The Tour de France is set to pass through the Lake District in July 2027, bringing riders, support teams and cycling fans to some of Cumbria’s best-known locations. If you’re planning to watch the race, staying nearby means you can make the most of the atmosphere while exploring the area.
Stage 2 of the race (3rd July) starts from Keswick in the north and winds through the Lake District. There are plenty of great places to base yourself along the route!
Start: Keswick
The 223Km stage starts in Keswick, one of the most popular destinations in the Lake District! While we currently do not have any properties in the Town Centre, you will be spoilt for choice with options in nearby areas such as Ullswater, Penrith, and Cockermouth!
These locations are perfect if you want to be near the start line, but still in a peaceful setting!
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Keswick to Thirlmere (11 km in)
The riders are off! Following the A591 out of Keswick and over the scenic pass towards Thirlmere, the road winds through the hills and passes popular spots such as Helvellyn and Raven Crag!
Thirlmere to Grasmere (22km in)
At the southern end of Thirlmere, riders are then faced with the ascent of Dunmail Raise, a steady climb that tops out at 238 metres, before descending to Grasmere.
Here in Grasmere, you’ll find Ben Place Cottage, sleeping 4 guests. An ideal setting to watch the race and also to explore the wonderful village!
Grasmere to Ambleside (29km in)
Once past Grasmere, the route passes alongside Grasmere Water and Rydal Water, offering riders some of the most scenic views on the course as they continue south towards Ambleside.
Once reaching Ambleside (still on the A591 – Rydal Road), the route passes right through the centre on Lake Road. We have many cottages to choose from in Ambleside, whether you are looking to visit as a group, or maybe just the two of you!
Here, you’ll be right in the heart of the race action. If you’d prefer to stay nearby without being in the middle of the crowds, take a look at our cottages in the surrounding areas, including Loughrigg and Chapel Stile, both just a short distance from the route.
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Ambleside to Windermere (37km in)
Staying on the A591, riders reach the northern tip of Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake. The route then follows the shoreline south, offering stunning views across the water before continuing into the town of Windermere.
Here in Windermere, we have a selection of Cottages if you, again, are looking to stay right next to the Route!
For nearby accommodation, we have 7 lovely lodges and a shepherd’s hut at High Borrans, only 10 minutes away. Or take a look at our Kendal and surrounding properties, where you will be located not too far away from Windermere and other parts of the route further on.
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Windermere to Bowness (39km in)
After passing through Windermere, the route meets Lake Windermere once again, this time at the popular town of Bowness-on-Windermere. Here, the road winds through the town centre, passing attractions such as The World of Beatrix Potter before continuing down towards where the boats dock.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay along the route, we have some fantastic options in Bowness. Choose from the lakefront lodges at Fallbarrow Holiday Park or Garth Cottage, which sleeps up to eight guests and is located right beside the race route, putting you close to all the action.
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Bowness to the Winster Valley (44km in)
We then reach the Winster Valley through winding and challenging roads on the A5074.
Leaving Bowness-on-Windermere, riders join the A5074 and begin the climb towards the Winster Valley. This steady incline will test tired legs as the race heads away from the lakeshore and into the countryside of South Lakeland.
Nearby, we have properties in Bowland Bridge, Underbarrow and Brigsteer. A range of options from glamping pods with hot tubs to cottages with views over the Lyth Valley!
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The Winster Valley to Levens (56km in)
Continuing South towards Levens, the roads here provide little opportunity for recovery, with riders facing a series of gentle rises and descents through the countryside, before meeting the main road near the village of Levens.
If you’re looking to stay close to this section of the route, we have a number of cottages in Witherslack nearby. Alternatively, as mentioned earlier, our properties in Kendal and the surrounding areas offer a great base not only for Windermere, but also for this stretch of the race.
View Witherslack properties here
Levens to Carnforth (69 km in)
Riders then follow the A6 south from Levens towards Carnforth. Compared to some of the earlier climbs, this section is more flowing.
Cottages in the Arnside & Silverdale area are perfectly placed for this section of the race, offering easy access to the route as riders head towards Carnforth.
From here, the race continues south through Lancashire on its journey towards Liverpool, marking the point where we say goodbye to the riders as they leave the Lake District behind and continue towards Liverpool!
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We’re incredibly excited to see the Lake District be a part of the 2027 Tour de France, showing off the scenery to cycling fans from around the world!
While we’ve highlighted a selection of properties along the route in this guide, we have many more cottages, lodges and glamping pods across the Lake District that make excellent bases for following the race. If you’d like to be a little further from the route, there’s plenty to choose from.
Take a look at all of our Lake District properties available for the race dates and start planning your stay – Click here.
As always, if you have any questions or would like help finding the perfect place to stay, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. We look forward to welcoming you to the Lakes for this event!
