Brilliant places to catch the Tour de Yorkshire 2018
Beverley to Pocklington (Women’s Race Stage 1: 3rd May)
Immortalised by the swirling, technicolour bends in David Hockney’s painting, take your own Hockney art trail around Thixendale, Sledmere and Woldgate, or base yourself in nearby Pocklington ‘the Gateway to the Yorkshire Wolds’. Walk The Wolds Way or take to your own two wheels on the Yorkshire Wolds Cycle Route after saluting the peloton from their start in Beverley.
Ilkley (Women’s Race, Stage 2: 4th May)
The idyllic spa town of Ilkley lies in the Lower Wharfedale valley and is perfectly positioned for exploring the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Visit the famous Bettys tearoom for a spot of lunch or satisfy a sweet tooth with a slice of local curd tart. For a fresh air fix, don your hiking boots for a ramble up Ilkley Moor and the splendid Cow and Calf rocks.
Richmond (Men’s Race, Stage 3: 5th May)
The third leg of the men’s race begins bright and early in the ‘jewel in the heart of North Yorkshire’, Richmond. A lovely mix of history and natural beauty with dramatic castles, waterfalls, a lovely cobbled marketplace, river and beautiful location at the gateway to Swaledale. There’s plenty to enjoy once the riders have left!
Scarborough (Men’s Race, Stage 3: 5th May)
Holidaymakers have flocked to Scarborough, the world’s first seaside resort, for nearly 400 years. The epitome of British good-old-fashioned fun; there are two charming beaches guarded by a splendid castle, a Sea life Sanctuary, an open air theatre and two Victorian funicular cliff lifts. A stroll past North Bay’s rainbow-bright beach huts cheer up the dullest day!
Haworth and Hebden Bridge (Men’s Race, Stage 4: 6th May)
Step back in time across the cobbled streets of Haworth village, the home of literary legends, the Brontë family. Or take a trip to Hebden Bridge and soak up its lively music scene, independent shops and cafés, then investigate the infamous local landmarks from the BBC’s crime drama Happy Valley. Best done before dark!
Harrogate (Maserati Tour de Yorkshire Ride: 6th May)
After all the excitement of this year’s sportive, let off steam in the opulent saunas and plunge pools at the Turkish Bath & Health Spa and enjoy the town of Harrogate’s elegant shops and restaurants. The original Bettys tea shop was first opened here in 1919 and shoppers have been queuing round the corner ever since! Alternatively, wander the 200 acres of the Stray; a town centre grassland, enchanting at cherry blossom time.
Skipton (Men’s Race, Stage 4: 6th May)
Frequently listed as one of Britain’s best places to live, Skipton boasts an award-winning market, a museum and an impressively-preserved Norman castle. The town is also surrounded with natural splendour. The Yorkshire Dales National Park expands to the north with riverside delights at Burnsall and Appletreewick, and the beautiful Bolton Abbey lies close by, to the east. The Men’s race rolls through on the Sunday, making its way to Leeds for the grand finale!
