From Oxford to Bath by Bike

Cycling through England, from Oxford to Bath via the Cotswolds

This cycling trip in southern England invites you to ride from the university city of Oxford to the spa town of Bath. Along the way, you'll explore the picturesque Cotswolds countryside, with its rolling green hills and charming villages. Welcome to England!

Cycling between the renowned cities of Oxford and Bath, this journey invites you to experience a true change of scenery. You will ride through the lush Cotswolds countryside on a gently rolling route rich in historical, scenic, and gastronomic highlights. With daily stages of around 40 kilometers, the itinerary ensures a pleasant and enjoyable English cycling adventure, allowing you to balance the joy of riding with ample time for discovery.

Your journey begins in Oxford, a city inseparable from its prestigious university—the oldest in the English-speaking world. Founded in the 12th century, Oxford University remains a center of elite learning in England. Before setting off on your ride, take the time to explore the “City of Dreaming Spires,” as poet Matthew Arnold once called it, referring to the harmonious architecture of the university buildings. Admire Oxford’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Radcliffe Camera, the Sheldonian Theatre, and the Bodleian Library, before your first turn of the pedals.

As you leave Oxford, the landscape changes as you enter the Cotswolds countryside. The scenery opens up, and the urban beauty of Oxford gives way to the charm of rolling green fields, winding rivers, and quaint villages. The Cotswolds, with its lush greenery and stone cottages, is a haven for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Each evening, you’ll stay in some of the region’s most picturesque villages, including Burford and Tetbury. One of the highlights is Bibury, nestled along a bend in the Coln River. In the 19th century, artist William Morris famously described Bibury as “the most beautiful village in England.” With its honey-colored stone cottages, it’s a photographer’s paradise. Throughout the journey, you’ll also pause by the water’s edge in this river-threaded region and explore fascinating historical sites such as the Chedworth Roman Villa, adorned with mosaics and ancient baths.

Following the ancient Roman road of the Fosse Way, you’ll eventually reach Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage city and a must-visit destination. After your days of cycling, you’ll deserve a moment of relaxation in the city’s famous Roman Baths, which date back to antiquity. Before you leave, be sure to visit the Royal Crescent, one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in England.

This cycling adventure in southern England beautifully combines visits to the iconic cities of Oxford and Bath with the pastoral charm of the Cotswolds. With stops at traditional pubs to sample local gastronomy and soak in the warm atmosphere of English taverns, this journey offers an immersive and scenic escape through the quiet roads and greenways of England.