Yorkshire’s tour de force as Sir Bradley Wiggins and Lizzie Armitstead compete in the area
Here's the lowdown on where to watch the Tour de Yorkshire action and how to enjoy some drink and grub while you do
AFTER the Tour de France’s successful visit to Yorkshire, the county wasn’t ready to pedal off into the sunset.
So the end of April will see riders including Brit heroes Sir Bradley Wiggins and world champion Lizzie Armitstead compete in the Tour de Yorkshire.
Here JAMES ELLIS gives the lowdown on where to watch the action and how to enjoy some drink and grub while you do. He has even found some places to stay to make a weekend of it.
FRIDAY, APRIL 29 Beverley to Settle
Beverley is one of Yorkshire’s best-kept secrets.
A market town with its own 13th-century minster cathedral, a vibrant arts scene and great shops and restaurants, it’s like a mini York without the tourists.
From here, the route heads out west to Tadcaster, where you’ll find the original Sam Smith brewery ) with its famous shire horses that still pull delivery vans.
They’re stabled behind the Angel & White Horse pub (), next to the brewery.
Your next stop should be Ripley, where the magnificent 700-year-old castle with its grounds, lakes, walled gardens and deer park is worth a visit ().
Le Tour then skirts the Yorkshire Dales National Park () for that final sprint into Settle.
Bed down for the night in one of two great pubs: The Sportsman’s Arms () in Pateley Bridge or The Clarendon Hotel in Hebden ().
SATURDAY, APRIL 30
Otley to Doncaster
The women’s event starts from favourite Lizzie Armitstead’s hometown of Otley (). Take a walk round its tearooms, quirky shops and picturesque Chevin Forest.
I’d recommend sampling a pork pie from Weegmann’s (), a firm established in 1869.
The first major climb of the day is at Harewood House stately home, above (). Le Tour also passes Conisbrough Castle ().
The Norman fortress has a medieval sword school over the Tour weekend.
Set in 100 acres of woodland, the Best Western Mount Pleasant ( is the place to stay. The in-house chocolatier will keep most happy.
SUNDAY, MAY 1
Middlesbrough to Scarborough
It’s back to the men and they start early in Middlesbrough before heading through the North York Moors National Park. The village of Grosmont by the River Esk is a great place to pick up the action.
Take a ride of a different kind on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (). Or simply take a look at the old trains at the heritage line.
The race then hits Whitby (), great for its ruined abbey, below.
There’s another climb at the quaint village of Robin Hood’s Bay () before the sprint for the finish at Scarborough ().
And if a Brit such as Sir Bradley wins, you can celebrate at the 1881 gothic mansion Wrea Head Hall () - with rooms that are just champion.
l Go to for full details of the tour.