By kazimladimeji 
Britain is gearing up for one of the biggest sporting celebrations in recent memory — the world’s most famous bicycle race, the Tour de France, will return to the UK in July 2027, with both the men’s and women’s Grand Départs hosted on British soil. This historic event will be the first time both Tours begin in the same country outside France, drawing millions of spectators and cycling fans from across the world.
📜 A Brief History of the Tour de France in Britain
The Tour de France has a long and occasional connection with the UK. It first visited British roads in 1974 and has since returned on a handful of memorable occasions. Previous British starts include London in 2007 and Yorkshire in 2014, both of which generated huge crowds and huge economic benefits for their host regions.
The 2027 edition will elevate the UK’s role in cycling history by hosting not only the Grand Départ of the men’s race but also the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift — the women’s Tour — marking an unprecedented double start for Britain. This dual hosting role reflects the UK’s strong cycling culture and its growing status as a major international sporting destination.
🗺️ The 2027 Tour de France UK Route
🚴♂️ Men’s Tour de France
The men’s Tour de France Grand Départ will take place on 2 July 2027 in Edinburgh, Scotland, the first time the race has launched north of the English border. This opening stage sets the tone for a dramatic tour through three countries in the UK: Scotland, England and Wales.
Stage highlights include:
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Stage 1 – Edinburgh to Carlisle: A scenic route from Scotland’s capital through the Borders and into northern England.
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Stage 2 – Keswick to Liverpool: Riders will manoeuvre through the Lake District’s iconic landscape before finishing in Liverpool’s waterfront city centre.
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Stage 3 – Welshpool to Cardiff: The UK leg concludes in Cardiff, with a challenging finale through South Wales’ valleys and climbs, providing action for both fans and contenders.
🚴♀️ Tour de France Femmes
Just weeks later, the women’s Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will begin in Leeds on 30 July 2027, before winding its way to Manchester and Sheffield and concluding with a spectacular stage in London. This marks the first time the women’s Tour begins outside French territory, offering fans across England a front-row seat to world-class women’s cycling.
🏨 Stopover Accommodation Ideas
With multiple start and finish towns, the 2027 Tour de France offers fans the perfect excuse to explore the UK — with plenty of hotel options for every budget. Below are suggested hubs where you can base yourself during the event, each linked to reliable booking platforms like Hotels.com and Expedia.
🇬🇧 Edinburgh
As the Grand Départ host, Edinburgh will be a focal point for cycling fans.
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Where to stay: Classic Georgian hotels in the Old Town, modern city centre stays near Princes Street, or boutique B&Bs near the Royal Mile.
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Book now: Search Edinburgh hotels on Hotels.com or Expedia
🏙️ Carlisle & Keswick (Cumbria)
The first stages end and begin around Carlisle and Keswick, giving fans a chance to enjoy Cumbrian hospitality.
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Where to stay: Lakeside inns in Keswick, historic hotels near Carlisle Castle, or cosy guesthouses in the Lake District.
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Book now: Find options on Hotels.com or Expedia
🌆 Liverpool
The stage two finish in Liverpool is perfect for combining race thrills with a visit to Beatles-era landmarks.
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Where to stay: Waterside hotels near the Three Graces, modern city centre venues near Bold Street, or budget stays near Liverpool ONE.
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Book now: Explore Liverpool hotels on Hotels.com or Expedia
🏛️ Cardiff
The final UK stage finishes in Cardiff, promising a festival atmosphere in Wales’ capital.
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Where to stay: Stylish accommodation near Cardiff Bay, boutique hotels in the city centre, or riverside rooms with views of Cardiff Castle.
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Book now: Compare Cardiff hotels on Hotels.com or Expedia
🏙️ Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield & London
For the Tour de France Femmes, these iconic English cities form key stages and offer world-class hospitality.
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Where to stay: Everything from luxury suites to affordable central hotels — links available on Hotels.com and Expedia.
🎉 What This Means for Britain
The 2027 Tour de France is shaping up to be one of the UK’s biggest sporting events. Organisers anticipate millions of spectators lining the roads, turning the event into what many predict will be the largest free sporting spectacle in British history. The combined hosting of both men’s and women’s Tours not only boosts British cycling culture, but also highlights communities across Scotland, England and Wales.
For spectators, 2027 offers a unique opportunity to see elite cyclists race through dramatic landscapes — from Scotland’s historic capital to Wales’ undulating valleys — while staying in some of the UK’s most vibrant and welcoming cities.
🏁 Plan Your Trip Now
Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast or a fan of major sporting events, the 2027 Tour de France in Britain promises unforgettable excitement and cultural highlights. Start planning your trip early with Hotels.com and Expedia, and secure accommodation near key race stages to make the most of this historic event.
Get ready for an epic summer of cycling!