Self-guided cycling holidays

Our self-guided cycling holidays in the UK and Europe are a wonderful way of you discovering for yourself and in your own time, not just the headline attractions but also the hidden gems of these countries that most tourists never get to see. Our aim is for our customers to finish their holiday feeling like they have seen a slice of authentic British or European life!

Our selection of self-guided cycling holidays

We offer a range of high quality self-guided cycling tours across the UK and Europe, including Devon, Dorset, Kent, the Cotswolds, Oxford, London, Scotland, The Lake District, The Thames, Wales, Austria, France, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Lithuania, Holland and Greece. Our itineraries are carefully designed so as much of the route as is possible is traffic-free, big hills are avoided and the distances are gentle (usually up to 20 miles/32 km per day), which means plenty of time to slow down, soak up the surroundings and enjoy a refreshment! If you prefer to ride longer distances, we offer a selection of not so gentle cycling holidays in the UK and Europe.

With navigation for all self-guided cycling holidays in the UK and many in Europe by GPS, finding your way is easy peasy. Getting lost is no longer an option; your App speaks to you when you are about to go off course. It also lets you know when you are passing a hidden gem or place of interest.

We hand pick all accommodation en route for its quality, character and location, and there is usually a choice between luxury and classic hotels or inns. Please see individual holiday pages for more info.

Why choose The Carter Company's cycling holidays?

• With 25 years of experience in creating fantastic cycling holidays, we have accumulated an unrivalled amount of in-depth knowledge and local expertise around all the areas we cover. Our founder Wendy is the font of all knowledge - from the best place for scones in Devon to the finest family-run boutique hotel in Provence! She has personally cycled every single one of the holidays we offer.
• All our routes are our own. We put a lot of care and thought into researching and designing creative and unusual itineraries in the areas we cover. Our aim is so give our customers the opportunity to see a more authentic side of Britain and Europe through the lesser-known backroads and the secret routes that only locals know about. Whilst our trips do wind their way past the headline attractions of the region, they also take in the hidden gems that most tourists never see.
• In addition to your stunning route (which either your route directions or guide will lead you along), you will also receive a Carter Company Adventure Handbook, a creation that we are very proud of and which is packed full of all our insider tips on the best things to see and do in the area according to locals (rather than the guide books).
• We are flexible! As a small and dedicated team, we deliver a genuinely personal service. If you want to add on elements to an existing holiday, or adapt it in any way, we are more than happy to do this. We also create tailor-made holidays on request. Just contact us for more info.