Residents, visitors, businesses and community groups are invited to be part of one of the biggest sporting events to come to Warwickshire this year as the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women returns.
From cheering on world-class cyclists and supporting local riders to enjoying family activities, discovering hidden gems and exploring the county's stunning countryside, the event offers something for everyone.
The race will begin and end in Royal Leamington Spa, passing through towns, villages and countryside across Warwick and Stratford districts.
The race route provides a showcase for Warwickshire’s landscapes, heritage and visitor experiences, including Royal Leamington Spa, Kenilworth, Stoneleigh, Princethorpe, Wellesbourne, Shipston-on-Stour, Sun Rising Hill and Burton Dassett Hills Country Park. Visitors inspired by the route can also explore attractions and landmarks such as Warwick Castle, Charlecote Park, Compton Verney, Stratford-upon-Avon, the British Motor Museum, Hatton Locks, Stoneleigh Abbey and the Battle of Edgehill landscape.
The main Tour Village in Royal Leamington Spa’s Pump Room Gardens will include sports and cycling activities for the whole family, food and drink, community stalls and bike-themed entertainment. Visitors will be able to try activities such as a cycle track, climbing wall and pedal-powered games, enjoy BMX stunt displays and arts and crafts, meet local cycling clubs and community organisations, and watch the race on a large screen as it travels through Warwickshire.
Councillor Rob Howard, Warwickshire County Council Portfolio Holder for Economy and Rural Development, said:
“The Lloyds Tour of Britain Women is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Warwickshire’s towns, countryside, businesses and visitor attractions to residents, visitors and a national audience.
“We want people to come for the race and stay in Warwickshire, to enjoy our cycling routes, independent businesses, cafés, food and drink, heritage, accommodation and green spaces. We are also encouraging businesses, towns, community groups and partners to get involved, share their plans and tag Visit Warwickshire so we can help amplify local activity.”
Warwickshire County Council is encouraging businesses, attractions, towns, community groups and event organisers to collaborate with Visit Warwickshire by sharing race-day plans, visitor offers, and online content through tagging @visit.warwickshire. This will help promote the county’s visitor offer before, during and after race day and support the longer-term cycling tourism legacy.
A downloadable digital toolkit is available to help local SMEs, town and parish councils, community groups and cycling clubs celebrate the Tour of Britain Women in Warwickshire including posters, social media graphics, a leaflet, bunting templates, cheer station signs and window display materials.
Residents and visitors can find out more about the race on the Warwickshire County Council’s Tour of Britain Women website and discover cycling routes, itineraries, attractions and places to stay on the Visit Warwickshire website.