Tour de France 2027 UK: Full Route, Stages & Host Cities Revealed
On 15 January 2026, the cycling world turned its gaze toward London, Edinburgh, and Cardiff. The official announcement of the Tour de France 2027 UK Grand Départ has set the stage for the most ambitious cross-border cycling event the British Isles has ever hosted. This isn’t just another race; it is a historic three-nation celebration of speed, endurance, and local culture.
For the first time in the history of the sport, both the men’s Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will begin their journeys in the United Kingdom in the same year. According to official data from UK Sport (2026), this landmark dual-start is projected to inject over £150 million into the UK economy.
Whether you are a local business owner in the Lake District or a die-hard cycling fan in South Wales, the 2027 Tour is coming to your doorstep. This guide provides the verified route details, technical climb data, and spectator secrets you need to navigate this once-in-a-generation event.
The 2027 Grand Départ UK: A Historic “Triple Crown” Start
The 2027 event marks a significant evolution from the 2014 Grand Départ in Yorkshire. While 2014 focused on a single county, 2027 expands the “Yellow Jersey” fever across Scotland, England, and Wales.
Why 2027 is Different: The Dual Start Milestone
The Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.), the governing body of the Tour, confirmed that the UK’s successful bid hinged on the ability to host both the men’s and women’s elite races. This decision highlights the UK’s growing status as a global hub for gender-neutral sporting excellence.
Three Nations, One Race
The race logic is simple: connect the iconic landscapes of the British Isles with the prestige of the world’s biggest annual sporting event. Starting in the volcanic hills of Edinburgh and finishing amidst the industrial heritage of Cardiff, the route is a technical masterpiece designed to test every facet of the professional peloton.
Men’s Tour de France 2027: Stage-by-Stage Breakdown
The men’s race begins on Friday, 2 July 2027. The peloton will face three distinct stages on British soil before transferring to mainland France.
Stage 1 (2 July): Edinburgh to Carlisle (184km)
The Grand Départ kicks off under the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. The neutralised zone will take riders past the Scottish Parliament before the flag drops for the official start.
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Key Feature: The peloton heads south through Midlothian and the Scottish Borders.
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The Climb: Riders face the Côte de Melrose, a sharp categorised climb that will likely determine the first wearer of the Polka Dot jersey.
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The Finish: A high-speed sprint finish is expected in the historic city of Carlisle. The final 500 metres near Carlisle Castle are slightly uphill, favouring a “power sprinter” rather than a pure speedster.
Stage 2 (3 July): Keswick to Liverpool (223km)
This stage is defined by the rugged beauty of the Lake District National Park. It is the longest stage of the UK leg and arguably the most scenic.
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The Technical Challenge: Riders must navigate the narrow, winding roads of Cumbria.
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Pro-Tip for Spectators: If you want the best atmosphere, head to the Côte de Jubilee Tower. Expert analysis of the route suggests this 3km climb will be the most densely packed spectator point of the day.
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The Finish: The stage concludes on The Strand in Liverpool. With the Liver Building as a backdrop, this flat finish is tailor-made for the fastest men on two wheels.
Stage 3 (4 July): Welshpool to Cardiff (223km)
For the first time, the Tour de France enters Wales. This is not a day for the sprinters; it is a day for the General Classification (GC) contenders to stay alert.
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The Terrain: The route cuts through the heart of the Cambrian Mountains.
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The Decider: The Côte de Caerffili (Caerphilly Mountain) is the “sting in the tail.” With an average gradient of 8.1%, it occurs just 10km from the finish line.
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The Finish: The race ends in Cardiff city centre, finishing adjacent to the Principality Stadium. Expect the Welsh crowds to provide a wall of sound as the race leaves the UK for France.
Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift 2027: The UK Debut
Following the men’s departure, the attention shifts to the Tour de France Femmes, starting on Friday, 30 July 2027. This race brings a different tactical dynamic to the UK roads.
Stage 1: The Leeds Grand Départ
Returning to the spiritual home of British cycling, Leeds will host the start of the women’s race. The route pays homage to the 2014 Grand Départ, taking in the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales before returning to the city for a tactical finish.
Stage 2: Across the Pennines to Manchester & Sheffield
This stage is the “Queen Stage” of the UK leg.
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The Climb: The peloton will tackle the iconic Snake Pass in the Peak District.
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Expert View: This climb will fracture the peloton. Expect a small group of elite climbers to contest the finish in Sheffield.
Stage 3 (1 August): The London Showpiece Finale
The UK leg of the 2027 Tour ends with a prestigious circuit race in central London.
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The Route: Taking in the Mall, Westminster, and the Thames Embankment.
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Legacy: This stage is designed to mirror the final stage on the Champs-Élysées, providing a global platform for women’s cycling in one of the world’s most famous cities.
Spectator Guide: Best Places to Watch the TDF 2027 UK
Watching the Tour is free, but it requires planning. Roads often close 12 to 24 hours before the peloton arrives.
| Stage | Location | Why it’s the best spot |
| Men Stage 1 | Melrose, Scottish Borders | First categorised climb of the 2027 race. |
| Men Stage 2 | Liverpool Waterfront | Iconic photo opportunity and high-speed sprint. |
| Men Stage 3 | Caerphilly Mountain | The steepest climb; see the riders up close at low speed. |
| Femmes Stage 2 | Snake Pass, Peak District | The most technical terrain of the women’s race. |
| Femmes Stage 3 | The Mall, London | The atmosphere of a grand finale in the capital. |
Pro-Tip: Download the official “Tour de France 2027 UK” app (available late 2026) for real-time road closure updates. Do not rely on GPS on race day, as many arterial roads will be neutralised for the publicity caravan.
The £150 Million Legacy: Economic & Social Impact
The UK Government is not just funding a bike race; it is investing in a national health and infrastructure legacy.
Funding the Future
According to HM Treasury (2026), a budget of £32 million has been allocated to support the 2027 Grand Départ. This funding covers security, road improvements, and the massive logistical operation required to move the Tour across three nations.
The “JOY” Programme
A core component of the 2027 bid was the “JOY” social impact programme. Managed by UK Sport, this initiative aims to:
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Increase cycling participation by 15% in host regions by 2030.
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Provide free bike safety training to 50,000 schoolchildren across Scotland and Wales.
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Tackle inactivity and mental health issues through community “Ride with the Tour” events.
Official Statement: “2027 is about more than elite sport; it is about inspiring a new generation of commuters and leisure cyclists,” says a spokesperson for British Cycling (2026).
FAQs
Where does the 2027 Tour de France start in the UK?
The men’s race starts in Edinburgh, Scotland, on 2 July 2027. The women’s race starts in Leeds, England, on 30 July 2027.
What are the dates for the Tour de France 2027 UK?
The men’s stages run from 2–4 July 2027. The women’s UK stages run from 30 July – 1 August 2027.
Will the Tour de France 2027 visit London?
Yes, the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will have a showpiece finale in London on 1 August 2027. The men’s race does not visit London in 2027.
How many stages are in the UK for the 2027 Tour?
There are three stages for the men and three stages for the women, totalling six days of world-class racing across the UK.
Is the Tour de France free to watch in the UK?
Yes, watching from the roadside is completely free. However, certain “Fan Zones” in city centres may require tickets for premium viewing areas.
Summary of Key Takeaways
The Tour de France 2027 UK Grand Départ is a landmark moment for British sport. By visiting three nations and hosting two elite races, the event creates a truly inclusive atmosphere.
From the technical gradients of Caerffili to the historic finish at Carlisle Castle, the route is designed to be unpredictable and exciting. With £32 million in government backing, the legacy of this race will be felt in UK cycling infrastructure for decades to come.
2027 marks the return of the Yellow Jersey to British soil. Whether you’re a “puncheur,” a sprinter, or a casual fan, the streets of the UK are about to become the world’s most famous stadium.
Which stage are you most excited to watch? Join the conversation on social media using #TDF2027UK and stay tuned for our upcoming “Survival Guide for Spectators.”
[Official Tour de France Route Maps at letour.fr]
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