Last year was the first ever tour de Yorkshire. This huge event attracts some of the biggest cycling teams from around the world and is promoted by the Amaury Sport Organisation, the same group behind the famous Tour de France.
Being such a success in 2015, the popular cycle race returns this year to the North York Moors National Park. If you're staying in a Rural property nearby this is a great opportunity to head over and watch them all pass. The National Park is an incredible setting for the race; over the weekend of the 29th April - 1st May 2016, the three stages will guide the competitors across stunning landscapes that are famous for their colourful moorland plateaus, interesting rocky outcrops, challenging hills and far-reaching views.
Split into three stages, the race covers a different section of the National Park each day, from open countryside and rolling greenery, to quaint villages and larger cities. The first stage kicks things off in Beverley and takes the cyclists on a 186km route to the finishing point in Settle. The racers will travel through the ancient market town of Knaresborough and will pass the interesting Brimham Rocks.
Stage two of the journey goes from Otley to the popular town of Doncaster, with a historic market town at its centre and a modern district too. The final stage, taking place on the last day of the long weekend, begins at Middlesbrough and, after a route of 198km, concludes in Scarborough. Along the way Stage three moves through a number of good stop-off points if you want to make a day of things: Whitby and the picturesque coastal town of Robin Hood's Bay are both great ones for exploring.
The properties we have based around the North York Moors range in location from quiet countryside to picturesque cliff-top. Take a look at the selection here.
Make your stay really special and tie it in with the Tour de Yorkshire; find the best vantage point from which to watch the cyclists whizz by. You can find out all about the route and the timings of each stage of the race on the website here.
Discover the amazing scenery of Yorkshire for yourself. Even if cycling isn't your thing, the beauty of Yorkshire surely will be. Take a look at our full collection of properties in Yorkshire here.