Explore the tour in Newark and Sherwood
Following the immense success of last year’s stage 4 finish in Sconce and Devon Park the district is preparing a big welcome for this year’s riders.
The route in Newark and Sherwood takes in some of the county’s best loved visitor attractions including Southwell Minster, Sherwood Forest and Rufford Abbey. In addition spectators can enjoy pretty rural towns and villages steeped in local history.
Southwell (12.20pm to 12.25pm)
Race day is a chance to spend time in Southwell's historic centre, as well as seeing many of the world's elite cyclists at close quarters! There are many great vantage points to see the cyclists as they ride through the town around six tight bends! The Burgage Green will host a hive of activities including live music, refreshments and a giant television screen.
The cafes, pubs and restaurants will be welcoming people for lunch and refreshments. King Street will be closed to cars and decorated with bunting to greet the tour. Look out for yellow bicycles and a 'Best Dressed Window' display amongst Southwell's shops. Come and see their creative designs!
Visitors will also be helped by volunteers to maximise your enjoyment of the event.
Edwinstowe (1.50pm)
The historic village of Edwinstowe in the heart of Sherwood Forest will be welcoming the tour in true Robin Hood style. Legend has it was here, at the beautiful Church of St Mary, that Robin married Maid Marian.
Celebration plans include yards of bunting, unusual decorated independent shops, flags, hats and wooden instruments for spectators, live music and the Wandering Tree land art.
Visitors on the day are encouraged to explore the ancient native woodland of Sherwood Forest, the nearby Sherwood Forest Arts and Craft Centres and the newly opened RSPB Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre with its distinctive curved roof and ecological design.
You are invited to wear your Robin Hood hat and join the party.
Bilsthorpe (2pm)
Bilsthorpe has really taken the tour to its heart and this year is undertaking ‘Bilsthorpe Bonanza’ a full day of fun and celebrations as the riders pass through the village. Watch out for the new Bilsthorpe Community Choir who has been busy rehearsing cycling songs to entertain the crowds.
Enjoy live music and entertainment, evening outdoor cinema and refreshments till late. Other plans include quirky decorated bikes, decorated homes and businesses and new for this year a giant piece of heritage land art.
Expect a warm welcome and party atmosphere if you travel to Bilsthorpe to watch the special sprint stage. Extra signed parking will be available at Maid Marian Play Area and there is plenty of parking along residential side streets and avenues adjacent to the main tour route.
Farnsfield (2.15pm)
The appealing village of Farnsfield will be welcoming the tour with bunting, decorated bikes and cheering crowds. Farnsfield is runner up this year for the best kept village in Nottinghamshire and so you can expect something very special.
Pretty St Michael’s Church will be open for refreshments and facilities for spectators.
Local shops, pubs and cafes will be serving cycling-themed refreshments and special race day menus for a lunch time pit stop.
The Plough Pub is offering extra parking and Farnsfield Library will be open all day to offer information on Southwell Trail for cyclists and walkers as well as showing off their wonderful Tour of Britain art wall created by local children.
If it’s Tour of Britain tea and cake that you are after then Farnsfield’s the place.
Blidworth (2.20pm)
Local legend suggests that Blidworth is the birthplace of Maid Marian! Blidworth Parish Church of St Mary dates from the 15th Century and is reputed to be the burial place of Will Scarlet, one of Robin Hood’s famous outlaws.
Locals are really excited by the race this year and having branded the climb up to St Mary’s Church as the Col de Blidworth!
Ideas include street music, decorated bikes, a competition to decorate homes and businesses on route and future plans for a new family friendly 10k cycle route around the village taking in some of the lovely lanes and woodland around the village.
If you live in or around Blidworth and wish to get involved please contact Clare Brettell Clerk to Blidworth Parish Council. Or you may just wish to help line the streets on the big day to watch the riders tackle the Col de Blidworth towards St Mary’s Church and out towards Ravenshead.
Where ever you choose to support the race we wish you a brilliant and memorable day in Newark and Sherwood.
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