The 2027 Tour de France in Great Britain: a guide to the Grand Départ

Le 2027 Tour de France will set off from Great Britain for a historic edition. For the first time, the race will start in Scotland before crossing England and Wales. Edinburgh, Carlisle, Keswick, Liverpool, Welshpool and Cardiff will host the first three stages of this British adventure.

In short: The 2027 Tour de France will start in Great Britain from July 2nd to 4th, 2027. The first three stages will run from Edinburgh to Carlisle on July 2nd, Keswick to Liverpool on July 3rd, and Welshpool to Cardiff on July 4th. This will be the first Grand Départ in history from Scotland.

From 2 to 4 July 2027, the riders will experience a wide variety of landscapes. The roads of Scotland, the Lake District and the Welsh hills will provide a spectacular backdrop. The Grand Départ will therefore be a unique opportunity to combine a major sporting event with a trip to the United Kingdom.

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At Brightside Travel LTD, we design bespoke holidays centred around major sporting events. Accommodation, transport, stops along the route and local attractions can all be combined into an itinerary tailored to your pace.

Why is the 2027 Tour de France starting in Great Britain?

Great Britain has a long history with the Tour de France. The race passed through the country for the first time in 1974. It returned in 1994, and then for the Grand Départs from London in 2007 and from Yorkshire in 2014.

However, the 2027 edition will go one step further. For the first time, a single Grand Départ will pass through Scotland, England and Wales. Furthermore, Edinburgh will become the first Scottish city to host the start of the Tour de France.

This route will showcase various aspects of Great Britain. Spectators will discover historic capital cities, national parks, rolling countryside and towns steeped in sporting culture.

The dates for the Grand Départ of the 2027 Tour de France

The festivities will begin before the first stage. The race headquarters and press centre will open in Edinburgh on 29 June 2027.

Next, the official presentation of the teams will take place on 30 June on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. The venue hosts the famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo every summer and will provide a spectacular backdrop for the runners.

The first three stages will then take place on the following dates:

• 2 July 2027: Edinburgh – Carlisle; ;
• 3 July 2027: Keswick – Liverpool; ;
• 4 July 2027: Welshpool – Cardiff.

You will therefore need to plan to stay for several nights to watch the team presentations and the start of the first stage.

Stage 1: Edinburgh – Carlisle

The first stage of the 2027 Tour de France will link Edinburgh to Carlisle over a distance of 184 kilometres. The peloton will set off from the Scottish capital before heading south and crossing the English border.

The route will mainly pass through rural areas. It will be undulating, but will feature only one officially listed climb. Its highest point will be around 400 metres.

The final section will be flatter. It could therefore suit the sprinters and enable one of them to claim the first yellow jersey of the 2027 edition.

What’s there to discover in Edinburgh before you set off?

Before the race, take some time to explore the Scottish capital. Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and the narrow streets of the Old Town are all easy to explore on foot.

What’s more, Arthur’s Seat offers a beautiful panoramic view of the city. The neighbourhoods of Stockbridge and Dean Village have a more peaceful atmosphere.

It would, however, be a shame to plan to spend only a few hours there. Two or three nights will give you time to enjoy the city before the big crowds arrive.

What’s there to see around Carlisle?

Carlisle is situated near the border between England and Scotland. The town serves as a gateway to Hadrian’s Wall and the northern Lake District.

After the stage finish, you can therefore extend your stay to explore the Roman ruins, the landscapes of Cumbria or the villages around the lakes.

Stage 2: Keswick – Liverpool

The second stage will run from Keswick to Liverpool, covering 223 kilometres. The first few kilometres will take the route through the Lake District National Park, one of England’s most beautiful natural areas.

After Lancaster, the route will become more undulating. Five climbs will count towards the mountains classification. This stage could therefore favour breakaways, although some hardy sprinters might make a comeback in the final stretch.

The finish in Liverpool will take place on flatter, largely urban terrain. However, a descent just before the final kilometre will require the riders to be very careful.

Discover Keswick and the Lake District

Keswick is situated on the shores of Derwentwater. This small town is an excellent base from which to explore the northern Lake District.

Before setting off, you can stroll along the lake, go on a boat trip or explore a number of walking trails. The scenery around Borrowdale and Honister Pass is also well worth a visit.

However, the roads are narrow and there are few places to stay. It will therefore be essential to book in advance around the time of the Grand Départ.

Extend your stay in Liverpool

Liverpool offers a stark contrast to the landscapes of the Lake District. The city is famous for its musical heritage, its old docks and its museums.

After the tour, you can visit the Royal Albert Dock, learn about the history of the Beatles or explore the historic neighbourhoods in the city centre.

This second day will therefore combine nature, cycling and urban culture.

Stage 3: Welshpool – Cardiff

The third stage will take place entirely in Wales. It will run from Welshpool to Cardiff, covering 223 kilometres, and is expected to be the most demanding of the three British stages.

The first 80 kilometres will be relatively straightforward. After that, the route will feature several long and challenging climbs. The Epynt climb, in particular, will be 3.7 kilometres long with an average gradient of 7.9 %.

In the second half of the stage, the climbs will become shorter and steeper. The Côte de Caerffili, situated just 12 kilometres from the finish, will feature a two-kilometre climb at an average gradient of 8.1 per cent (%). It could spark an early showdown between the general classification favourites.

Finally, the runners will reach Cardiff after passing close to the castle and the Principality Stadium.

What is there to see around Welshpool?

Welshpool is situated in the rural county of Powys. The area is known for its hills, winding roads and green countryside.

Powis Castle, its gardens and the surrounding villages make for a perfect way to round off a day in the area. What’s more, there are several routes leading to Eryri National Park or the mountains of central Wales.

Exploring Cardiff after arrival

Cardiff is a capital city on a human scale. Its castle, Victorian arcades and historic centre are easy to explore on foot.

Cardiff Bay, meanwhile, offers a more modern side to the city. The Wales Millennium Centre, the Senedd and the redeveloped quays are well worth a stroll.

An extra night will therefore give you the chance to enjoy the Welsh capital after the Tour finishes.

Where can you watch the 2027 Tour de France in the UK?

The best location depends on the atmosphere you’re looking for.

Edinburgh will be the perfect place to watch the team presentations and the official start. However, it will be very crowded there.

Landscape enthusiasts may prefer the Lake District or the rural areas between Keswick and Liverpool. However, getting there and finding parking will be more difficult.

In Wales, the climbs at Epynt and Caerffili are set to provide a thrilling sporting atmosphere. Finally, the finishes in Carlisle, Liverpool and Cardiff will offer the chance to enjoy the city’s festivities.

However, you will need to wait for detailed information regarding spectator areas, road closures and the schedule of events before choosing a specific spot.

How should you organise your trip for the 2027 Tour de France?

The main challenge will be coordinating several stages. The start and finish towns are some distance apart, whilst roads around the route will be closed.

To visit all three stages, an itinerary might include:

• three nights in Edinburgh; ;
• a night in Carlisle or in the northern Lake District; ;
• a night in Keswick; ;
• a night in Liverpool; ;
• one night near Welshpool; ;
• two nights in Cardiff.

However, this itinerary will involve a lot of travelling. For a more comfortable trip, it may be better to choose a single region and stay there for several nights.

For example, a trip focusing on Scotland will give you the chance to watch the team presentations and the first stage. You can then extend your stay to the Highlands.

Another option is to combine Keswick, the Lake District and Liverpool. Finally, mountain enthusiasts may prefer the Welsh leg of the journey and continue their trip through the national parks of Wales.

When should you book your accommodation?

The Grand Départ will attract a huge number of visitors. Accommodation in Edinburgh, Keswick, Liverpool, Welshpool and Cardiff will therefore be in high demand.

It is advisable to book as soon as the cancellation policy and availability allow. However, always check the exact location before confirming. An address that appears close to the route on a map may prove difficult to reach on the day of the stage.

Furthermore, the small villages in the Lake District and Wales have limited facilities. A car will not always offer greater flexibility due to road closures.

Is it possible to combine the Grand Départ with a trip to the UK?

Le 2027 Tour de France is an excellent opportunity to explore several regions of the UK.

After Edinburgh, you can head to Stirling, Loch Lomond or the Highlands. From Carlisle and Keswick, the Lake District is ideal for hiking and boat trips.

Liverpool can then be combined with a visit to Manchester or Chester. Finally, Cardiff is a good starting point for exploring the Brecon Beacons, Pembrokeshire or the castles of South Wales.

However, it is best to avoid trying to cram everything into a single holiday. A trip limited to two regions will often be more enjoyable and more realistic.

Get ready for the Grand Départ with Brightside Travel

At Brightside Travel LTD, we design bespoke holidays in the UK and Ireland. To mark the Grand Départ, we can combine the race stages with a tour of Scotland, England and Wales.

We select accommodation, transport and experiences tailored to your plans. This means you can enjoy the event without missing out on exploring the regions you pass through.

Discover our bespoke holidays in the UK:

Discover our bespoke holidays in Scotland:

See our tailor-made trips to Scotland

You can also view the official presentation of the 2027 Grand Départ on the Tour de France website:

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