Le Tour de France – The Grand Depart Series: Stage 1
Mark your calendars; the world’s greatest cycle race will start on 5th and 6th July 2014 in the world’s largest UK county, Yorkshire. This is an event that brings millions of fans onto the roadside to cheer for the champions and their loved ones. This year, Le Tour de France will be visiting the north of England for the first time, proving the participants and fans with outstanding scenery, rich cultural heritage and breathtaking atmosphere.
The first stage of the race starts off in Leeds, a metropolitan city located in West Yorkshire and ends in the cathedral city Ripon. Leeds is home to many of the world’s leading fashion brands and the city itself is known for the rich artistic cultural as well as the historic architecture. Ripon on the other hand demonstrates rich cultural heritage with exciting contemporary living, but the numerous destinations in-between the two cities will also provide travellers with an abundant amount of beautiful scenery and fascinating attractions. These alone should convince you to plan a visit to beautiful Yorkshire; and while you’re there, why not stay with best loved hotels? We have a selection of best loved hotels en route which will charm you, calm you, indulge you and comfort you.
Located in the charming and peaceful village of Reeth, The Burgoyne Hotel offers stunning views across from the village greens to the hills and moors of Swaledale and Ferminton Edge. The outstanding location provides the perfect exploration ground for those who are feeling adventurous but it is also the ideal centre for enjoying the view of the Northern Dales. The relaxing and cozy bedrooms allow visitors to feel as if they were in the comfort of their own home yet enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding Dales. For more information, go to: The Burgyone Hotel
If you are into English country sport or various leisure activities then you are in luck; The Blue Lion is the place for you! This 18th century newly renovated coaching inn offers experiences from fishing, walking, shooting, racing to tennis, golfing and even delicious traditional cuisines. It is located 29 miles away from Harrogate and is within easy reach to various popular tourist attractions such as Jervaulx Abbey, Yorkshire Moors, Bolton Castle and more. For those who prefer the outdoors, activities such as pony trekking, ten mile challenge hikes and strolls along the river bank are also available to keep both your mind and body in check. For more information, go to: The Blue Lion Hotel
Now if you are looking to splurge a little and enjoy a night in an award-winning luxury hotel and spa, Rudding Park near Harrogate will have to be your number one choice. This 5-star luxury lodge has been, and still is regarded as one of the country’s top hotels and was recently voted TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice as Best Hotel in the UK, 2nd in Europe and 4th in the World. Whether it is the 300 acres of beautiful parkland, 18-hole championship golf course, luxury spa facility or the 14 seat cinema, it will be the perfect indulgence you are searching for. For more information, go to: Rudding Park Hotel
If you are looking for a tranquil yet luxurious place to stay, The Old Coach House near Ripon is a 5-star quality B&B providing visitors with extra comfy beds as well as great extras like free Wi-Fi, chocolates, flat screen TVs and more. This 18th century coach house overlooks the lake of North Stainley Hall while being surrounded by beautiful countryside sceneries as well as fantastic local restaurants and pubs. It is the perfect gateway to the Yorkshire Dales and the B&B is only a short drive away from the stunning beauty of Nidderdale, Wensleydale, Fountain Abbey, Newby Hall Ripley Castle and much more. For more information, go to: The Old Coach House
For more information about Stage 1, go to: http://letour.yorkshire.com/stage-1
The Grand Depart 2014 is separated into three different stages. To see our blog about Stage 2 of the Tour de France: The Grand Depart, click here.
Tour de France image by Geert Schneider