Every September the Yorkshire Dales become the stage for some of the toughest racing in British cycling, and this year it comes closer to home than usual. When the Lloyds Tour of Britain climbs through Wensleydale on its way to Leyburn, the route passes within easy reach of Yorebridge House, giving our guests a genuine grandstand seat for one of the standout stages of the week.
As summer draws to a close, the Lloyds Tour of Britain rolls into North Yorkshire, and for the first time in the modern era Leyburn will host a stage finish. The event traces its roots back to 1945, when the first British stage races were held in the aftermath of the Second World War. Over the decades it has worn several names, from the Milk Race to the Kellogg’s Tour and the PruTour, before being revived in 2004 in the format we recognise today. Now run as part of the UCI ProSeries, it remains the UK’s premier professional road cycling event, drawing top international teams to race across some of Britain’s finest roads.
This year’s men’s race runs from 2 to 6 September, covering 910.3 km and over 8,800 metres of climbing across five stages, from Lincoln all the way to the Scottish Borders. On Saturday 5 September, Stage Four brings the peloton from Helmsley to Leyburn, a 165.8 km test that organisers are already calling the queen stage of the week. It is widely tipped to decide the general classification, and it happens to pass right by our door.
Stage Four is a study in contrast. Riders leave Helmsley and the North York Moors behind, working through Easingwold, Boroughbridge and Ripon before climbing into the Yorkshire Dales. From there the route takes in the pull out of Pateley Bridge, then Grassington and Buckden, before threading through Aysgarth and on towards a final ascent at Grinton ahead of the finish in Leyburn.
For anyone who knows Wensleydale, this is about as good as spectating gets. The road through Aysgarth runs within easy reach of Yorebridge House, tucked away in Bainbridge on the banks of the River Ure, which means our guests will have a genuine grandstand view of the toughest stage in this year’s race without straying far from home comforts.
Race day in the Dales has a way of turning a quiet market town into a carnival, with crowds lining the roadside, cowbells ringing and villages putting on their own celebrations to mark the occasion. After a few hours cheering on the riders, there are few better places to recover than back at Yorebridge House.
Our individually styled rooms and suites offer spectacular views over the Dales, and several come with their own private hot tub, ideal for easing legs that have done rather less cycling than the professionals but a fair amount of walking and standing at the roadside all the same. Guests can also unwind at Ure River Retreat, our riverside spa, before heading through to dinner. Head Chef Dan Shotton and his team serve a four course à la carte menu alongside a six course tasting menu, both built around our 3 AA Rosette cuisine, so there is a proper Yorkshire welcome waiting at the end of the day.
For those bringing four legged friends along to enjoy the Dales, we also offer a choice of dog friendly bedrooms and suites, so the whole family can make a weekend of it.
With Stage Four falling on a Saturday, it lends itself naturally to a weekend break. Spend the morning finding a good spot along the route through Wensleydale, whether that is near Aysgarth Falls or closer to the finish in Leyburn, then spend the afternoon and evening enjoying everything Yorebridge House has to offer. Sunday can be given over to exploring the surrounding Dales at a slower pace, with dry stone walls, quiet meadows and the River Ure providing the sort of scenery that makes it easy to see why the Tour keeps coming back to Yorkshire.
Road closures and revised traffic arrangements are expected in and around Leyburn on race day, so guests planning to attend are advised to check the official Tour of Britain and North Yorkshire Council travel updates closer to the date and to allow extra time for any local journeys.
Whether you are a committed cycling fan or simply looking for a good reason to spend a weekend in one of the prettiest corners of the Yorkshire Dales, the Tour of Britain’s visit to Leyburn is a rare chance to combine world class sport with the comfort of a boutique stay. Book your room at Yorebridge House and make the most of race weekend in Wensleydale.
From its post war beginnings to its place on today’s UCI ProSeries calendar, the Tour of Britain has built a reputation as the toughest week of racing on home roads, and Stage Four through Aysgarth and Leyburn looks set to be this year’s highlight. Few places put you closer to that action than Yorebridge House, close enough to feel part of the occasion yet comfortable enough to make the whole weekend feel like a proper escape. Book your stay and watch the world’s best riders race straight through Wensleydale.
As the festive season approaches, gift yourself the luxury of time & relaxation. Prices from £640pp.
