Gearing Up for the Tour de France 2027

The news that Lancashire will host Stage Two of the men’s Tour de France Grand Départ 2027 presents an unprecedented opportunity for businesses across the county to showcase their products, services and hospitality to new national and international audiences.

As the world’s biggest annual sporting event comes to Lancashire, the county will be in the global spotlight, welcoming thousands of spectators while reaching millions of viewers worldwide. The event will reinforce Lancashire’s reputation as a destination for outdoor adventure, cycling, culture and great experiences, while creating opportunities for businesses of all sizes to benefit from increased visitor interest and spending.

It’s not just about one day of racing in July 2027. The real opportunity lies in maximising the long-term benefits before, during and after the event. The build-up to the Tour de France will generate significant media coverage, visitor interest and investment opportunities, providing businesses with a platform to engage new customers and raise their profile.

Marketing Lancashire has teamed up with A Digital to create a dedicated Tour de France toolkit, packed with tips, resources and ideas to help your business tap into the excitement, boost its visibility and be part of Lancashire’s story on the world stage.

Marketing Lancashire Tour De France Guide

Download the guide here

A Shared Opportunity for Lancashire

Marketing Lancashire is working closely with partners, local authorities, tourism businesses and stakeholders across the county to ensure Lancashire makes the most of this once-in-a-generation opportunity. Together, we’re helping businesses prepare for the Tour de France and create a legacy that delivers benefits for residents, communities and the visitor economy long after the cyclists have crossed the finish line.

You don’t need to be on the official Tour de France route to benefit. The race offers a unique opportunity to showcase Lancashire to new audiences, encourage longer stays, and inspire more people to explore the county throughout 2026 and 2027.

More than just elite sport, the Tour is a chance to promote cycling, outdoor adventure and active experiences for all ages and abilities, helping visitors discover Lancashire’s coast, countryside, towns and attractions.

Potential Audiences

  • Families and inclusive cycling audiences: Promote accessible cycling routes across Lancashire that cater for a range of abilities, including traffic-free trails and opportunities to hire electric and adapted bikes.
  • Leisure cyclists: Visitors who may not identify as keen cyclists but enjoy exploring Lancashire’s countryside, coastline and market towns by bike during a short break or holiday.
  • Road cycling enthusiasts: Cyclists seeking scenic rides and rewarding challenges, from the climbs of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape to routes through the Ribble Valley, Pendle and the West Pennine Moors.
  • Mountain bikers: Visitors attracted to Lancashire’s off-road cycling opportunities, including purpose-built trails and forest tracks at destinations such as Gisburn Forest and the wider Bowland area.
  • Cycling clubs and dedicated enthusiasts: Including experienced riders and cycling groups looking for challenging routes, organised rides and cycling-friendly accommodation and services.
  • Residents, spectators and general visitors: People travelling to enjoy major cycling events, soak up the atmosphere, support riders, or discover Lancashire’s landscapes and communities along the route.

Cycling has a strong and growing appeal both nationally and internationally, creating opportunities for Lancashire to engage active travellers, cycling tour operators, adventure-seeking visitors and audiences looking to explore the county in a more sustainable way.

Inspiring cyclists through VisitLancashire.com

To help visitors discover Lancashire by bike, VisitLancashire.com now has Cycle Lancashire pages, bringing together the county’s best cycling routes, trails, experiences and cycling-friendly businesses all in one place.

The new pages will help inspire visitors before, during and after the Tour de France, positioning Lancashire as a year-round cycling destination and making it easier for people to explore more of the county on two wheels.

Planning Your Own Event?

If you’re planning an event or festival to celebrate the arrival of the Tour de France in Lancashire, we encourage you to contact your local authority as early as possible to discuss permissions, road closures, licensing requirements and event safety.

Event organisers are responsible for ensuring their events are planned and delivered safely and in line with relevant legislation. As a guide, larger or more complex events may require several months of planning and approval, so early engagement with local authorities and key stakeholders is recommended.

Useful links for event organisers:

Explore the Route

Discover the Tour de France route through Lancashire and start planning where you’ll watch the race, cheer on the riders, and experience the atmosphere.

Please note that the full detailed routes and timings will be announced closer to the event.

Become a JOY Maker

Help Lancashire deliver a warm welcome to visitors from around the world by volunteering at the 2027 Tour de France Grand Départ. The JOY Maker programme offers an opportunity to be part of one of the world’s biggest sporting events and support communities along the route.

Find out more and apply to become a JOY Maker

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for more information about the Tour de France Grand Départ 2027? Visit the official FAQ section for answers on topics including race timings, road closures, spectator information, travel and transport, parking, accessibility and ways to get involved.

Read the frequently asked questions