The Cotswolds is a great destination to enjoy the British countryside. Whilst the weather may not always be great, if you pack the right clothes you can enjoy a really active family holiday which youll all enjoy. One of the most popular activities to enjoy is cycling, and with many great routes available and plenty of sights to enjoy, you can explore the Cotswolds and get in a bit of exercise too. Here are our recommended routes for some great family cycling adventures.
Best for beginners: Cotswold Water Park
The Cotswold Water Park is a great ride for families looking for a more relaxing route. The route itself is relatively flat, making it one of the better family cycling adventures for riders of all ages and abilities. You can get there fairly easily from Cirencester via the main roads but if youd prefer to park and ride, there are plenty of car parks available for you - allowing families to avoid the roads. With some great views and plenty of places to stop for a packed lunch or picnic, you can enjoy a full day out cycling at Cotswold Water Park. There are also plenty of great pubs and restaurants along the route if you decide that you want to travel light or enjoy a classic pub lunch. A download of the cycle route is available here. Need to Know: If you havent brought bikes with you, you can hire them at Cotswold Water Park from Go Cycle. This means theres less to pack and you can play it by ear on the day if the weather isnt looking too great. Where to Stay: Springfield House is located in Rendcomb near Cirencester and is about a 25 minute drive from Cotswold Water Park. It sleeps up to 10 with 2 children and has a great outdoor pool, perfect for a large family getaway.
Best for sightseeing: The Winchcombe Circular
Totalling 28 miles, the Winchcombe Circular is one of the best family cycling adventures that enables you to explore a number of Cotswolds locations, taking in many different villages and plenty of countryside stretches. As a family, you can cycle together through locations such as Netherton, Beckford, Gretton, Dickford and more. Along the way youll pass a number of tourist attractions including Hailes Abbey, Beckford Silk Mill, Sudeley Castle and Folk and Police Museum. Its a great ride which provides a full day out, allowing you to enjoy a great pub meal at the end of it and relax back at your Jigsaw property. A download of the cycle route can be found here. Need to know: Take some time to explore Winchcombe and its unspoiled beauty. Theres some great independent shops, tea rooms and other places to eat and enjoy some warm Cotswolds hospitality. Where to stay: Elgin is located in Gretton Fields, which is just a short drive away from Winchcombe where you can park and start your journey. It sleeps 4 and offers a comfortable place to rest tired legs after a day of cycling in the Cotswolds.
Best for a bit of history: The Snowshill Route
Snowshill is a beautiful country village to explore during your stay in the Cotswolds and this 18 mile route helps you to see the best of it. Taking you past Snowshill Manor and Garden, the best way to explore the views in this celebrated National Trust property is by bike. Enjoy a stop at Snowshill for afternoon tea and take some time away from your family cycling adventures to explore the fantastic gardens. If you want to make the ride shorter, you can take a short cut to cut the route down to 12 miles, which may be preferable for families with younger travellers. A download of the cycle route can be found here. Need to know: At times this route can be energetic, but you can take your time to really make a day out of it. Where to stay: Oat Hill Coach House is a picturesque Cotswold cottage with plenty of character. Its located within Snowshill itself, allowing you to enjoy the villages gorgeous scenery. Sleeping 6, it offers a welcoming home away from home for families.
Best for a short journey: The Broadway Tower Route
At just 5 miles, this is a family cycling adventure you can enjoy without the worry of it becoming too much. You can explore some of the best views of the Cotswolds along this charming route, as well as take in the Broadway Tower, which was designed back in 1794. The Tower offers the second highest viewpoint in the Cotswolds so be sure to take your camera with you. There are also plenty of ways to extend your cycle to explore some of the other nearby villages including Chipping Camden, whilst Snowshill is also within easy reach. Find more information about the route here. Need to Know: Broadway Tower Country park is home to a herd of red deer, a great sight to see away from city life. Where to stay: Top Cottage in Broadway is a wonderful property to take in the Broadway Tower Country park route. It sleeps 4, and with plenty of welcoming features, youll be able to enjoy a memorable family break.
Best for wildlife and nature: The Kingham Circle
Explore some of the Cotswolds best wildlife spots during this fantastic ride, featuring stops at Milton-under-Wychwood, Little Barrington and of course, Cotswold Wildlife Park. Making a great day out for families, the Kingham circle is a wonderful way to explore some of the areas most picturesque towns, and enjoy a great family cycling adventure. Whilst this is a long route at 39 miles, it can be broken down and shortcuts taken in order to make the ride more suitable for your family. You can stop in Kingham, Chadlington and Minster Lovell for a drink or some food as well and sit and enjoy the countryside atmosphere. A download of the cycle route can be found here. Need to know: During this route you can pass through the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and enjoy some of the best views of the UK Countryside. Where to stay: A small family can enjoy a chilled out escape at Little Garth in Kingham. With plenty of beautiful details to enjoy including a comfy bedroom, modern bathroom and kitchen areas, youll feel right at home during your stay.