A cycling holiday is the perfect way to enjoy the sights and sounds of a country, all while getting a bit of exercise in! You’ll keep fit and also explore the best a place has, being able to stop in places that a normal holiday normally would not cover.
England has long been a popular destination for cycling holidays. We have thousands of miles of beautiful countryside, winding woods, crystal lakes and alluring mountains to explore as well as a rich history stretching back thousands of years to discover.
Here are some of the top sights you could take the time to visit on your cycling tour of England.
1. Hadrian’s Wall
Construction on Hadrian’s Wall began in 122 AD and there are a few different theories about its purpose. The first is a threat from the north that worried Roman emperor Hadrian, used as a way to slow the crossing of raiders. The next was that it was built to help keep people in the Roman province, with movement channelled through gates where it could be monitored. The third was as a symbol of Rome’s imperial power, working as a physical symbol between the ‘civilised’ Roman Empire and the ‘unconquered wilderness’ of the North.
Nowadays Hadrian’s Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as one of the top tourist attractions in Britain. The 73-mile wall stretches from coast to coast, and while many sections of it no longer exist there is still plenty of the foundations and standing masonry to view.
2. Stonehenge
Visiting Stonehenge is like stepping into a mystery. It is a prehistoric monument that archaeologists believe was constructed maybe as long ago as 3100 BC. It consists of a variety of sized stones. While the origins are unknown, it has long since been one of the most famous landmarks in Britain. Located in Wiltshire, hundreds of thousands make the pilgrimage each year to visit.
3. Warwick Castle
This mediaeval castle was constructed by William the Conqueror at the start of the 11th century. It went through a series of changes over the years, starting as a wooden fort, then being rebuilt in stone and then refortified during the Hundred Years War.
Nowadays it is a popular destination to visit due to it being a great example of 14th century military architecture, as well as having lovely grounds to walk around. You can even go glamping on the grounds nowadays!
4. Windermere
If you’re after a trip to the largest lake in England, head to Windermere! Sometimes called Lake Windermere to distinguish it from the nearby town with the same name, the lake is around 11 miles in length. The area around the lake has become one of the most visited places in England for people on their holidays.
This is because there is so much to do. Bracing walks, picturesque bike rides and a diverse natural world to explore are all right outside the door.
5. Exmoor
Head to South West England to take in the wonder that is Exmoor. It is a vast area, around 692 km2 of hilly open moorland. It was formerly well-known as an ancient royal hunting forest but now is more popular with hikers and cyclists. There is plenty to explore such as open moorland, coastline, rivers and paths
Available Cycling Tours In England From Hooked On Cycling
Now that we’ve talked about some of the best places in England to visit on a cycling tour, let me introduce you to the range of holidays offered by the team here at Hooked On Cycling. As a Scotland-based business, we have always been passionate about the tours we offer in England, Wales and Scotland, putting in the time and research to ensure they are perfect!
We give our customers a lot of choice with our holidays, perfectly summed up with both guided and self-guided trips. Guided trips mean you will have a local expert with you who can fill you in on the history of the region, any hidden spots and much more. Self-guided is for those who want to navigate by themselves. They allow you to go at your own pace made simple by the provision of detailed route maps.
Our holiday grading difficulty informs you of the difficulty of the trip so you can find the perfect one for your fitness levels. Lower grades are normally along flat landscapes for short distances and great for those who do not cycle that often, while higher grades such as 3 and 4 will be full of climbs and mountain biking, as well as longer distances.
Road Cycling – Lake District & Hadrian’s Wall
This cycling tour of England allows you to explore the Lake District and Hadrian’s Wall. You’ll start in Carlisle and then enjoy the choice of two loop rides around the Lake District. From Carlisle, you will traverse along the west section of Hadrian’s Wall and finish your day in Keswick.
The next day is divided into two different rides, one shorter and easier while the other is longer and more of a challenge. The following few days will take you through a series of great destinations, before arriving back in Carlisle at the end of day 7.
The price of this holiday includes 7 nights of bed and breakfast in a range of 3 or 4-star accommodations, as well as route maps, luggage transfers and navigation by smartphone app. It does not include travel insurance, flights or car parking.
Key Stats –
- Duration: 7 Nights
- Distance: Over 300 Miles
- Difficulty: Level 3-4
- Tour Type: Self Guided
- Starting Location: Carlisle
- Price: From £859
Cycling In The Cotswolds
This is the easiest of our England cycling tours and allows you to explore the Cotswolds. You’ll cycle through beautiful destinations and get a chance to learn the rich history of the region. Many of the towns you pass through will feel like a step back in time, keeping their amazing Tudor character along with modern conveniences.
You’ll begin in Stratford-Upon-Avon, famous for being Shakespeare’s birthplace. The next day you’ll take part in the Warwick Castle Loop, which is a 29-mile ride where you’ll travel through a range of picturesque towns before arriving at the castle. The following few days will take you to exciting destinations such as Broadway, Stow-on-the-Wold and Burford before you return to where you started.
For the price, you can expect luggage transfers, route maps, navigation by smartphone app and 7 nights of bed and breakfast in 3 or 4-star accommodations. Not included are flights, travel insurance or transport before and after the tour.
Key Stats –
- Duration: 7 Nights
- Distance: Over 150 Miles
- Difficulty: Level 2
- Tour Type: Self Guided
- Starting Location: Stratford-Upon-Avon
- Price: From £999
Lake District & Hadrian’s Wall Cycle Tour
We don’t just offer one tour of the Lake District and Hadrian’s Wall, we offer two! The Lake District is so vast it is impossible to explore in just one trip, so this one offers a few different destinations.
You’ll start in Carlisle, then head to Keswick via the Northern sections of the Lake District. From here you’ll take in the Keswick Loop, with an option to add an extra night in Keswick if desired. Then a long ride through the North Pennine Hills towards Newcastle before joining Hadrian’s Cycleway going West and eventually ending up back in Carlisle on day 7.
You’ll receive luggage transfers, route maps, navigation by smartphone app and 7 nights of bed and breakfast stays in 3 or 4-star accommodation.
Key Stats –
- Duration: 7 Nights
- Distance: Between 190-210 Miles Depending On The Route Chosen
- Difficulty: Level 3
- Tour Type: Self Guided
- Starting Location: Carlisle
- Price: From £859
Book Your Cycling Break In England Today
Now that you’ve found out a bit more about the range of cycling tours in England that Hooked On Cycling has on offer, get started on your journey today! We have one of the best ranges of trips available, with something to suit everyone.
And it’s not just cycling breaks in England you can book with us, but destinations all around Europe, including cycling breaks in France, Sweden, Spain, Italy and more. All of our trips will come with detailed route instructions and can also include places to stay, tour guides and other helpful information that will make your holiday a breeze.
Hooked On Cycling – Find Your Next Active Adventure
We pride ourselves on providing our customers with only the best holiday adventures. Check out our site today to browse tours by destination throughout England and Europe, or if you have any questions, get in touch with us today to find out more about any of our trips
