Tour de France Stage Hosts | Grand Départ GB 2027

Stage 1

The world’s greatest race begins in Scotland for the first time ever on Friday 2 July. From a picture-perfect departure in the centre of Edinburgh, the best riders in the world head south through Midlothian, the Scottish Borders and enter Cumberland on the way to a finish in Carlisle.

1 City of Edinburgh Council

Edinburgh is a city of wonder and welcome which begs to be explored in depth. Be awestruck by iconic landmarks and breathtaking landscapes, then veer off the beaten track to uncover diverse neighbourhoods, world-class dining, hidden gems and local favourites – all easily accessed on foot or on wheels. Don’t just visit Edinburgh, stay. Find out more

2 Midlothian Council

Situated just ten miles south of Edinburgh, Midlothian combines stunning natural landscapes—such as the Pentland Hills Regional Park—with a rich heritage and vibrant, growing communities. It is one of Scotland’s fastest-growing areas, attracting residents with new housing, strong job opportunities and excellent transport links, including the Borders Railway. Once defined by mining, Midlothian is now a global centre for animal science, home to the Roslin Institute, where Dolly the sheep—the world’s first cloned mammal from an adult cell—was born. Visitors are drawn to iconic attractions such as Rosslyn Chapel, famed for its appearance in The Da Vinci Code, and Vogrie Country Park, which has featured on screen in productions like Netflix’s Dept. Q. The area also offers outstanding leisure experiences, including Scotland’s only alpine coaster at Midlothian Snowsports Centre, Hillend. With its blend of heritage, innovation, green space and community spirit, Midlothian is an exciting and welcoming destination. Find out more

3 Scottish Borders Council

The Scottish Borders has an incredibly varied landscape, with rolling hills, open countryside, gentle valleys, peaceful rivers and spellbinding coastline. It has a rich history too, with ancient abbeys and castles dotted across the landscape and lots of small and characterful towns and villages, home to many unique and skilled crafters, makers and independent businesses producing everything from whisky to cashmere clothing and amazing food and hospitality. Find out more

4 Dumfries & Galloway Council

Dumfries and Galloway has a proud recent history of hosting major cycling events. Over the last decade we have played host to Tour of Britain races, the UCI Para-Cycling World Championships and Tour Series one-day events across our region. With over 200 miles of stunning coastline, scenic hills and acres of forests, it is easy to see why cycling and the region go hand-in-hand. The Tour de France will visit the east of our region, and the local community is very excited about the event. The race will pass the playground of Canonbie Primary school, with staff and pupils alike buzzing with excitement over hosting world class sport on their doorstep. We look forward to playing our wee part in the Tour de France 2027 and we are confident that teams, athletes and spectators will enjoy and embrace Dumfries and Galloway. Find out more

5 Cumberland Council

Tucked between the Lake District and Hadrian’s Wall, Carlisle is a city shaped by over 2,000 years of history. Sitting right on the England - Scotland border, it has seen its fair share of conflict, with Vikings, Romans, Scots and Border Reivers all leaving their mark. Today, it’s Cumberland’s only city and a lively hub that blends old and new. Landmarks like Carlisle Castle and Carlisle Cathedral still stand as reminders of its past. Now, Carlisle offers the best of both worlds; a welcoming city with rich heritage, surrounded by some of the UK’s most stunning countryside. Find out more

Stage 2

The second day throws up more challenges as the riders take on tricky northern terrain through Cumbria and Lancashire, before a spectacular sprint finish alongside the world-famous waterfront in Liverpool city centre.

1 Cumberland Council

Right in the heart of the Lake District, Keswick is a welcoming market town surrounded by some of the area’s most iconic scenery. Sitting at the northern end of Derwentwater, it’s framed by dramatic fells including Skiddaw and Blencathra, making it a favourite for walkers and outdoor lovers. Its setting offers sweeping views in every direction, from mirror-like lakes to rugged mountain peaks and wooded valleys. With its laid-back feel, stunning views and plenty to see and do, Keswick offers a perfect taste of the Lake District. Find out more

2 Westmorland & Furness Council

Westmorland and Furness is a special place. Covering half of the county of Cumbria, in the north west of England, on our coast is Barrow-in-Furness, a busy shipbuilding town and port with cutting edge sub-sea technology industries, while inland the areas of South Lakeland and Eden, centred on the market towns of Kendal and Penrith, have a rural, land-based economy with a strong visitor and cultural economy. We are also home to some of the most spectacular and well-known parts of the Lake District, which is both a protected National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The breathtaking landscapes, lakes and trails around Grasmere, Windermere, Coniston and Ullswater are all within our boundaries and every town, village and hamlet has its own unique community; welcoming, proud and resilient. Find out more

3 Lancashire Council

A warm welcome to Lancashire, a diverse North West England destination known for its stunning countryside, vibrant coastal towns, rich heritage, and award-winning food and drink. From the iconic seaside resort of Blackpool to the rolling hills of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape and the famous Pendle Hill, Lancashire offers unforgettable experiences for every visitor. Explore scenic walks, historic attractions, and the unique landscapes of Morecambe Bay and the Ribble Estuary. Find out more

4 St Helens Borough Council

St Helens is a vibrant borough with a rich heritage of industrial innovation and a passion for sport that will offer a bonhomie welcome to Le Tour fans. It holds an important role in transport history, having hosted the world-famous Rainhill Trials in 1829, which helped pave the way for the modern railway system and featured on the world's first passenger train service. St Helens is also home to the Sankey Canal, widely recognised as England’s first modern canal. The borough is synonymous with glass through the historic Pilkington brand, with their float glass process revolutionising the global industry and still call the borough home today, 200 years on. The magnificent Dream sculpture at Sutton Manor also marks St Helens' coal mining history and is reflective of the borough's green heart. Its sporting connections also run deep with world-class horse racing at Haydock Park Racecourse and one of the most successful and decorated rugby league clubs in the world, St Helens R.F.C. Find out more

5 Knowsley Council

Located between the two-thriving cities of Liverpool and Manchester, Knowsley is well positioned, fantastically connected and beautifully green. Probably most well-known for its Safari Park, home to 750 animals and boasting the longest safari drive in the UK. With renowned links to clock-making, sport, music and more Knowsley is a fascinating place with a few surprises up its sleeve. Not least its connection to William Shakespeare which is celebrated at the Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot – the town that housed the only free-standing theatre outside of London in Elizabethan times. Find out more

6 Liverpool City Council

The arrival of the Tour De France adds to an impressive few years, of Liverpool on the cultural and sporting stage including the hosting of Eurovision Song Contest and upcoming matches in EURO 2028. Find out more

7 Liverpool City Region Combined Authority

Liverpool City Region is proud to welcome one of the world’s greatest sporting events, bringing millions of visitors and a global audience as the race passes through Liverpool, Knowsley and St Helens before a spectacular finish on Liverpool’s iconic waterfront. It’s the perfect opportunity to showcase everything that makes the region unique, from its world-famous music heritage, vibrant culture and legendary sporting history to its warm welcome and reputation for hosting world-class events. Whether you're visiting for the race or planning a longer stay, Liverpool City Region offers unforgettable experiences, including renowned museums and galleries, live music venues, beautiful beaches, stunning coastline, award-winning parks and a year-round calendar of major events and festivals. Explore the distinct character of Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral, and discover why this dynamic destination continues to captivate visitors from around the world. With a wide range of accommodation to suit every budget, there’s never been a better time to plan your visit and experience everything Liverpool City Region has to offer. Find out more

Stage 3

Wales hosts the Tour de France for the first time ever, closing out the opening weekend of the British Grands Départs. Riders will travel through the iconic Welsh valleys in the final stop of their Grand Départ, finishing with a stunning conclusion outside Cardiff Castle.

1 Powys County Council

Nestled in the heart of Mid Wales, Powys is a county defined by its sweeping landscapes, rich heritage, and a collection of well‑known towns that each bring their own character and charm. The area reflects the authentic spirit of mid Wales, from the historic streets of Welshpool and thriving market town of Newtown to the Victorian elegance of Llandrindod Wells, the welcoming atmosphere of Builth Wells, and the vibrant town of Brecon. Beyond its towns, Powys opens out into vast hills, tranquil valleys and unspoilt countryside, including the wild expanse of Mynydd Epynt and the breathtaking scenery of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons). With its iconic landscapes and distinctive communities, Powys captures the essence of Wales at its most peaceful and inspiring. Find out more

2 Rhondda Cyon Taf Borough Council

Rhondda Cynon Taf is Wales’ second-largest County Borough, located in the heart of the South Wales Valleys. The area has a very proud mining history and heritage, and boasts a variety of beautiful mountainside landscapes. The Tour de France route takes full advantage of this, with the riders set to tackle the gruelling climbs at Côte de Penrhys, Côte de Maerdy and Côte de Rhigos under a stunning backdrop with amazing views. The County Borough also boasts some fantastic tourist attractions such as A Welsh Coal Mining Experience at Rhondda Heritage Park Museum, Dare Valley Country Park, the Royal Mint Experience, The National Lido of Wales (Lido Ponty), Penderyn Distillery, and Zip World Tower, to name just a few. Find out more

3 Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council

Merthyr Tydfil, nestled in the hills and valleys of South Wales, has a rich history of mining and ironwork, as well as the key role it played in the Industrial Revolution. It is a welcoming place full of colour, character and unwavering community spirit. Home to approximately 60,000 residents, Merthyr Tydfil is proud of its cultural heritage and natural beauty, notably Cyfarthfa Castle that belonged to the ironmasters Crawshaw family over 200 years ago. It is perfectly located on the doorstep of the breathtaking Brecon Beacons National Park, around 20 miles from the Welsh capital city of Cardiff. The town centre is ever-changing with regeneration projects, positively impacting the residents and visitors with unique facilities and businesses – both new and old. Merthyr Tydfil’s story is one of grit, innovation, and resilience - a place where iron once forged a nation and where a strong sense of community endures.

4 Caerphilly County Borough Council

From the iconic Caerphilly Castle to the rolling hills of the South Wales Valleys, Caerphilly offers a landscape shaped by history, heritage and the outdoors. The area is home to scenic walking and cycling routes, panoramic viewpoints and the famous climb of Caerphilly Mountain, a favourite among cyclists. Visitors can explore vibrant towns and communities, discover local heritage and enjoy easy access to the countryside. Together, these landscapes and experiences make Caerphilly a distinctive destination in the heart of South Wales. Find out more

5 Cardiff Council

Visit Cardiff, Wales’s vibrant capital where rich history meets a dynamic creative scene. Compact and welcoming, the city offers something at every turn — from exploring 2,000 years of history at Cardiff Castle and unwinding in the leafy Bute Park, to enjoying waterside views in Cardiff Bay. Shoppers can browse a mix of high-street brands, designer labels and independent gems tucked away in beautiful Victorian arcades, while food lovers can sample local flavours at Cardiff Market. Also renowned as one of the UK’s leading sports tourism destinations, it’s home to iconic venues and world-class events – so whether you visit for a major match or an active city break, the energy is unmistakable. Add in live music, outstanding food and a lively cultural scene, and Cardiff is a city worth visiting all year-round. Find out more