The Cotswolds from Oxford to Bath
9 nights from £2470
Cycle the beautiful English countryside, discovering Roman ruins, UNESCO sites and medieval towns
Recognized as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswolds in rural central England offer a landscape that feels unchanged, stretching from the university city of Oxford to the Roman and Georgian architecture of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On this bicycle tour, you’ll visit Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill, stay in Bibury, often described as the most beautiful village in the country, and explore Lacock, a perfectly preserved medieval village featured in films like Harry Potter and Pride and Prejudice. The route moves through a countryside shaped by the wool trade, with weavers’ cottages and limestone farmhouses scattered along the way.
The cycling here is unhurried. Quiet lanes and expansive views make it easy to travel at your own pace. There’s time to stop at a village pub, visit a Roman site, or simply enjoy the peacefulness that defines this picturesque part of England.
Daily Program
Day 1: Arrival in Oxford
Welcome to Oxford! Settle into your hotel just steps from the city center, then spend the day exploring this historic university town. Wander through the beautiful college grounds, visit museums and libraries, explore cozy tea rooms, or catch a play or concert. Your host will meet you this afternoon or after breakfast tomorrow to get you set up with your bicycle and answer any questions.
Day 2: Oxford to Woodstock
13 mi. / 21 km
Your cycling adventure begins along the scenic Oxford Canal. Enjoy a peaceful ride past narrowboats, locks, and quaint villages until you reach Woodstock. Here, visit the grand Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill, before settling into your hotel in the heart of the village.
Day 3: Woodstock to Burford
23 mi. / 37 km
Ride deeper into the Cotswolds, stopping in the traditional wool town of Witney. Pedal along the tranquil River Windrush through charming villages like Minster Lovell, known for its thatched pubs and golden stone cottages. End the day in historic Burford, with its iconic high street that’s barely changed in centuries.
Day 4: Burford to Bibury
19 mi. / 31 km
Cycle through peaceful countryside and into the picturesque Coln Valley. Highlights include the historic market town of Northleach and the Roman ruins at Chedworth. Your destination is Bibury, often hailed as England’s most beautiful village.
Day 5: Bibury to Cirencester
16 mi. / 26 km
Follow the River Coln before heading through the quiet villages of the Ampney Brook toward Cirencester. Once a key Roman city, Cirencester is now known as the "Capital of the Cotswolds." Spend the evening exploring its markets and town center.
Day 6: Cirencester to a Wiltshire Village
27 mi. / 43 km
Continue through rolling Cotswold landscapes. Pause to explore an Arts and Crafts-era manor house and stroll the charming streets of Tetbury. A scenic detour to Westonbirt Arboretum is also possible. End your day with a warm welcome at a historic 16th-century coaching inn in a Wiltshire village.
Day 7: Wiltshire Village to Lacock
21 mi. / 34 km
Ride the ancient Roman Fosse Way today, now a quiet, car-free route perfect for easy pedaling. Pass through untouched hamlets and discover hidden inns. Your destination is Lacock, a remarkably preserved medieval village with a 13th-century abbey.
Day 8: Lacock to Bath
24 mi. / 39 km
Today’s route offers a change of scenery as you follow a picturesque canal through wooded valleys and over aqueducts. Stop in Bradford-on-Avon, a great place for an extra night if time allows, before riding into the magnificent city of Bath for a two-night stay.
Day 9: Explore Bath
Spend the day discovering Bath’s many treasures. Visit the ancient Roman Baths, soak in the modern thermal spa, admire the abbey, and wander the Georgian streets. Don’t miss Poultney Bridge, boutique shops, and the historic tea rooms.
Day 10: Departure from Bath
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Bath before your departure. If you’d like to extend your journey, consider a leisurely 13-mile ride to Bristol along a traffic-free rail trail, with the option of staying an extra night in either city.
Day 1: Arrival in Oxford
Welcome to Oxford! Settle into your hotel just steps from the city center, then spend the day exploring this historic university town. Wander through the beautiful college grounds, visit museums and libraries, explore cozy tea rooms, or catch a play or concert. Your host will meet you this afternoon or after breakfast tomorrow to get you set up with your bicycle and answer any questions.
Day 2: Oxford to Woodstock
13 mi. / 21 km
Your cycling adventure begins along the scenic Oxford Canal. Enjoy a peaceful ride past narrowboats, locks, and quaint villages until you reach Woodstock. Here, visit the grand Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill, before settling into your hotel in the heart of the village.
Day 3: Woodstock to Burford
23 mi. / 37 km
Ride deeper into the Cotswolds, stopping in the traditional wool town of Witney. Pedal along the tranquil River Windrush through charming villages like Minster Lovell, known for its thatched pubs and golden stone cottages. End the day in historic Burford, with its iconic high street that’s barely changed in centuries.
Day 4: Burford to Bibury
19 mi. / 31 km
Cycle through peaceful countryside and into the picturesque Coln Valley. Highlights include the historic market town of Northleach and the Roman ruins at Chedworth. Your destination is Bibury, often hailed as England’s most beautiful village.
Day 5: Bibury to Cirencester
16 mi. / 26 km
Follow the River Coln before heading through the quiet villages of the Ampney Brook toward Cirencester. Once a key Roman city, Cirencester is now known as the "Capital of the Cotswolds." Spend the evening exploring its markets and town center.
Day 6: Cirencester to Malmesbury
27 mi. / 43 km
Today’s ride takes you through quintessential Cotswold scenery: winding lanes and peaceful farms. Stop by an Arts and Crafts-era manor house and enjoy the town of Tetbury. For nature lovers, a detour to the Westonbirt Arboretum is well worth it. Your day ends in style at a luxurious historic hotel in Malmesbury.
Day 7: Malmesbury to Lacock
20 mi. / 32 km
Ride along the ancient Roman Fosse Way and through untouched hamlets with traditional inns. The highlight is Lacock, a remarkably preserved medieval village with a 13th-century abbey.
Day 8: Lacock to Bath
24 mi. / 39 km
Today’s route offers a change of scenery as you follow a picturesque canal through wooded valleys and over aqueducts. Stop in Bradford-on-Avon, a great place for an extra night if time allows, before riding into the magnificent city of Bath for a two-night stay.
Day 9: Explore Bath
Spend the day discovering Bath’s many treasures. Visit the ancient Roman Baths, soak in the modern thermal spa, admire the abbey, and wander the Georgian streets. Don’t miss Poultney Bridge, boutique shops, and the historic tea rooms.
Day 10: Departure from Bath
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Bath before your departure. If you’d like to extend your journey, consider a leisurely 13-mile ride to Bristol along a traffic-free rail trail, with the option of staying an extra night in either city.
Hotels
Carefully selected hotels and inns, with a charming B&B stay in Bath.
Oxford: Voco Oxford Spires
Woodstock: Blenheim Buttery
Burford: The Angel Burford
Bibury: Catherine Wheel Bibury
Cirencester: Thames Head Inn
Wiltshire Village: Cat & Custard Pot
Lacock: Sign of the Angel
Bath: Brooks Guest House
A mix of historic 3-, 4-, and 5-star hotels, two boutique stays, and a charming country inn.
Oxford: Old Parsonage or Old Bank
Woodstock: The Bear
Burford: The Lamb Inn
Bibury: The Swan
Cirencester: Kings Head
Malmesbury: The Old Bell
Lacock: Sign of the Angel
Bath: The Royal Crescent
Bikes
Standard touring bike - Ridgeback Velocity, or similar
- Frame: Alloy frame with Hi-Ten Chromoly fork, includes mudguard eyelets
- Saddle: Ridgeback Custom
- Brakes: Shimano BR-T4000 V-brakes
- Derailleurs: Shimano Tourney (front), Shimano Acera (rear) – 3x8-speed drivetrain
- Tires: Schwalbe Citizen K-Guard, 700x40c
Electric bike - Bergamont E-Horizon Sport Wave
- Frame: Super lightweight aluminum frame with low step-over height
- Brakes: Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
- Derailleurs: Shimano CUES (rear only) – 1x11-speed drivetrain
- Tires: Schwalbe Marathon, 28"
*More about electrically-assisted bikes >
Accessories
- Pannier
- Pump
- Lock
- Toolkit which includes spare inner tube and pump
- Handle-bar mounted waterproof phone holder
- Helmet (upon request)
Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.
Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.
Helmets:
Helmet rental is available on this tour. However, we recommend that you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene purposes.
Dates & Prices
Questions about pricing or options? Call +1-215-613-0874 to talk to a Tour Advisor now.
Loading dates and prices…
Surface and terrain
This is a gentle, accessible route ideal for casual riders. You’ll cycle 10 - 25 miles per day, typically over 2 - 4 hours. The terrain is mostly flat or gently rolling, with a few moderate slopes, particularly on days 3 and 4. Roads are primarily paved and well-maintained, and about 25% of the route follows very quiet country lanes with little to no traffic.
How to get there
Tour Start
Nearest airport: London Heathrow (LHR) or Birmingham Airport (BHX), United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Oxford Station (direct trains from London Paddington, Birmingham, or Reading)
From Oxford Station, it’s a short taxi ride to your centrally located hotel where your tour begins.
Tour End
Nearest airport: Bristol Airport (BRS) or London Heathrow (LHR), United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Bath Spa Station (with direct trains to London Paddington and Bristol Temple Meads)
Your hotel is within walking distance of Bath Spa Station, or a short taxi ride if preferred.
Be the first to review this tour!
This brand-new tour is waiting for its first review — maybe it’ll be yours! At BikeTours.com, we carefully select only the best bike tours, offering both variety and value. With over 20 years of experience, we’re committed to delivering authentic travel experiences — all from the saddle of a bicycle!
More About This Tour
Related Bike Tours
Oxford & the Royal Palaces along the River Thames
England
Related Day Tours
Cotswolds E-Bike Tour
Oxford 
Classic Oxford Bike Tour
Oxford 