Some of Northumberland’s most iconic castles and monuments will be showcased to the world when the Aviva Tour of Britain rides through the County in three weeks’ time (Wed 9-Thur 10 September).
When stages four and five of British Cycling’s premier road race pass by iconic tourist attractions like Hadrian’s Wall and Warkworth Castle, the aerial broadcast cameras will showcase the region’s stunning landscapes and buildings live to hundreds of thousands of ITV4 viewers.
On the ground, thousands of spectators are also expected to line the route to catch a glimpse of the most successful cycling race teams in the world including ‘Team Wiggins’ and the Great Britain Cycle Team also known as ‘Team Sky’. But it will be a case of blink and you miss them, as the teams speed through the towns and villages of Northumberland at around 35mph.
With this in mind, English Heritage is offering all Tour of Britain spectators the opportunity to visit historic properties on or close to the route at a discounted entry on 9-10 September. Visitors can benefit from two for one entry* at Housesteads Roman Fort, Prudhoe Castle, Etal Castle and Warkworth Castle, meaning they can watch the race and then enjoy a daytrip within the county too.
Warkworth Castle is expected to be a popular location to watch the race. Built because of its strategic location on the river Coquet high up on a mound, the imposing stronghold of Warkworth Castle will offer the perfect vantage point for spectators to watch as the race passes right by during stage four which is from Edinburgh to Blyth on Wednesday 9 September. The route also goes close to the villages of Ford and Etal.
On Thursday 10 September, stage five starts in the town of Prudhoe. Beginning not far from the castle, the race then runs alongside the River Tyne and up to Hadrian’s Wall before crossing over the Cumbrian border and onto the Lake District. Anyone following the race can enjoy a visit to Prudhoe Castle and Housesteads Roman Fort and get two for one admission. Cycle enthusiasts stopping at Housesteads can also visit the ‘re-fuelling’ station in the car park and enjoy a free cup of tea / coffee on offer if you arrive on a bike.*
*Two for one entry only applies to the named English Heritage sites on or close to the route on Wednesday 9-Thursday 10 September. Free entry valid when a full price ticket is purchased. Tea and coffee at Housesteads is only free if you arrive at Housesteads Roman Fort by bike on Thurs 10 Sep. The re-fuelling station will be situated in the car park.
Full route information, parking, road closures and spectator point details visit the Official Northumberland Tour of Britain website