A COUNTRY estate has teamed up with Queen Margaret’s School to launch a new venture for the arrival of the Tour de France.

Escrick Park and the independent girls’ school will be opening their doors to the public for a long weekend to coincide with Yorkshire’s Grand Depart on July 5 and 6.

Caravans, mobile homes and tents will all be welcomed onto the estate, while Queen Margaret’s will be offering all the school’s facilities, with breakfasts and evening meals available as well as accommodation in the dormitories and cottages on their site.

Charlie Forbes Adam, of Escrick Park, said: “The Grand Depart is an historic occasion and it is tremendous that it is taking place in Yorkshire. This is Yorkshire’s, and Escrick’s, moment to shine and we are determined to make the most of this unique opportunity.”

Paul Silverwood, headmaster of Queen Margaret’s, said: “Yorkshire’s Grand Depart leaves from York on July 6 and that will be the centrepiece of our weekend.

“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.”