The Tour de France comes to Mid Wales on Sunday 4 July 2027. Stage three of the men's race starts in Welshpool, in Powys, and heads south through the heart of Mid Wales and Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) to finish in Cardiff. At around 220 to 225 kilometres, it's expected to be one of the longest days of the race. For Welshpool and the towns along the route, it's a first: the world's biggest annual sporting event on their doorstep.
This page sets out what we know so far about the Welsh stage, the best places to watch, where to stay and eat, and how to ride the roads yourself. We'll update it as the organisers confirm the detailed route, timings and road closures.
When is the Tour de France in Wales?
Stage three takes place on Sunday 4 July 2027. The 2027 race begins in the UK in early July, and the Welsh stage is the third day of racing. The riders set off from Welshpool and finish the same afternoon in Cardiff city centre, close to the Principality Stadium.
What is the route of Tour de France stage 3?
The route is still to be confirmed in detail. The expected course runs from Welshpool south through the Newtown area to Llandrindod Wells and Builth Wells, then on to Brecon and over the hills of south Wales to Cardiff. The early kilometres through Powys are likely to be rolling, with the bigger climbs expected in the second half of the stage, in the south Wales valleys, where climbs such as the Rhigos could split the race.
That means much of the Mid Wales section passes through market towns, river valleys and hill country that are easy to reach and good to watch from. We'll add the confirmed route map here when it's published.
Where can I watch the Tour de France in Mid Wales?
Watching the Tour is free. You just need to find a spot at the roadside and arrive early. Some ideas:
- Welshpool, for the start. The town will be the busiest place in Mid Wales on race day, with team buses, the riders signing on and the ceremonial start. It's the best place for atmosphere and for seeing the riders up close before the racing begins.
- Newtown and the Severn valley. A few miles into the stage, the riders will still be together in the peloton, and the towns along the valley should be quieter than Welshpool.
- Llandrindod Wells and Builth Wells. The Victorian spa town and the market town on the Wye are expected to be on the route, with wide streets and plenty of space along the roadside.
- Brecon and Bannau Brycheiniog. South of Builth Wells, the hills get bigger. A roadside spot on a climb gives you longer to see the riders go by.
Before the race comes the publicity caravan, a parade of decorated floats and vehicles that hands out freebies to the crowd, usually an hour or two ahead of the riders. Roads on the route close several hours before the race arrives, so plan to be in place early, and bring food, water and something to sit on.
Where should I stay for the Tour de France in Wales?
Book as soon as you can. Welshpool and the towns along the route have a limited number of rooms, and demand will be high for the nights of Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 July 2027. Our guide to where to stay for the Tour de France 2027 covers hotels in Welshpool and Newtown, B&Bs in Llandrindod Wells and Builth Wells, cottages and campsites across Powys.
- Welshpool and Montgomery: historic coaching inns such as the Royal Oak Hotel in Welshpool and the Dragon Hotel in Montgomery, a few miles south.
- Newtown and the Severn valley: country hotels, farm B&Bs and self-catering cottages, a short drive from the start.
- Llandrindod Wells and Builth Wells: spa hotels, inns, B&Bs and holiday parks, handy for watching further down the route.
- Brecon and Bannau Brycheiniog: hotels, inns and bunkhouses for the southern part of the route.
If the towns are full, look further afield. Group accommodation suits cycling clubs, and last-minute breaks may turn up closer to the date. Browse all places to stay in Mid Wales.
Where can I eat on race weekend?
In Welshpool, Tastes of Wales is a tearoom using Welsh produce, and the Royal Oak Hotel has a restaurant and bar. In the Montgomery area, try the Dragon Hotel in the town square or The Nags Head Inn at Garthmyl. Near Newtown, The Bull and Heifer at Bettws Cedewain is a country pub serving local game and grills. In Llandrindod Wells, The Metropole Hotel has a brasserie, and The Bell Country Inn serves meals made with local ingredients. Book tables ahead for the Saturday and Sunday, as pubs and restaurants along the route will be busy. See more places to eat and restaurants and cafes.
How do I get to Welshpool for the Tour de France?
Welshpool is on the Cambrian Line, with trains from Shrewsbury and Birmingham. The Heart of Wales Line serves Llandrindod Wells and Builth Road, near Builth Wells. With road closures on the day, travelling by train and walking or cycling to the roadside is likely to be much easier than driving. Check the Transport for Wales timetable and any special race-day arrangements before you set off.
Can I ride the Tour de France route?
Yes, and many people will be doing just that in the months before the race. Our guide to riding the Tour de France route in Mid Wales describes the Welshpool to Brecon section for cyclists, with quieter lanes you can use alongside the main roads. For more ideas, see cycling in Mid Wales.
Make a holiday of it
If you're coming for the Tour, stay a few extra days and ride some of the best cycling routes in Britain. Try the Mawddach Trail from Dolgellau to Barmouth in Southern Eryri (Southern Snowdonia), the mountain bike trails at Bwlch Nant yr Arian near Aberystwyth, or the Ystwyth Trail inland to Tregaron in Ceredigion. Families can find easy traffic-free routes on our family cycling page, and there's more to do in the start town on our things to do in Welshpool guide. For a ready-made plan, see our itineraries, including a Tour de France weekend in Welshpool.
Is the Tour de France free to watch?
Yes. There's no charge to watch from the roadside anywhere on the route. Some official hospitality packages and grandstand areas may be sold near the start and finish; details will come from the organisers.
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