Hospitality businesses around York are already gearing up for the arrival of the Tour de France next year – and now a school is joining the cycling spree.
News that the tour’s Grand Départ will take place in York next year has prompted Queen Margaret’s School at Escrick to join with the Escrick Park Estate to create a weekend package for visitors.
During the weekend of Saturday July 5 and Sunday July 6 2014, they will be able to pitch their tent, mobile home or caravan in the estate’s rolling grounds.
Alternatively they can stay in the dormitories and cottages on the site of fee-paying girls school Queen Margaret’s, vacated by the boarders during the summer break. Breakfasts and evening meals will be served.
Thousands of people are expected for Le Grand Départ, seeking accommodation and boosting the Yorkshire economy by an estimated £100 million.
“We are going to create a long weekend to remember, enabling fans and Tour de France first-timers alike to enjoy one of the greatest sporting spectacles on earth,” said Charlie Forbes Adam of Escrick Park.
Dr Paul Silverwood, head teacher of Queen Margaret’s, said: “We will be arranging transport into York for this once-in-a-lifetime event, whilst there will be live television coverage of the Grand Depart throughout the day from the school’s theatre.”
- For further information, see the Escrick Park Estate website
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