10 UK towns and cities to host 2027 Grand Départs

The largest free sporting spectacle in British history – the 2027 Grand Départs Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift – will take in ten host cities and towns across Scotland, England and Wales.

The full UK route for the men’s event and start location for the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift was announced at a launch last night (on 15 Jan 2026) in Leeds, while all 10 start and finish venues were lit up simultaneously with a yellow beam.

In 2027, the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will both begin in the United Kingdom – the first time both Grand Départs have taken place in the same country, outside France.

Men’s Tour de France route:

• Friday 2 July | stage one: Edinburgh to Carlisle
• Saturday 3 July | stage two: Keswick to Liverpool
• Sunday 4 July | stage three: Welshpool to Cardiff

Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift route:

• Friday 30 July | stage one: Leeds to Manchester
• Saturday 31 July | stage two: Manchester to Sheffield
• Sunday 1 August | stage three: London

2012 and all that

Much debate has been had over the impact of high profile sporting events on their locality. Football’s Euro ’96 was a catalyst for that game’s more recent popularity explosions. The London Olympic Games in 2012 saw cycling capture the nation’s zeitgeist, aided by a starry array of medal winning Olympians that remain household names, coinciding with a time when Brits were making a big impact on the pro cycling space – something that continued well beyond 2014, the last time the Grand Depart was hosted in the UK. Even the most hard-bitten cynics will have to grudgingly admit that 2027 will be handing a higher profile for cycling in the UK, on a plate.

The Grand Départs PR has further good news too: A dedicated social impact programme has been designed to deliver lasting impact beyond 2027, focused on improving health and wellbeing, skills development and connecting communities. The programme will create an opportunity for young people to develop and showcase their skills whilst bringing together community groups to showcase and celebrate their local area and include a nationwide volunteer programme offering thousands of people the chance to be part of these historic sporting events first-hand.

Here’s a round of quotes:

Christian Prudhomme, Director, Tour de France (ASO):

“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 Grand Départs here is a testament to the strength of our partnership with British Cycling and the enthusiasm of the UK.”

Marion Rousse, Director, Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift

“The United Kingdom has played an important role in the history of women’s cycling, with champions such as Lizzie Armitstead-Deignan. Starting the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in Leeds is a strong choice, closely linked to this heritage and to the enthusiasm of a public that knows and loves the Tour. These stages clearly reflect the race’s ambition: to continue growing women’s cycling and to inspire future generations.”

Lizzie Deignan, British road and track racing world champion:

“Racing the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift has been one of the highlights of my career, and seeing the women’s edition go from strength to strength has been genuinely inspiring. To know that both the men’s and women’s races will start here in 2027, and especially that the women will come to my home roads of Yorkshire, is truly special. This is a huge moment for the sport and an opportunity that will inspire countless women and girls to get on their bikes.”

Stephanie Peacock, Minister for Sport, Tourism, Civil Society and Youth:

“These routes will reach places few other events can and give people another reason to be proud of where they live. All over the country, they’ll see world-class cyclists pass through their towns, down their high streets and maybe even right past their front doors.

“Events like the Tour de France bring communities together, boost local economies and inspire more people to discover the benefits of sport. We cannot wait to welcome these iconic races next year.”

John Swinney, First Minister of Scotland:

“The Tour de France starting in Edinburgh will be a moment of real national significance and a powerful endorsement of Scotland’s ability to deliver on the biggest international stages. I am delighted that the historic streets of our capital and the beautiful landscapes of Scotland will be at the heart of this iconic sporting event, one that will be watched by millions of fans on the route and around the world.”

Eluned Morgan, First Minister of Wales:

“Wales is proud to host a stage of the Tour de France Grand Depart for the first time in 2027, which will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase our stunning landscapes at one of the world’s biggest sporting events. Hosting the final UK stage of the men’s race will raise Wales’ profile as a world-class destination for cyclists and other visitors, while inspiring more people to get active and deliver lasting benefits for Wales.”

Simon Morton, Director of Events, UK Sport:

“Today marks a significant milestone in the delivery of what we expect to be the biggest free-to-attend event ever to be held on these shores.

“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. The route details announced today do just that, enabling us to reach, unite, and inspire people right across the country – providing moments of joy for millions, bringing communities together, and delivering lasting benefits beyond race day.

“We believe that live sport is a fundamental part of our society, and that the British public should be able to access and attend big events. By hosting the initial stages of both the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, we’re bringing one of the world’s greatest sporting events directly to people’s doorsteps.

We at UK Sport are delighted to be playing our part and are proud to support the partners working together to make the 2027 Grand Départs a success.”

Jon Dutton, Chief Executive, British Cycling:

“The Grand Départs in 2027 are about so much more than six unforgettable stages of racing – it’s about unlocking lasting change for communities right across Britain.

“Through Joy – our collective, game-changing social impact programme – we will put opportunity, wellbeing and community pride right at the heart of this moment in sporting history.

“By working with partners and creating new, varied ways for people to connect with cycling – whether by riding, volunteering, supporting locally, or engaging through culture and community activity – we can break down barriers and open the sport up in ways that meet people where they are.

“This is a once‑in‑a‑generation chance to build a healthier, more active and more connected nation. It shows the power of major events when they’re done right, and British Cycling is proud to help deliver a legacy that will be felt long after the peloton has left UK shores.”

Paul Bush, Managing Director, Grand Départ GB 2027:

“Revealing these new route details of the opening stages is a huge moment for everyone involved and my thanks to all our partners. The UK has hosted unforgettable Grand Départs before, but 2027 will be bigger than anything we’ve seen – with both the men’s and women’s pelotons starting here together for the historic very first time. This will be a “moment for the Nation” and is a once in a generation opportunity to inspire more people to experience the joy and freedom of cycling.”

PIC CREDIT: PA