Tour de France 2027 Lake District Stage – Route, Dates and Wheelbase Viewing Plans
The Tour de France Is Coming to Cumbria
It’s official: Cumbria will host two stages of the men’s 2027 Tour de France Grand Départ. Fans, teams and a global audience will be watching as the world’s biggest bike race arrives in Great Britain, with both Carlisle and Keswick taking centre stage.
With over 120 years of history, the Tour de France remains the world’s largest annual sporting event. You don’t need a ticket to attend, so spectators can enjoy the full spectacle free of charge as the race passes through some of the most scenic landscapes in the UK.
Stage One – Edinburgh to Carlisle
Friday 2 July 2027
The opening stage of the 2027 Tour will travel from Edinburgh to Carlisle, bringing the first day of racing to a dramatic finish in Cumbria’s historic border city. Huge crowds are expected as the peloton arrives in England for the first time in the race.
Stage Two – Keswick to Liverpool
Saturday 3 July 2027 – 223 km
Stage Two begins in Keswick, right in the heart of the Lake District National Park. From there, the peloton will cover the first 80 km entirely within the Lakes, passing some of the region’s most recognisable landscapes:
- Keswick – Stage start
- Grasmere
- Ambleside
- Windermere
- Milnthorpe
- Beetham
- Into Lancashire
- Finish: The Strand, Liverpool
This route showcases the Lakes at their best, with fast roads, iconic scenery and huge potential for roadside crowds. Because the early kilometres are so compact, spectators can move between multiple viewing points with careful planning. (More details to follow, once we’ve mapped out the perfect viewing plan)
A Free, Family‑Friendly Spectacle
The Tour de France is famous for its atmosphere as much as its racing. Expect:
- The publicity caravan, handing out gifts and entertaining fans
- A festival feel across the Lakes
- Crowds lining the route from early morning
- A rare chance to see the world’s best riders up close
Cumbria’s landscapes will provide one of the most scenic backdrops of the entire 2027 Grand Départ.
Wheelbase Viewing Party – Early Plans
With Stage Two passing close to Kendal, Wheelbase is exploring the idea of hosting a Tour de France 2027 viewing party at the store. Early ideas include:
- Big‑screen live coverage
- A morning ride‑out before the race reaches the Lakes
- Coffee, food and a relaxed community atmosphere, in the Mill Yard.
- Family‑friendly activities
- Tour‑themed offers and in‑store events
Plans will develop as more details are released, but the aim is simple: create the best place in the Lakes to watch the biggest race in the world.
Cycling in Cumbria
Cumbria is home to some of the best riding in the UK. There’s something for everyone:
- Long‑distance routes like the C2C, Hadrian’s Cycleway, Bay Cycle Way and Lakes & Dales Loop
- Mountain bike trails at Grizedale and Whinlatter
- Family‑friendly off‑road routes such as the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail
From flat paths to big climbs, the area has routes for all abilities.
Stay Updated
As the race approaches, we’ll share more details on timings, maps and the best local viewing spots. If the Wheelbase viewing party goes ahead, you’ll hear about it first.
July 2027 is shaping up to be a landmark moment for cycling in the Lake District. The Tour de France is coming – and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to the Lakes.