When thinking of charming villages you may picture France or Italy, but the UK boasts some of the prettiest countryside and towns in Europe, and there’s no better way to experience them than when cycling. With our cosy pubs, hilltop castles, ancient ruins, and grand manor houses, the best cycling destinations in the UK are bursting with character. Not to mention our own rich Roman history to explore. We have some fantastic cycling right on our doorstep. Roll down peaceful lanes, cheered on by crowds of grazing sheep as you soak in the rural atmosphere. The best part of our island is that countryside can very quickly change into the bustling streets of cities like Bath or Chichester. Here are our picks for the best cycling destinations in the UK.

Cotswolds, UK

The Cotswolds has some of the most beautiful countryside that England has to offer, making it one of the best cycling destinations in the UK. The postcard for English countryside, this region is an area of outstanding natural beauty, and for good reason. Some of the prettiest towns in the country lie in this ancient land.

On our Grand Tour of the Cotswolds cycling holiday, expect a point of call to the most beautiful of sites. The birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon is a medieval market town and a destination of the tour. The old streets are lined with Tudor-style buildings sprawling along the glistening river. The village of Bourton-on-the-water is another charming destination, and in our opinion the perfect spot for a cream tea in the sun after cycling. The crowning jewel of the region though is Bath. Famous for its Roman bath and Georgian architecture, this city is the heartbeat of the Cotswolds and we believe it’s sacrosanct to not make a visit here.

If your idea of the best cycling destinations in the UK is a little more in the slow lane, then our Cotswolds Country Escape tour is the one for you. Single centre, stay at the tranquil Barnsley House whilst you explore the area each day in one of the best cycling destinations in the UK. Crowned with vibrant wisteria, enjoy relaxing spa treatments at the hotel as a reward for a day of discovery. The Roman market town of Cirencester is a destination you’ll cycle to, home to the Corinium museum, exploring the Roman history of the region. Or perhaps you’d prefer a river-side cycle next to the Coln, visiting the villages of Bibury and Coln St Aldways. Frozen in time, you’ll be transported through history in this region.

View our Cotswolds cycling holidays here

Sussex, UK

For the best seaside cycling destinations in the UK, look no further than Sussex. This historic county of chalk hills and cliff-side castles is a beautiful place to go on holiday and is recently becoming a star on the stage of sparkling wines. The chalky soil, seen in the wonderous Seven Sisters cliffs, also means the region is a wonderful place for vineyards to sprout. The Sussex wine is even rivalling that of the nearby Champagne. On our Sussex cycling tours, you’ll get the chance to truly see this charming county with all its sparkle.

One of our single-centre cycling destinations in the UK, our Sussex Beach Break tour can show you the joys of seaside Britain. You’ll get the chance to cycle through peaceful lanes to one of the most photogenic castles in the country, Arundel. Explore the gardens whilst overlooking the River Arun. This cycling route truly highlights the best that historic and rural Britain has to offer. The South Downs National Park is also a playground for cycling, with rolling vistas and its teasing sea breeze. These sunny hills end in the postcard of seaside England, Chichester. After an exciting day cycling, reward yourself with a 99 ice cream, part of every Briton’s favourite memory of the beach.

If you yearn for even more adventure, our Sparkling Sussex tour is just the ticket for wine-lovers with a taste for discovery. Whilst at Lewes with its cobbled high street and old castle, experience some of the best flat cycling in the UK as you set out from the beautiful Ockendon Manor. Pass through gorgeous villages like Lindfield along wonderfully flat country lanes, making your way to world-class wine estates such as Ridgeview. One of the best cycling destinations in the UK for wine discovery, the cycling route takes you to the most famous vineyards in Britain. A culture planted by the Romans, and re-ignited in past years by daring Sussex wine-makers, the sparkling wine here is almost as lovely as the scenery you’ll pass whilst cycling. 

View our Sussex cycling holidays here

For more recommendations on the best cycling destinations in the UK, give us a call on 020 7471 7760.

View all our UK cycling holidays

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