Best of the Cotswolds Cycling

Experience Overview

The Cotswolds is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that straddles 6 counties, an area of rolling hills on a bedrock of Jurassic limestone. The area was once renowned for its wool production, reminders of which you can still see today in the fine houses and 'wool' churches, built in the 15th and 16th Centuries by the local wool merchants. This twin-centre cycling holiday allows you to visit some of the best of the North Cotswolds villages from your bases in the beautiful and historic villages of Broadway and Bourton-on-the-Water. Cycling on quiet country roads you'll head to some of the best-known towns and villages of the area, as well as getting the chance to visit a wide range of sites and attractions, from Broadway Tower, the brainchild of Capability Brown to Sudeley Castle, last resting place of Katherine Parr, Henry VIII's sixth wife. You'll stay in friendly, family run B&B's with a daily breakfast included; with a range of dining options on your doorstep, we've left other meals up to you.
Profile
— 6 nights twin-centre accommodation in 3 star hotels — Breakfasts daily — Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent — GPS Route directions and maps — E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies) — Luggage transfers between hotels
At a Glance
— 6 nights twin-centre accommodation in 3 star hotels — Breakfasts daily — Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent — GPS Route directions and maps — E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies) — Luggage transfers between hotels
Trip For You
Cycling ConditionsClassification: Self-GuidedAverage daily distance: 38.5km (24 miles). No. of days cycling: 5Terrain and route: The cycling mainly follows quiet country roads and tarmac roads. The terrain is mainly flat with some gentle, downhill cycling. Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to cycle independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next. Your bikes will be delivered to the start hotel, all set up relevant to your height and ready to go. Our local agent will be on call throughout the trip should you need. It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked. Where possible we stick to cycle tracks and quiet roads to make the journeys as pleasant as possible, however, on occasion we have to use busier routes into larger towns and cities. As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local agent is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service. FamiliesSelf-guided cycling holidays are a perfect option for families as they offer the freedom for you to take your holiday at your own pace. You can stop as and when you want and need, at the cafes and restaurants that suit your family and the sites that interest you. We have suggested that 12yrs is the minimum age for this trip, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we will ultimately leave this decision up to you. The daily distances are all published in the trip notes along with a description of each day's cycling so you have a good idea of what to expect. However, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact one of our experts. The principle idea is that these holidays can be as flexible as you like, with logistical support but no group or leader to dictate the daily activities. Please consider the weather when choosing to book, temperatures can be high in the middle of summer.
Group Description
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local agent is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Eating Drinking
Enjoy the local cuisine in quintessentially British pubs, cafes and delicatessens - local delicacies include Cerney Ash or Stinking Bishop cheeses, Crackleberry Farm eggs, Cotswold Cream liqueur and the local ales - try the Yubby beer from the Yubberton Brewery Co. There's also the archetypal English Cream Teas that go down a treat with a nice hot cup of tea!
Transportation
Access is possible by train to Evesham station and Broadway is a short (15 minute) taxi ride from there (payable locally).
Joining Instructions
This holiday does not include any flights or rail. Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
When to Go
This trip is possible year round, however due to the English weather, it is recommended to go between April and October. The Cotswolds can get very busy in the main summer tourist season of mid-July through to the end of August.
Weather Information
The Cotswolds has a temperate maritime climate with warm, rather than hot, summers and cool to cold winters. The hottest month, on average, is July and the coldest is January with rain falling fairly evenly throughout the year. The weather is unpredictable as with the rest of the UK and it is possible to see elements of all four seasons in one day. It is advisable for visitors to check the weather forecast before they arrive in the Cotswolds to get a better idea of the sort of clothing they will need during their trip. Bringing hooded waterproof coats and hats will ensure visitors are prepared for any spells of wind and rain the region may experience. Spring: The climate is milder in spring making it a good time to visit the Cotswolds. There can be some great sunny days mixed with cooler and wet weather. From March to May the average daytime temperatures are between 9°C and 17°C.Summer: Most days in summer range from mild to warm with the possibility of some infrequent hotter days, the days are at their longest in the summer. There may be overcast and humid conditions in the summer. From June to August the average daytime temperatures are between 19°C and 22°C.Autumn: The climate can vary from some pleasantly mild days particularly at the start of September to cooler and colder days in October and November. Autumn is a good time to visit the Cotswolds as it avoids the peak summer season whilst enjoying milder temperatures and longer hours of daylight particularly at the start of September. Visitors can see some wonderful autumn colours. From September to November the average daytime temperatures are between 9°C and 19°C.
Spending Money
— All breakfasts are included, so you will need spending money for any picnics, lunches, evening meals and drinks. There is a good choice of cafes, pubs and restaurants on the routes as well as in the overnight towns and villages. Prices range from approximately £5-10 for lunch and you could pay between £15-30 for dinner, depending on where you decide to eat.

Highlights