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Top stops along the Tour de France’s English stage 

Things to do along the Tour de France route in England in 2027

Looking for activities and things to do in Liverpool, Lancashire and Cumbria? Kicking off in Keswick in the Lake District, take your pick from these things to do near the Tour De France 2027 route in England.
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On the shores of Derwentwater, this pretty market town is a hive of activity – with festivals, hotels, watersports and more.

See what’s on at Keswick (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ruby Nicholson/Alpacalyeverafter

Location: Keswick, England

A bearded man wearing a wool hat holding two white alpacas
Keswick

Gaze in awe at Castlerigg Stone Circle, one of the most dramatic of its kind in the UK.

Marvel at Castlerigg Stone Circle (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Castlerigg, England

People attending the Winter Solstice celebration at Castelrigg Stone Circle near Keswick in Cumbria
Castlerigg Stone Circle

Give a round of applause for the Theatre by the Lake, in one of the most beautiful locations in the world.

Enjoy the productions at Theatre by the Lake (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Theatre by The Lake

Location: Keswick, England

Theatre by The Lake
Theatre by the Lake

Take notes at The Derwent Pencil Museum, a delightful draw for all the family and stationery fans.

Lead the way to The Derwent Pencil Museum. (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Derwent Pencil Museum

Location: Keswick, England

The Derwent Pencil Museum
The Derwent Pencil Museum

Get your fill at The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop – the site where the spicy treat was invented.

Treat yourself at The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: grasmeregingerbread

Location: Grasmere, England

Closeup of Grasmere Gingerbread on a rock by a lakeside
The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop

Embrace your romantic side with a visit to Dove Cottage, William Wordsworth’s Lake District home.

Wander back in time at Wordsworth Grasmere (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Tom McNally Photography

Location: Grasmere, England

Close up of flowers over sign reading Dove Cottage
Wordsworth Grasmere

Enjoy some fine-dining at The Old Stamp House Michelin-starred restaurant in Ambleside.

Dine at The Old Stamp House (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Phil Rigby Photography

Location: Ambleside, England

Plate with seafood
The Old Stamp House

All aboard a grand steamer for a scenic trip around Lake Windermere.

Sail away with Windermere Lake Cruises (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Visit Lake District/Paul Mitchell

Location: Windermere, England

A man and a woman on a boat driven by a skipper on a lake
Windermere Lake Cruises

Feeling adventurous? Try wild swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and windsurfing on England’s largest lake.

Make a splash at Lake Windermere (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: VisitBritain/Adam Burton

Location: England

Stile over a drystone wall overlooking landscape of valleys
Lake Windermere

Hop along to The World of Beatrix Potter at Bowness-on-Windermere and meet Peter Rabbit and friends.

Hop over to The World of Beatrix Potter, here. (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction

Location: Bowness-on-Windermere, England

Three young girls at The World of Beatrix Potter
The World of Beatrix Potter

Adrenaline seekers will love windsurfing, kite surfing and sailing across the waters, while nature lovers can head to the headlands for incredible seascape scenery.

Visit Morecambe Bay (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Andy Hockridge

Location: Lancaster, England

A group of people kite surfing just off the Lancashire coast
Morecambe Bay

Tales of witchcraft and crime await at the King’s northern castle – take a tour through its medieval Well Tower or explore its collection of heraldic shields.

Unlock history at Lancaster Castle (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Marketing Lancashire

Location: Lancaster, England

External view of Lancaster castle with visitors sitting around the lawn in the foreground
Lancaster Castle

Expect serene woodlands and pretty parklands as you explore 54 acres of space, including a tropical butterfly house and an Edwardian folly.

Explore Williamson Park (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Lancaster City Council

Location: Lancaster, England

A performance onstage outdoors at The Dukes Theatre in Williamson Park, Lancashire
Williamson Park Lancaster

Get a hold for bouldering at this indoor climbing experience. Navigate your way up dedicated climbing routes as you get a thrill for this exciting sport.

Visit LancasterWall Climbing (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Lancaster Wall

Location: Lancaster, England

People climbing an indoor bouldering wall in Lancashire
LancasterWall Climbing Experience

Recognised as a Dark Discovery Site, look to the cosmic displays of the Forest of Bowland for stargazing, night photography and storytelling.

Go stargazing in the Forest of Bowland (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Robert Ince for Forest

Location: Lancaster, England

Stars lighting up the night sky above Gisburn Forest, Lancashire
Forest of Bowland Stargazing

Make memories with your family at Bowland Wild Boar Park. Get close and feed the animals, enjoy park rides and explore nature walks.

Have fun at Wild Boar Park (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Bowland Wild Boar

Location: Lancaster, England

Children being driven around Bowland Wild Boar Park on a land train
Bowland Wild Boar Park

Put together a beer hall, food hall and hotel, and you’ll get Holmes Mill. Visit for a deep dive into Lancashire’s flavours and entertainment.

Dine at Holmes Mill (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Holmes Mill

Location: Lancaster, England

The historic buildings of Holmes Mill in Lancashire
Holmes Mill

Let creativity and art lead the way on a trail through Aitken Wood. Spot mythical creatures and ten plaques as you uncover the secrets of the Pendle Witches.

Follow the Pendle Sculpture Trail (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Mike Williams

Location: Lancaster, England

A group of people posing next to a sculpture on the Pendle Sculpture Trail
Pendle Sculpture Trail

Photo by: British Music Experience, Liverpool

Location: Liverpool, England

Beatles statue in a city centre.
British Music Experience

Take a tour of this Liverpool icon, and enjoy 360º city views from its 15th-floor viewing platform.

What’s on at the Royal Liver Building (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Heritage GB/ Jason Roberts

Location: Liverpool, England

Man photographing a tower in the skyline from a rooftop viewing platform
Royal Liver Building

One of the most famous music venues in the UK, The Cavern Club helped launch the career of The Beatles.

Visit The Cavern Club (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Location: Liverpool, England

Man on stage playing a guitar in a club with arched ceilings
The Cavern Club

The vibrant heart of the city, Royal Albert Dock is home to restaurants, museums, bars, shops and the Tate Liverpool art gallery.

Explore the Royal Albert Dock (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: VisitBritain/Kathryn Ramsden

Location: Liverpool, England

Dog in a life jacket on a paddle-board on water in a dock surrounded by buildings
Royal Albert Dock

For striking modern art, look no further than this outpost of the Tate galleries. Currently closed for renovations, RIBA North, Mann Island, is its temporary home.

Be inspired by Tate Liverpool (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Tate Liverpool Photo Tate Liverpool (Rikard Österlund)

Location: Liverpool, England

Sculpture outside Tate Liverpool, Liverpool Biennial art festival
Tate Liverpool

Even if Liverpool FC isn’t your team, the club’s mighty stadium is super impressive – and yours to discover on a behind-the-scenes tour.

Book your tour of Anfield (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: officialsyviaajayi

Location: Liverpool, England

A woman posing while on a stadium tour of Anfield, Liverpool.
Anfield, Liverpool

Experience Liverpool’s iconic Anfield stadium from a new perspective.

Take an Anfield abseil (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: VisitBritain/Peter Hughes

Location: Liverpool, England

Red clouds in sunset over the ground of a stadium
Anfield Abseil Experience

Step into the world of the Shelbys on this Peaky Blinders walking tour of Liverpool.

Join a Peaky Blinders Tour of Liverpool (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Brit Movie Tours

Location: Liverpool, England

A Peaky Blinders tour group posing outside an industrial warehouse in Liverpool
Peaky Blinders Tour of Liverpool

Embark on an incredible journey through time into the lives and music of The Beatles in this immersive exhibition.

Book tickets to The Beatles Story (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: The Beatles Story

Location: Liverpool, England

Colourful costumes inside a museum exhibit
The Beatles Story

Hop on board the Beatles bus tour with Beatles City Explorer and discover the history of the world's most legendary band.

Find out more about Beatles City Explorer (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Beatles City Explorer

Location: Liverpool, England

Open top buses in Liverpool, used for Beatles themed tours of the city
Beatles City Explorer

Liverpool’s first street food market is a celebration of the city’s best bites. From frozen gins to gluten-free treats, it’s the perfect place to catch-up and refuel.

Explore Baltic Market (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: VisitBritain

Location: Liverpool, England

Man sprinkling cheese on pizza at a food market
Baltic Market

On the shores of Derwentwater, this pretty market town is a hive of activity – with festivals, hotels, watersports and more.

See what’s on at Keswick (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ruby Nicholson/Alpacalyeverafter

Location: Keswick, England

A bearded man wearing a wool hat holding two white alpacas
Keswick

Gaze in awe at Castlerigg Stone Circle, one of the most dramatic of its kind in the UK.

Marvel at Castlerigg Stone Circle (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Castlerigg, England

People attending the Winter Solstice celebration at Castelrigg Stone Circle near Keswick in Cumbria
Castlerigg Stone Circle

Give a round of applause for the Theatre by the Lake, in one of the most beautiful locations in the world.

Enjoy the productions at Theatre by the Lake (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Theatre by The Lake

Location: Keswick, England

Theatre by The Lake
Theatre by the Lake

Take notes at The Derwent Pencil Museum, a delightful draw for all the family and stationery fans.

Lead the way to The Derwent Pencil Museum. (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Derwent Pencil Museum

Location: Keswick, England

The Derwent Pencil Museum
The Derwent Pencil Museum

Get your fill at The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop – the site where the spicy treat was invented.

Treat yourself at The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: grasmeregingerbread

Location: Grasmere, England

Closeup of Grasmere Gingerbread on a rock by a lakeside
The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop

Embrace your romantic side with a visit to Dove Cottage, William Wordsworth’s Lake District home.

Wander back in time at Wordsworth Grasmere (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Tom McNally Photography

Location: Grasmere, England

Close up of flowers over sign reading Dove Cottage
Wordsworth Grasmere

Enjoy some fine-dining at The Old Stamp House Michelin-starred restaurant in Ambleside.

Dine at The Old Stamp House (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Phil Rigby Photography

Location: Ambleside, England

Plate with seafood
The Old Stamp House

All aboard a grand steamer for a scenic trip around Lake Windermere.

Sail away with Windermere Lake Cruises (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Visit Lake District/Paul Mitchell

Location: Windermere, England

A man and a woman on a boat driven by a skipper on a lake
Windermere Lake Cruises

Feeling adventurous? Try wild swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and windsurfing on England’s largest lake.

Make a splash at Lake Windermere (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: VisitBritain/Adam Burton

Location: England

Stile over a drystone wall overlooking landscape of valleys
Lake Windermere

Hop along to The World of Beatrix Potter at Bowness-on-Windermere and meet Peter Rabbit and friends.

Hop over to The World of Beatrix Potter, here. (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction

Location: Bowness-on-Windermere, England

Three young girls at The World of Beatrix Potter
The World of Beatrix Potter

Adrenaline seekers will love windsurfing, kite surfing and sailing across the waters, while nature lovers can head to the headlands for incredible seascape scenery.

Visit Morecambe Bay (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Andy Hockridge

Location: Lancaster, England

A group of people kite surfing just off the Lancashire coast
Morecambe Bay

Tales of witchcraft and crime await at the King’s northern castle – take a tour through its medieval Well Tower or explore its collection of heraldic shields.

Unlock history at Lancaster Castle (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Marketing Lancashire

Location: Lancaster, England

External view of Lancaster castle with visitors sitting around the lawn in the foreground
Lancaster Castle

Expect serene woodlands and pretty parklands as you explore 54 acres of space, including a tropical butterfly house and an Edwardian folly.

Explore Williamson Park (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Lancaster City Council

Location: Lancaster, England

A performance onstage outdoors at The Dukes Theatre in Williamson Park, Lancashire
Williamson Park Lancaster

Get a hold for bouldering at this indoor climbing experience. Navigate your way up dedicated climbing routes as you get a thrill for this exciting sport.

Visit LancasterWall Climbing (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Lancaster Wall

Location: Lancaster, England

People climbing an indoor bouldering wall in Lancashire
LancasterWall Climbing Experience

Recognised as a Dark Discovery Site, look to the cosmic displays of the Forest of Bowland for stargazing, night photography and storytelling.

Go stargazing in the Forest of Bowland (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Robert Ince for Forest

Location: Lancaster, England

Stars lighting up the night sky above Gisburn Forest, Lancashire
Forest of Bowland Stargazing

Make memories with your family at Bowland Wild Boar Park. Get close and feed the animals, enjoy park rides and explore nature walks.

Have fun at Wild Boar Park (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Bowland Wild Boar

Location: Lancaster, England

Children being driven around Bowland Wild Boar Park on a land train
Bowland Wild Boar Park

Put together a beer hall, food hall and hotel, and you’ll get Holmes Mill. Visit for a deep dive into Lancashire’s flavours and entertainment.

Dine at Holmes Mill (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Holmes Mill

Location: Lancaster, England

The historic buildings of Holmes Mill in Lancashire
Holmes Mill

Let creativity and art lead the way on a trail through Aitken Wood. Spot mythical creatures and ten plaques as you uncover the secrets of the Pendle Witches.

Follow the Pendle Sculpture Trail (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Mike Williams

Location: Lancaster, England

A group of people posing next to a sculpture on the Pendle Sculpture Trail
Pendle Sculpture Trail

Photo by: British Music Experience, Liverpool

Location: Liverpool, England

Beatles statue in a city centre.
British Music Experience

Take a tour of this Liverpool icon, and enjoy 360º city views from its 15th-floor viewing platform.

What’s on at the Royal Liver Building (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Heritage GB/ Jason Roberts

Location: Liverpool, England

Man photographing a tower in the skyline from a rooftop viewing platform
Royal Liver Building

One of the most famous music venues in the UK, The Cavern Club helped launch the career of The Beatles.

Visit The Cavern Club (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Location: Liverpool, England

Man on stage playing a guitar in a club with arched ceilings
The Cavern Club

The vibrant heart of the city, Royal Albert Dock is home to restaurants, museums, bars, shops and the Tate Liverpool art gallery.

Explore the Royal Albert Dock (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: VisitBritain/Kathryn Ramsden

Location: Liverpool, England

Dog in a life jacket on a paddle-board on water in a dock surrounded by buildings
Royal Albert Dock

For striking modern art, look no further than this outpost of the Tate galleries. Currently closed for renovations, RIBA North, Mann Island, is its temporary home.

Be inspired by Tate Liverpool (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Tate Liverpool Photo Tate Liverpool (Rikard Österlund)

Location: Liverpool, England

Sculpture outside Tate Liverpool, Liverpool Biennial art festival
Tate Liverpool

Even if Liverpool FC isn’t your team, the club’s mighty stadium is super impressive – and yours to discover on a behind-the-scenes tour.

Book your tour of Anfield (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: officialsyviaajayi

Location: Liverpool, England

A woman posing while on a stadium tour of Anfield, Liverpool.
Anfield, Liverpool

Experience Liverpool’s iconic Anfield stadium from a new perspective.

Take an Anfield abseil (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: VisitBritain/Peter Hughes

Location: Liverpool, England

Red clouds in sunset over the ground of a stadium
Anfield Abseil Experience

Step into the world of the Shelbys on this Peaky Blinders walking tour of Liverpool.

Join a Peaky Blinders Tour of Liverpool (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Brit Movie Tours

Location: Liverpool, England

A Peaky Blinders tour group posing outside an industrial warehouse in Liverpool
Peaky Blinders Tour of Liverpool

Embark on an incredible journey through time into the lives and music of The Beatles in this immersive exhibition.

Book tickets to The Beatles Story (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: The Beatles Story

Location: Liverpool, England

Colourful costumes inside a museum exhibit
The Beatles Story

Hop on board the Beatles bus tour with Beatles City Explorer and discover the history of the world's most legendary band.

Find out more about Beatles City Explorer (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: Beatles City Explorer

Location: Liverpool, England

Open top buses in Liverpool, used for Beatles themed tours of the city
Beatles City Explorer

Liverpool’s first street food market is a celebration of the city’s best bites. From frozen gins to gluten-free treats, it’s the perfect place to catch-up and refuel.

Explore Baltic Market (opens in a new tab)

Photo by: VisitBritain

Location: Liverpool, England

Man sprinkling cheese on pizza at a food market
Baltic Market

Liverpool by pedal power

Liverpool by pedal power

Want to explore Liverpool’s top sights, and get a workout too? Liverpool Cycle Tours reveal the city’s best bits, travelling on either electric or pedal-powered bikes. Take your pick from sightseeing highlights, a pub crawl, a Beatles-themed tour and more, allowing you a fascinating insight into where cars and buses can’t get to.

Photo by: Liverpool Cycle Tours Ltd/Philip Ware

Location: Liverpool, England

Group in orange safety vests standing by bicycles, in front of historic buildings at Liverpool waterfront at sunset.

Follow Stage 2 of the Tour de France Grand Départ 2027 in England

Although the Tour de France has graced our lands in the past, the 114th race’s Grand Départ takes on a special significance as it passes through all three of our great nations: Scotland, England and Wales. Did you know it’ll stretch a total of 391 miles (630km), from Edinburgh to Cardiff? Expect terrain as varied as our accents, plenty of epic backdrops, and your own adventures along the way.  

Stage 2 of the race covers 138 miles (223km) and takes place in England on 3 July 2026. From Keswick to Liverpool, the Lake District National Park sets the scene for the start of the second stage, as the riders pass through Windermere with its vast lake.  

The peloton will speed on through Lancaster where the start of rolling hills await to challenge even the strongest of legs. Peaks include Darwen Hill at 935ft (285m), Trough of Bowland at 961ft (293m) and Waddington Fell at 1,138ft (347m). 

On through the local towns of Blackburn, Chorley and Prescot, then the home stretch into Liverpool city paves the way for flatter terrain. Perfect for the riders to take in the city’s architecture and crowds that will undoubtably be cheering them on.

Discover the Tour de France Grand Départ Stage 2 destinations

Explore more of Britain

  • Whether you’re saddling up to explore southern Scotland like the pros or taking things at a more relaxed pace, there’s plenty to see and do along the Tour de France 2027 route.

    Photo by: Ian Linton Photography/Go Tweed Valley

    Location: Scottish Borders, Scotland

    Tweed Valley Railway Path
  • Here’s how to follow in the tyre-tracks of the riders on Stage 3 of the Tour de France 2027 in Wales.

    Photo by: Crown Copyright/Visit Wales

    Location: Cwmcarn, Wales

    Two cyclists mountain biking in the country stopping at a lookout.
  • Embrace these bike-friendly experiences and pedal your way around Britain’s cities, towns and more.

    Photo by: VisitBritain/Storyman

    Location: Birmingham, England

    A couple cycling down a ramp parallel with a canal
  • Whether you’re cruising clifftops, or winding your way round lakes, discover spectacular cycling routes round Britain.

    Photo by: Getty Images/Peter Cade

    Location: Torpoint, England

    Family on bicycles looking across a field towards the horizon in the summer
  • Pump up the adrenaline for thrilling sporting spectacles in Britain this year.

    Photo by: birchallimagery

    Location: Aintree, England

    A horse race at The Grand National
  • Take a seat for Britain's unmissable sports season, from football to cricket, horse racing and Formula 1.

    Photo by: Royal Ascot Racecourse

    Location: Ascot, England

    Big group of spectators watching race. Racehorses galloping

Tour de France 2027 Stage 2 FAQs

  • Yes, the Tour de France Grand Départ 2027 does go through England. While the Tour de France has happened in England before, the 114th Grand Départ passes through all three nations; Scotland, England and Wales. 

    The race will be split into three stages – Edinburgh to Carlisle (2 July), Keswick to Liverpool (3 July) and Welshpool to Cardiff (4 July). The complete route is a total of 391 miles (630km) from Edinburgh to Cardiff, with Stage 2 covering 138 miles (223km). 

  • Yes, the Grand Départ – the official opening of the Tour de France race – has started in England twice before; once in 2007 from London, and the other time in 2014 in Leeds. The Tour de France Grand Départ 2027 will start in Scotland, not England.  

  • You will be able to see the Tour de France 2027 race in person by the roadside, and it will be broadcasted on Britain’s Channel 5 or TNT Sports. 

  • The Tour de France has been to England four times previously; 1974, 1994, 2007 and 2014. The Tour de France Grand Départ 2027 will be the fifth time the event has been to England. 

VisitEngland's Tour de France coverage

Discover more of England

For more top-notch things to do in England, VisitEngland has got you covered.  

For more top-notch things to do in England, VisitEngland has got you covered.  

Plan your trip to Britain

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