VBT Bicycling Vacations
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England: Oxford & the Cotswolds
Self-Guided Biking
- Daily Mileage: 12-27 miles|
- Biking: 2-4 hours|
Starting From
-day Air Package
$0
-day Bike Tour Only
$0
Per person, double occupancy
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England: Oxford & the Cotswolds
If you’re looking for a self-guided biking tour of England’s charming Cotswolds region, this unique VBT tour is the best (and only!) game in town. From the moment you meet your English VBT local host, you’ll experience the confidence of 24/7 support with plenty of room to design your own pace of discovery. With our deep British roots, we’ve already done the research for you—finding top hotels and scenic cycling routes that showcase the charm of England’s quaint villages. VBT’s detailed route notes guide you towards the splendor of Blenheim Palace and show you how to tread in the footsteps of the Bard in Stratford-Upon-Avon—all while discovering top restaurants, adorable shops, and authentic local pubs along the way. Your well-maintained, fitted VBT bike—with puncture-resistance tires—ensures your adventure is comfortable, fun, and worry-free.
Tour Highlights
- Cycle the rural country lanes of the Cotswolds into cottage-lined villages that have not changed for centuries.
- Indulge in traditional and modern English fare—full English breakfasts, afternoon teas, pub lunches, and farm-to-fork dining.
- Pedal past filming locations of numerous television series such as Downton Abbey, Endeavour, and Inspector Morse.
Positive Impact
The Cotswolds is the largest recognized Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England. These countryside areas are a family of protected natural parks and landscapes designated for conservation. The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty works toward upkeeping the Cotswold Way National Trail, creating wildflower-rich Grasslands, and leading tree planting and biodiversity enhancement projects. VBT is delighted to support the effort to keep this area well-preserved on behalf of every guest on tour. Each donation goes toward ensuring that the Cotswolds’ stunning qualities will be enjoyed by visitors for centuries to come.
What to Expect
The England self-guided biking tour is rated easy to moderate. It offers a combination of easy terrain and moderate hills and is ideal for beginning and experienced cyclists. Rides are on designated bike routes that are quiet country roads with a small percentage of the total on dedicated bike paths. The traffic will be somewhat busier when entering and exiting larger towns. Routes on the England self-guided biking tour follow flat river valleys and then ascend to rolling hills. Please verify your bike selection for this tour as it is not always possible to change bikes once you arrive on tour. Travel with your friends and family—we can accommodate multiple guests on this self-guided vacation. Our 24/7 support system is available as needed.
- Daily Mileage: 12-27 miles|
- Biking: 2-4 hours|
Easy/Moderate
Beginner - ExperiencedCyclists
24/7 SupportSystem
Ideal for active beginners to more experienced riders.
- Average Daily Mileage: 18-32 mi.
- Average Daily Cycling Time: Up to 4 hrs.
- Average Daily Elevation gain: Up to 2200 feet.
Average High /
Low Temperature (°F):
May72º/49º
Jun79º/56º
Jul79º/59º
Aug81º/61º
Sep75º/55º
Oct63º/47º
Average
Precipitation:
May2.8 in
Jun2.5 in
Jul1.5 in
Aug2.6 in
Sep2.2 in
Oct2.7 in
Air Package |
Tour Only |
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Roundtrip international airfare |
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Detailed information for your independent travel to/from arrival and departure airports |
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One night in Moreton-in-Marsh and Oxford in conveniently located hotels with daily breakfast |
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4 nights in charming in-town hotels |
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4 meals: 4 breakfasts |
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Puncture-protected Tires |
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Electric-Assisted Bicycle (E-bike)
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Road Bicycle (Carbon frame)
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Step-Through (Mixte Hybrid) Comfort Bicycle
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Step-Over (Diamond) Comfort Bicycle
See More >Self-Guided Biking Packages Include:
Custom VBT bike with puncture-protected tires
Welcome orientation and bike fitting
Luggage transportation
Ride with GPS and daily route notes
VBT Road Book with destination information
24/7 emergency support from Local host
Helmet, bike bag, and tool kit
Your choice of VBT branded gear for your adventure
Accommodations (Please Note: Days are based on the Air Package Itinerary. Accommodations may vary depending on departure date. )
Arrival Day & Tour Days 1, 2
Redesdale Arms Hotel
The award-winning Redesdale Arms is conveniently located on Moreton-in-Marsh’s main High Street, lined with 18th-century buildings. This classic property is steeped in history, occupying a building that dates to 1650. Built from the region’s famed honey-hued stone and hand-hewn oak beams, it exudes the authentic character of the Cotswolds. The on-site restaurant serves updated British and international fare in several dining rooms, on outdoor tables, and at the fireside bar. Individually decorated rooms are updated and modern. Please note that the Redesdale Arms is not air-conditioned.
Days 3, 4
The Highway Inn
Both contemporary and traditional, the Highway Inn is a warm and inviting boutique hotel of just eleven rooms. Located in the heart of Burford, this charming inn of stone and timber shows off its unique character and passion for local heritage. Its current owner is proud to oversee a property that has been a true Cotswold inn for more than 500 years. Savor local ales in the lounge and enjoy freshly prepared meals at the restaurant, where all ingredients are locally sourced. The beautiful, finely crafted fireplaces are all original to the 1480 building and a cozy courtyard provides the ideal hideaway to enjoy a glass of wine. Please note that the Highway Inn is not air-conditioned.
Day 5
voco Oxford Spires Hotel
With its lovely location beside the Thames River and amid a lovely parkland, the voco Oxford Spires Hotel is a comfortable haven from which to explore the City of Spires. Cotswolds stone and plush yet elegant interiors combine throughout to create a truly welcoming space of understated luxury. Modern amenities mingle seamlessly with traditional touches in this air-conditioned hotel. Deacon’s Restaurant promises fine cuisine prepared with ingredients sourced from the Oxfordshire countryside, while the bar and lounge—and an outdoor terrace—offer a casual atmosphere for relaxing over a drink or a spot of tea. Each comfortable room is accented with a warmth and décor inspired by the English countryside.
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There’s no need to hurry through England’s Cotswolds—this well-paced cycling vacation gives you time to savor the journey. From the moment you meet your local trip leaders, you’ll feel right at home in this bucolic countryside of rose gardens, thatched-roof cottages, and green meadows dotted with white lambs.
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