Cotswolds and Shakespeare Self-Guided Cycling Tour

Arrival: Stratford–Upon-Avon

Shakespeare’s Birthplace is well worth a visit, to find out about the famous playwright. Even having a walk around this culturally beautiful city or if you time it right there may even be a show on offer at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

Warwick Castle Loop (46.6km/29m)

A wonderful first days cycling to one of the best kept castles in the UK, Warwick Castle. This stunning building, built by William the Conqueror in 1068 within and adjacent to the Anglo-Saxon burgh of Warwick. En-route to Warwick you will travel through the quintessential towns that the Cotswolds is recognised for.

Stratford-Upon-Avon – Broadway (32.3km/20m)

Today you will cycle in a south direction along the quiet Greenway, converted from an old railway track in 1989. Leaving the Greenway you will head down the quiet country roads, through the rolling hills passing through beautiful countryside. On the way you will pass through one of the gems in the Cotswolds, the ancient market town of Chipping Campden. Leaving Chipping Campden through the country roads towards your destination, the beautifully kept village of Broadway, often referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Cotswold’s’.

Cotswolds Explorer Circular (46km/28.6m)

Using mainly quiet roads you will cycle past some of the most breath-taking scenery on offer in this area of outstanding natural beauty. Passing through rolling hills you may work up an appetite for a tea and cake, known locally as a “cream tea”, one if the guilty pleasures on offer in the Cotswolds.

Broadway to Burford (37.6km/23.4m)

Leaving Broadway cycling through the quiet back roads once again on the way to Burford, be sure to take your camera as you make your way through this picturesque landscape. Cotswold Farm Park is worth a visit for a light refreshment. Next we pass through Bourton-on-the-Water. It’s known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswold’s’ because of the bridge spanned stream that runs through the village. Perfect for lunch with lots of cafes with outside seating you will feel as if Venice is only a blink away. Burford is known as the gateway to the Cotswold’s. The town centre features some houses dating from the 15th century. It’s most notable building, however, is the parish church dedicated to St. John the Baptist.

Burford to Stow-on-the-Wold (72.9km/45.3m Long route, 34.3km/21.3m Short route).

Today provides a choice of two routes. The first longer route takes in Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill who was Prime Minister of Great Britain from 1940- 1945 and then again from 1951-1955. This magnificent building is set in acres of unspoilt grounds, and is well worth the extra miles! The other route is shorter and allows you to take your time to take in all the beautiful views you will see on the way to the historic town of Stow-on-the-Wold.

Stow-on-the-Wold – Stratford-upon-Avon (47.8km/29.7m )

The last days riding offer the perfect opportunity to feel the fresh clean Cotswold air for the final time.

Departure