The Tour de France, cycling’s most prestigious and storied race, is set to make history in 2027 as it returns to the United Kingdom with an unprecedented dual Grand Départ for both the men’s and women’s events. Organizers revealed the full UK route on January 15, 2026, marking a momentous occasion for British sport and promising a summer of world-class cycling, community celebration, and social impact across Scotland, England, and Wales.
The 114th edition of the Tour de France will launch its men’s race from Edinburgh on Friday, July 2, 2027—a first for the Scottish capital and for Scotland itself. This opening stage, stretching 184km (114 miles), will see riders traverse the rolling landscapes of Midlothian and the Scottish Borders, with the formidable Côte de Melrose climb in the Eildon Hills providing an early test. The peloton will briefly dip into Dumfries and Galloway before crossing into England, finishing outside the imposing medieval walls of Carlisle Castle.
Local fans will be eager to cheer on Scottish talent, with Oscar Onley, who recently signed for Ineos Grenadiers, expected to be a star attraction. Scottish Cycling’s head of performance and coaching, David Somerville, remarked, “It will be a special day for Oscar and fellow Scot Sean Flynn on roads they have used in training many times as young riders.”
The excitement continues as stage two on Saturday, July 3, 2027, commences in Keswick, nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park. Riders will journey south alongside iconic lakes such as Thirlmere, Grasmere, Rydal Water, and Windermere, before skirting the Morecambe Bay coastline. The 223km (138 miles) route features five categorized climbs, including the Côte de Jubilee Tower and the challenging Parbold, tackled just 32km from the finish. The stage concludes in Liverpool, with the peloton racing down The Strand under the gaze of the city’s famed Three Graces.
Sunday, July 4, 2027, brings the men’s UK adventure to a dramatic close with a 223km (138 miles) leg from Welshpool in Powys to Cardiff. This stage is set to be a true test of endurance, packing in eight categorized climbs and approximately 3,000m of elevation gain through the rugged South Wales Valleys. The final ascent of Caerphilly Mountain, 2km long with an average gradient of 8.1%, is expected to be decisive for the yellow jersey contenders as the race barrels toward its finish in the Welsh capital.
Tour director Christian Prudhomme expressed his enthusiasm at the press conference, noting, “The UK has always welcomed the Tour with passion and pride, and the route details we are revealing today reflect the beauty and diversity of Britain’s terrain. Bringing both Grands Départs here is a testament to the strength of our partnership with British Cycling and the enthusiasm of the UK.”
For the first time in Tour history, both the men’s and women’s Grand Départs will take place in the same country outside France. The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will launch from Leeds on Friday, July 30, 2027, making the city only the third—after Paris and Rotterdam—to host both races’ starts. The women’s event will see its opening stage head west over the Pennines to Manchester, a route designed for the sprinters.
Stage two, set for Saturday, July 31, 2027, will flip the narrative with a tough ride from Manchester to Sheffield, featuring the iconic Snake Pass—a legendary climb in British cycling lore. The grand finale unfolds on Sunday, August 1, with a showpiece circuit stage in London. Details for the London stage are still to be announced, but anticipation is already sky-high. Race director Marion Rousse described the London finale as a “dream come true” and emphasized the importance of inspiring the next generation: “The Tour Femmes’ visit to the UK builds on the support for hosting elite women’s sport in Britain. We aim to give young women the opportunity to dream and see what they could achieve.”
Former world champion Lizzie Deignan echoed this sentiment, saying, “There’s no downside to this, it’s all positive. The amount of children who come up to me and talk about watching me win a medal in London 2012, or their memories of me racing—if you can’t see it, you can’t be it. And this is going to inspire so many girls and boys.”
The 2027 UK Tour will be more than a sporting spectacle; it is designed as a catalyst for social change. Organizers have launched a dedicated social impact program, ‘Joy’, aiming to tackle inactivity, improve mental wellbeing, boost economic growth, and support communities across the home nations. Six core initiatives will roll out, targeting youth skill development, breaking down barriers for girls in sport, and showcasing local culture. British Cycling is set to recruit over 7,000 volunteers, providing hands-on opportunities for fans to contribute to the event’s success.
Simon Morton, director of events at UK Sport, highlighted the broader vision: “Our vision was to host a massive sporting event that would genuinely thread together the countries, cities, and communities of Great Britain, and show what we can achieve when we work together.”
On the media front, there is ongoing discussion about ensuring free-to-air TV coverage for the UK stages. With cycling coverage moving from Eurosport to TNT Sports, the managing director of the 2027 Grand Départ, Paul Bush, acknowledged that talks are still “ongoing” to bring the opening stages to a wider audience. “We have a commitment to work with Christian and the team at ASO to bring the six stages to free-to-air TV and work on that is ongoing,” Bush stated.
The route announcement has been met with excitement from local officials and cycling enthusiasts alike. Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney called it a “truly memorable moment” and a “wonderful opportunity” to showcase Scotland’s landscapes to millions. Euan Jardine, leader of Scottish Borders Council, described it as an “incredible honour” to host the majority of the opening stage.
This is not the UK’s first brush with Tour de France glory. The country previously hosted the men’s Grand Départ in 2007 and again in 2014, with massive crowds and lasting enthusiasm. Prudhomme recalled, “Thanks to the success of 2014 and London in 2007, we were very keen to get back to the UK. 2007 was the first time I ever saw the riders applauding the crowds. We’ve found in the UK a love of cycling and a passion for the Tour.”
As the countdown to July 2027 begins, anticipation is building for a Tour de France that promises not only thrilling competition but also community spirit, legacy, and inspiration for future generations. With millions expected to line the streets and a nation ready to celebrate cycling, the UK’s historic double Grand Départ is set to leave an indelible mark on the sport.
