Brits will be forgiven for trying to make the most of the summer while it lasts, be it booking flights to one of the top islands or indulging in a luxury cruise.
But while cooler temperatures are beginning to set in, there are miles of spectacular countryside to explore closer to home by foot – or even two pedals if you’re up for an adventure.
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Top cycling destinations in the Cotswolds and Sussex
According to Cycling for Softies, the Cotswolds and Sussex make for the perfect staycation destinations if you want a getaway in the UK.
There are a range of bike tours to choose from, ideal for every activity – even if you’re an amateur – like picnics by the stream, visiting local farmers' markets, or even taking a stroll through lush vineyards in the countryside.
We round up some high-end tours below.
1. The Grand Tour of the Cotswolds
The English countryside is just 90 minutes west of London, where you can escape to the honey-tinted villages and picturesque stone cottages of the Cotswolds. The route kicks off in the north, at Moreton-in-Marsh, a thriving market town, and then continues through quaint towns such as Broadway, Bourton-on-the-Water and Tetbury. The tour ends in Bath, where you can roll into a Roman spa town and take in the Georgian architecture of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the heart of the Cotswolds, you can take a leisurely tour to explore the charming countryside and the lively market towns. You can bike along the tranquil Windrush and Coln rivers, explore the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, and enjoy an elegant picnic of artisanal cheeses and cream tea. History lovers can step inside a Grade I listed church and go back in time to the English Civil War in Burford, also known as the ‘gateway’ to the Cotswolds.
You don’t need to choose between visiting the beach and taking a bike ride when you can do both. This tour takes you around the south coast, where you can explore Arundel Castle and visit the Tinwood Estate vineyard. You can enjoy the rolling landscapes, take a walk along Climping Beach, visit the medieval market towns, and enjoy a well-deserved escape from everyday life.
English wine is having its moment, and in Sussex, fine wine, history, and lush scenery come together to create a memorable experience. On this five-night tour, you can take in scenic views of the South Downs National Park, wander through charming villages like Cuckfield, and sample some award-winning sparkling wines from two vineyards that put England on the map as a serious wine-producing region. While you do this, you can unwind at a luxury hotel by indulging in gourmet cuisine or recharging with a soothing spa treatment.
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