainly has the wow factor, large, bright and superbly equipped with solid oak flooring & everything you could possibly need for your stay. We provide each guest with the essentials of tea, coffee and sugar and also with a welcome hamper which includes a loaf of fresh bread a jar of Cotswold honey, 6 local free-range eggs, a bottle of wine, beer and milk. Leading on from the kitchen is the utility room equipped with a washer, dryer, large chest freezer etc

The downstairs bathroom is perfectly facilitated for easy access with a large shower, toilet, wash basin and storage area. The second floor comprises of the luxurious Master bedroom complete with a king size bed, a pull-out sofa bed, ample storage space, television and a superior En-suite which features a double walk-in shower, a large bath an integrated toilet and moulded sink. The second bedroom is a spacious, bright beautifully decorated double room complete with a shower en-suite, built in wardrobes and a television. The third bedroom comprises 3 single beds, far enough apart for your own comfort and privacy; it also has a double wardrobe and chest of drawers. The fourth bedroom whilst small, is the sophisticated single room or twin/double room. The bed is a full size single with a pull-out single underneath which means it can be made up into a twin or a double on request, the room has built in wardrobes and a useful sink with a mirror. The family bathroom is large and modern, it has a bath with an overhead shower and a linen cupboard where you can get extra towels. Images of the accommodation can be found in the Gallery section.

Please note we have two accommodations booked for this trip.

The Cycling

Each individual ride is graded and detailed in the itinerary description. The rides on this cycling trip have been graded as 3, steady.

This trip is suitable for most bike types except mountain bikes.

Group Size: 10-12 people.

Dates & Prices

31 May - 4 June 2027 Price £695 on a room only. Sole occupancy supplement applies. Sole occupancy supplement £150.

The price stated is per person.

Additional Info

What’s Included:

• Accommodation (shared twin/double rooms or for sole occupancy or a variety of single rooms) on a room only basis in a luxury large house in Bourton on the Water 
• Services of a first aid trained ride leader and guide and a fully trained bike mechanic throughout your stay
• Bespoke and detailed itinerary emailed to you personally a week before travel
• GPX files emailed in advance of all the rides on this holiday
• Return transfer from local railway station to accommodation if pre-booked
• Local Halcyon Cycling Holidays representative for the duration of the holiday
• Full financial protection (see booking conditions)

What’s Not Included:

• Bike and helmets
• Travel or flight costs or charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)
• Meals not stated in the itinerary
• Travel insurance
• Personal clothing and equipment
• Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)
• Entrance fees to cultural or historical sites and visitor centres
• Other optional activities
• Tips for guides, drivers, support staff
• Transfer costs such as local taxis, minibuses to take you to meals booked at local pubs and restaurants

Transfer Information

If you are arriving by train and you require a return transfer from Moreton-in-March railway station to Bourton-in-the-Water, please complete the appropriate section in the booking form to request a transfer.

Bike Hire

Bike hire can be arranged with one of the local bike shops in Moreton-in-Marsh. Ask one of our team about arranging bike hire at the time of booking as this is a special request. On all of our cycling holidays, wearing of a helmet is mandatory.