Historic East Riddlesden Hall is opening its grounds to campers this summer when the world’s biggest cycle race comes to town.

The National Trust is offering facilities at several of its sites across Yorkshire on the weekend of July 5 and 6, when visitors from around the globe will descend on the county for the Tour de France Grand Depart.

East Riddlesden Hall’s lower field will host up to ten camper vans and there will be space for 50 tents.

“With the route coming through Keighley we’re anticipating a lot of interest,” said Shelley Hollingdrake, community and learning officer at the 17th century hall.

“Campers will be able to arrive on the Friday afternoon for a minimum of two days.

“We will have some portable loos and recycling facilities and people will be able to get a wash. There will be security on site throughout the weekend.

“The Airedale Barn will be open for refreshments and hopefully entertainment and the tearoom will open early to provide breakfasts. There will be music as well.

“It promises to be a really exciting time and there should be a great atmosphere.”

The hall itself will be closed to visitors on July 6 when the Tour passes through Silsden, Keighley and the Worth Valley.

“With so many roads being shut that day it would be really difficult for a lot of staff to get in,” added Mrs Hollingdrake.

The National Trust is also offering camping that weekend at Buckden in the Yorkshire Dales, at Hardcastle Crags near Hebden Bridge and Brimham Rocks. Charges for camper van and tent pitches start at £60 per person for two nights’ stay.

Joanna Royle, head of marketing for the trust in Yorkshire, said: “We can’t wait for the action to unfold.

“We know thousands of people are expected to descend on the region to camp for the race weekend, giving an almost retro, back-to-basics feel to holidaymaking.

“Our camp sites will be basic but will definitely adopt a festival feel as excitement builds to the cyclists arriving. All revenue from the venture will go towards supporting our conservation work in the region.”

Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/yorkshire for further information and to reserve a pitch.