Weekend motorbike ride from London through the Cotswolds
Part of our Weekend Itineraries series, this guide is for riders near London looking to escape the city for a two-day motorbike ride. Follow a scenic circular route through the Cotswolds, with recommended stops for food, photos, fuel, and fresh air. Expect charming villages, winding B-roads, and a well-earned pint once the sidestand is down.
From capital to Cotswolds: the perfect two-day reset
If London traffic has you revving into oblivion, it’s time to get out for the weekend and let your bike stretch its legs. The Cotswolds are close enough for comfort, far enough for freedom, and full of all the best things – rolling roads, postcard villages, and pubs with proper chips.
Here’s a two-day loop that lets you ride, relax, and return without needing a week off work.
Day 1 - London to Broadway: scenic motorbike route via Oxford and Burford
Morning: escape London on your motorbike
Leave London early and head to Oxford via backroads through Henley and Watlington – avoid the motorways for a scenic start. Ride past quiet woods, sleepy villages, and (hopefully) not too many tractors.
Midday: stop in Burford
Grab lunch in Burford, one of the Cotswolds’ finest little towns. Park on the high street, admire the stone buildings, and enjoy something hearty – you’ve earned it, even if it’s only noon.
Afternoon: wind through the countryside
From Burford, ride northwest through Bibury (famous for Arlington Row) and Stow-on-the-Wold. Then it’s a short hop to Broadway, where you’ll rest your wheels for the night.
Overnight: reach Broadway
Check into a B&B or pub stay in Broadway, one of the most picturesque spots in the region. Dinner, pint, soft bed – what more could you ask for?
Day 2 - Broadway to London: Cotswolds villages loop
Morning: climb to Broadway Tower
Start your day with a short ride (or quick walk) up to Broadway Tower for sweeping countryside views—the perfect “look at me I’m outdoorsy” photo.
Midday: explore Cotswold villages
Head southeast via Chedworth, Northleach, and Eynsham. These narrow, winding roads are full of charm—meadows, low stone walls, and enough sheep to make you smile.
Lunch stop: somewhere local
Pick a village pub with a car park full of bikes or old Land Rovers. You’ll know you’re in the right place.
Afternoon: ride home
Cruise back into London via Goring or Marlow for a riverside finish, or stick to faster A-roads if the weather turns. Either way, your head will be clear, and your tyres nicely scrubbed.
What to pack (besides the usual)
- Light jacket or overshirt – it can cool off in the hills
- Phone mount or tank bag map – if you like to freestyle
- Chain lube and visor wipes – for quick roadside TLC
- Portable charger – for your phone (not the bike, unless electric)
- Spare gloves – because someone always forgets theirs
Whilst you've only got the weekend to enjoy this trip, you shouldn't rush and take regular breaks to enjoy your surroundings. We definitely recommend visiting Blenheim Palace or stopping for ice cream in Bourton-on-the-Water. They're both excellent spots to soak up the scenery and enjoy a bit of the local culture. You won’t regret either!
Whilst you've only got the weekend to enjoy this trip, you shouldn't rush and take regular breaks to enjoy your surroundings. We definitely recommend visiting Blenheim Palace or stopping for ice cream in Bourton-on-the-Water. They're both excellent spots to soak up the scenery and enjoy a bit of the local culture. You won’t regret either!
Ride, relax, repeat
Sometimes all you need is 48 hours, a full tank, and a destination that doesn’t involve dual carriageways or coffee in paper cups.
This London to Cotswolds loop delivers the good stuff – curvy roads, quaint villages, and zero pressure. Whether you’re riding solo or in a small pack, it’s the kind of weekend motorbike ride that reminds you why you bought the bike in the first place.
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