England: Bath & the Cotswolds

Your vacation is about to begin! Spend your first night aloft and arrive ready for an unforgettable trip.

A VBT representative will greet you at the London airport to start your adventure off right. A complimentary car service will whisk you to your centrally located hotel in Oxford. From here, you are perfectly positioned to explore this charming city at your leisure.

There’ll be time to relax or explore Oxford after an included breakfast this morning. After checking out, you may store your luggage at the hotel’s reception desk as you will not leave Oxford until after lunch. Plan to eat lunch or a snack on your own before meeting your VBT representative in the hotel lobby at 1:00 p.m. Please ensure you are dressed and ready to start cycling.

Take a short shuttle to the village of Bampton, the start of your cycling adventure. After a safety and bike-fitting session, enjoy a pleasant pedal through the countryside to Bampton. This charming village will seem familiar to Downton Abbey fans: it doubled as the fictional Yorkshire village of Downton in the beloved PBS series. Continue cycling through small hamlets and past tree-lined fields into Burford, your home for the next two nights.

Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner in the hotel’s restaurant.

Today’s Ride Choices

Afternoon: Bampton to Burford — 19 km (12 miles)

What to Expect:

Cycle along mainly flat quiet country lanes, with a gradual incline into Burford.

Cumulative Distance Range: 19 km (12 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Cycle the breathtaking Windrush Valley today, crossing the river and traversing the rolling hills of the Cotswolds. Ride through the sylvan Wychwood Forest to the village of Leafield and the charming market town of Charlbury. The centerpiece of the day is your visit to Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The 2,000-acre (809-hectare) estate features beautifully manicured grounds laid out by one of England’s—and history’s—great landscape designers, Capability Brown. All pathways lead to the resplendent palace, where you have free time for lunch and an included visit of the state rooms and the Churchill exhibition. You may also enjoy a leisurely stroll around the grounds. After a rewarding visit, ride or shuttle back to Burford.

Dinner is on your own tonight. Burford has several options for a fine meal.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Burford to Charlbury — 16 km (10 miles) OR Burford to Blenheim Palace — 34 km (22 miles)

Afternoon: Blenheim Palace to Burford — 32 km (21 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s route is more undulating than yesterday’s but again follows quiet country lanes. As you cycle the picturesque Windrush Valley, enjoy views of dry-stone walls, pastures, and agricultural fields along the roadside. Pass the great woodlands of Wychwood Forest before coasting into the small market town of Charlbury. Continue on to the breathtaking Blenheim Palace, the midpoint of the day, and enjoy the impeccably designed landscape as you explore the grounds and estate rooms. The afternoon route departs Blenheim and traces lovely country lanes to the thatched-cottage village of Minster Lovell. Continue along the Windrush Valley back into Burford.

Cumulative Distance Range: 16 – 66 km (10 – 43 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast

More of the stunning Windrush Valley unfolds before you today, a picture-perfect canvas of the Cotswolds. By day’s end, you will understand why our trip leaders call this peaceful region “happy valley.” The Windrush was named for the way its namesake river winds through the rushes, or the tall grasses along the waterway’s banks. Enjoy a spin through the historic Sherborne Estate, part of England’s only remaining 17th-century deer course, created for sport by one John “Crump” Dutton.

Your route continues to one of the Cotswolds’ treasures: Bourton-on-the-Water. This quaint village is sometimes called the “Venice of the Cotswolds” for the graceful arched stone bridges that cross the River Windrush in town. There’ll be time to explore its many charms and have lunch on your own or even seek out a famous cream tea.

Later, cycle to the old mill town, Lower Slaughter. The handsome sandstone manor houses and churches recall a stately era of lords and ladies. It is pure pleasure to take a slow pedal through these quintessential English villages. After time here, you may shuttle to your next hotel in Moreton-on-Marsh, or enjoy a longer riding day through more beautiful countryside, where you may visit the renowned Daylesford Organic, one of the UK’s most sustainable organic working farms. This evening, share your discoveries with fellow travelers over dinner at the hotel.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Burford to Bourton-on-the-Water — 27 km (17 miles)

Afternoon: Bourton-on-the-Water to Moreton-in-Marsh — 27 km (17 miles)

What to Expect:

The route begins along the Windrush Valley, passing through the small hamlets of Little Barrington and Windrush. The day’s main hill climb leads up to Clapton-on-the-Hill. Then it’s a lovely downhill coast to Bourton-on-the-Water. Park your bike and enjoy a stroll around this pretty town with its many bridges and shops. Continue along more rolling countryside into the scenic village of Lower Slaughter. The day’s longer option leads to the hamlets of Lower Swell and Upper Swell through pastures dotted with sheep.

Cumulative Distance Range: 27 – 54 km (17 – 34 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, set out into the magnificent hedge- and tree-lined country lanes of the North Cotswolds. Gentle hills surround you as you make your way to the small market town of Chipping Campden, home to the Cotswold “Olimpicks” and honey-hued limestone buildings. Browse its Market Hall and central High Street before continuing your ride to the American-inspired Hidcote Gardens, one of England’s most influential Arts and Crafts gardens. Its colorful and intricately designed outdoor “rooms” are full of surprises.

After, you may ride or shuttle up to Broadway Tower, where, on a clear day, you will be rewarded with extensive views of the surrounding countryside. Lady Coventry of Worcester had this Gothic folly built at 1,204 feet (367 meters) above sea level strictly for her pleasure. The views take in 16 counties and stretch all the way to Wales on a clear day.

Inspired by this beguiling canvas, you continue your ride through the lavender fields at Snowshill and on to the tiny hamlet of Kineton for lunch at a local pub. Formerly owned by Corpus Christi College, The Halfway Inn creates the best homemade burgers in the Cotswolds and is well known for its great atmosphere and variety of pub dogs. After lunch, you may ride or shuttle back to the hotel.

This evening is free for you to explore Moreton-in-Marsh and try one of its restaurants.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Moreton-in-Marsh to Hidcote Gardens — 19 km (12 miles) | Moreton-in-Marsh to Kineton — 41 km (26 miles)

Afternoon: Kineton to Moreton-in-Marsh — 22 km (14 miles)

What to Expect:

The first section of today’s ride is slightly undulating along lovely tree- and hedge-lined country lanes, passing through pretty hamlets. Stop in Chipping Campden to explore ancient High Street and the Market Hall. You pass over the railway line on the outskirts of Chipping Campden, then cycle uphill toward Hidcote Gardens. Park your bike by the entrance and enjoy a visit. You can shuttle or cycle to Broadway Tower; the ride is 5.5 miles (8.9 km) with a long steady uphill climb. After you take in the 360-degree views, the route leads through beautiful countryside down a long, steady hill to the tiny village of Kineton, where a well-deserved pub lunch awaits. From here, either shuttle or ride through undulating country lanes back to the hotel.

Cumulative Distance Range: 19 – 63 km (12 – 40 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Shuttle this morning for about an hour through the stunning English countryside to the small hamlet of Westonbirt. From here, you cycle along the Fosse Way, a 2,000-year-old Roman route linking Exeter and Lincoln. Remarkable for ancient engineering, the road never veers more than six miles (10 km) from a straight line for its full distance of 182 miles (293 km). You, however, will ride just a fraction of this historic pathway, eventually leaving it to follow a road into the heart of Bath, the elegant Georgian jewel of England. You approach the city via the 200-year-old Kennet and Avon Canal, lined with beautifully painted narrow boats.

Rendezvous with your trip leaders at the Holburne Museum. The rest of the day is free to enjoy lunch and the many sights of this beautiful city, including the unmissable Roman Baths, the Royal Crescent, the King’s Circus, Jane Austen’s House, and Bath Abbey. Bath also boasts many boutique shops and opportunities to join locals for English afternoon tea. This afternoon, there’ll be free time to continue your exploration of Bath or just to relax and reflect on your week. This evening, recount your memorable journey over a festive farewell dinner.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Westonbirt to Bath — 34 km (21 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s route is relatively flat, with just three short uphill sections and a long downhill to join the canal. The route along the Fosse Way is very straight. Cycle along quiet lanes through beautiful countryside, a bit less sedate in feel to the northern Cotswolds but nonetheless beautiful. Upon reaching the canal, you follow a car-free towpath of compact gravel. Pass through one of the canal tunnels before arriving at the Holburne Museum. In keeping with local etiquette, please walk your bike through Sydney Gardens to the museum.

Cumulative Distance Range: 34 km (21 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning’s ride leads out of Bath along the Two Tunnels cycle route, following the lush river valley. Later, rejoin the Kennet and Avon canal, over the magnificent Dundus aqueduct, which was built to traverse the valley in 1800.

The canal leads back into the city, where you bid farewell to your trip leaders and travel companions before lunch on your own in Bath. You will remain at your hotel for another night before traveling approximately two hours to London Heathrow Airport the next morning.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Bath Tunnels and Canals — 21 km (13 miles)

What to Expect:

The beginning of today’s ride features the Two Tunnels cycle route out of Bath. A moderate climb leads up to the Tucking Mill viaduct before returning to the canal for gentle riding along the car-free trail system back into Bath. Enjoy the tranquility of this scenic region on your final cycling day. Again, please follow local etiquette and walk your bike through Sydney Gardens to the museum on your return to Bath.

Cumulative Distance Range: 21 km (13 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast

After an included breakfast, check out of the hotel and travel approximately two hours to London Heathrow Airport for departing flights.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Meet your fellow travelers and VBT trip leaders at 1:00 p.m. in the lobby of the Oxford hotel. You will have a chance to change into your biking gear in the hotel’s public restrooms. Please note: Plan to eat lunch or a snack on your own beforehand, as the next scheduled meal is dinner.

Take a short shuttle to the village of Bampton, the start of your cycling adventure. After a safety and bike-fitting session, enjoy a pleasant pedal through the countryside to Bampton. This charming village will seem familiar to Downton Abbey fans: it doubled as the fictional Yorkshire village of Downton in the beloved PBS series. Continue cycling through small hamlets and past tree-lined fields into Burford, your home for the next two nights.

Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner in the hotel’s restaurant.

Today’s Ride Choices

Afternoon: Bampton to Burford — 19 km (12 miles)

What to Expect:

Cycle along mainly flat quiet country lanes, with a gradual incline into Burford.

Cumulative Distance Range: 19 km (12 miles)

Included Meals: Dinner

Cycle the breathtaking Windrush Valley today, crossing the river and traversing the rolling hills of the Cotswolds. Ride through the sylvan Wychwood Forest to the village of Leafield and the charming market town of Charlbury. The centerpiece of the day is your visit to Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The 2,000-acre (809-hectare) estate features beautifully manicured grounds laid out by one of England’s—and history’s—great landscape designers, Capability Brown. All pathways lead to the resplendent palace, where you have free time for lunch and an included visit of the state rooms and the Churchill exhibition. You may also enjoy a leisurely stroll around the grounds. After a rewarding visit, ride or shuttle back to Burford.

Dinner is on your own tonight. Burford has several options for a fine meal.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Burford to Charlbury — 16 km (10 miles) OR Burford to Blenheim Palace — 34 km (22 miles)

Afternoon: Blenheim Palace to Burford — 32 km (21 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s route is more undulating than yesterday’s but again follows quiet country lanes. As you cycle the picturesque Windrush Valley, enjoy views of dry-stone walls, pastures, and agricultural fields along the roadside. Pass the great woodlands of Wychwood Forest before coasting into the small market town of Charlbury. Continue on to the breathtaking Blenheim Palace, the midpoint of the day, and enjoy the impeccably designed landscape as you explore the grounds and estate rooms. The afternoon route departs Blenheim and traces lovely country lanes to the thatched-cottage village of Minster Lovell. Continue along the Windrush Valley back into Burford.

Cumulative Distance Range: 16 – 66 km (10 – 43 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast

More of the stunning Windrush Valley unfolds before you today, a picture-perfect canvas of the Cotswolds. By day’s end, you will understand why our trip leaders call this peaceful region “happy valley.” The Windrush was named for the way its namesake river winds through the rushes, or the tall grasses along the waterway’s banks. Enjoy a spin through the historic Sherborne Estate, part of England’s only remaining 17th-century deer course, created for sport by one John “Crump” Dutton.

Your route continues to one of the Cotswolds’ treasures: Bourton-on-the-Water. This quaint village is sometimes called the “Venice of the Cotswolds” for the graceful arched stone bridges that cross the River Windrush in town. There’ll be time to explore its many charms and have lunch on your own or even seek out a famous cream tea.

Later, cycle to the old mill town, Lower Slaughter. The handsome sandstone manor houses and churches recall a stately era of lords and ladies. It is pure pleasure to take a slow pedal through these quintessential English villages. After time here, you may shuttle to your next hotel in Moreton-on-Marsh, or enjoy a longer riding day through more beautiful countryside, where you may visit the renowned Daylesford Organic, one of the UK’s most sustainable organic working farms. This evening, share your discoveries with fellow travelers over dinner at the hotel.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Burford to Bourton-on-the-Water — 27 km (17 miles)

Afternoon: Bourton-on-the-Water to Moreton-in-Marsh — 27 km (17 miles)

What to Expect:

The route begins along the Windrush Valley, passing through the small hamlets of Little Barrington and Windrush. The day’s main hill climb leads up to Clapton-on-the-Hill. Then it’s a lovely downhill coast to Bourton-on-the-Water. Park your bike and enjoy a stroll around this pretty town with its many bridges and shops. Continue along more rolling countryside into the scenic village of Lower Slaughter. The day’s longer option leads to the hamlets of Lower Swell and Upper Swell through pastures dotted with sheep.

Cumulative Distance Range: 27 – 54 km (17 – 34 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, set out into the magnificent hedge- and tree-lined country lanes of the North Cotswolds. Gentle hills surround you as you make your way to the small market town of Chipping Campden, home to the Cotswold “Olimpicks” and honey-hued limestone buildings. Browse its Market Hall and central High Street before continuing your ride to the American-inspired Hidcote Gardens, one of England’s most influential Arts and Crafts gardens. Its colorful and intricately designed outdoor “rooms” are full of surprises.

After, you may ride or shuttle up to Broadway Tower, where, on a clear day, you will be rewarded with extensive views of the surrounding countryside. Lady Coventry of Worcester had this Gothic folly built at 1,204 feet (367 meters) above sea level strictly for her pleasure. The views take in 16 counties and stretch all the way to Wales on a clear day.

Inspired by this beguiling canvas, you continue your ride through the lavender fields at Snowshill and on to the tiny hamlet of Kineton for lunch at a local pub. Formerly owned by Corpus Christi College, The Halfway Inn creates the best homemade burgers in the Cotswolds and is well known for its great atmosphere and variety of pub dogs. After lunch, you may ride or shuttle back to the hotel.

This evening is free for you to explore Moreton-in-Marsh and try one of its restaurants.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Moreton-in-Marsh to Hidcote Gardens — 19 km (12 miles) | Moreton-in-Marsh to Kineton — 41 km (26 miles)

Afternoon: Kineton to Moreton-in-Marsh — 22 km (14 miles)

What to Expect:

The first section of today’s ride is slightly undulating along lovely tree- and hedge-lined country lanes, passing through pretty hamlets. Stop in Chipping Campden to explore ancient High Street and the Market Hall. You pass over the railway line on the outskirts of Chipping Campden, then cycle uphill toward Hidcote Gardens. Park your bike by the entrance and enjoy a visit. You can shuttle or cycle to Broadway Tower; the ride is 5.5 miles (8.9 km) with a long steady uphill climb. After you take in the 360-degree views, the route leads through beautiful countryside down a long, steady hill to the tiny village of Kineton, where a well-deserved pub lunch awaits. From here, either shuttle or ride through undulating country lanes back to the hotel.

Cumulative Distance Range: 19 – 63 km (12 – 40 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Shuttle this morning for about an hour through the stunning English countryside to the small hamlet of Westonbirt. From here, you cycle along the Fosse Way, a 2,000-year-old Roman route linking Exeter and Lincoln. Remarkable for ancient engineering, the road never veers more than six miles (10 km) from a straight line for its full distance of 182 miles (293 km). You, however, will ride just a fraction of this historic pathway, eventually leaving it to follow a road into the heart of Bath, the elegant Georgian jewel of England. You approach the city via the 200-year-old Kennet and Avon Canal, lined with beautifully painted narrow boats.

Rendezvous with your trip leaders at the Holburne Museum. The rest of the day is free to enjoy lunch and the many sights of this beautiful city, including the unmissable Roman Baths, the Royal Crescent, the King’s Circus, Jane Austen’s House, and Bath Abbey. Bath also boasts many boutique shops and opportunities to join locals for English afternoon tea. This afternoon, there’ll be free time to continue your exploration of Bath or just to relax and reflect on your week. This evening, recount your memorable journey over a festive farewell dinner.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Westonbirt to Bath — 34 km (21 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s route is relatively flat, with just three short uphill sections and a long downhill to join the canal. The route along the Fosse Way is very straight. Cycle along quiet lanes through beautiful countryside, a bit less sedate in feel to the northern Cotswolds but nonetheless beautiful. Upon reaching the canal, you follow a car-free towpath of compact gravel. Pass through one of the canal tunnels before arriving at the Holburne Museum. In keeping with local etiquette, please walk your bike through Sydney Gardens to the museum.

Cumulative Distance Range: 34 km (21 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning’s ride leads out of Bath along the Two Tunnels cycle route, following the lush river valley. Later, rejoin the Kennet and Avon canal, over the magnificent Dundus aqueduct, which was built to traverse the valley in 1800.

The canal leads back into the city, where you bid farewell to your trip leaders and travel companions. The hotel will help arrange a taxi to the train station, where you can catch service to Paddington Station in London.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Bath Tunnels and Canals — 21 km (13 miles)

What to Expect:

The beginning of today’s ride features the Two Tunnels cycle route out of Bath. A moderate climb leads up to the Tucking Mill viaduct before returning to the canal for gentle riding along the car-free trail system back into Bath. Enjoy the tranquility of this scenic region on your final cycling day. Again, please follow local etiquette and walk your bike through Sydney Gardens to the museum on your return to Bath.

Cumulative Distance Range: 21 km (13 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast