Temporary campsites organised by the National Trust, including one at East Riddlesden Hall in Keighley, will be given a “festival feel” as West Yorkshire gears up to hosting the Tour de France in six weeks’ time.

The Trust is transforming pockets of countryside along the official cycle route into campsites, with other venues at Buckden in Upper Wharfedale, Hardcastle Crags in Hebden Bridge, and Brimham Rocks near Harrogate.

Thousands of people are expected to sleep out under the stars for what organisers are hailing as the biggest sporting event in the region’s history.

The Trust want to ensure they have happy campers by putting on entertainment and highlighting the great walking and cycling routes nearby.

Joanna Royle, head of marketing for the National Trust in Yorkshire, said: “The campsites will be a great base to enjoy the festival feel that comes with hosting such a major event.

“Some of the pitches are just metres from the official route giving you the best possible views. And when you’re not watching the race, you can enjoy the entertainment and activities on offer.”

Over the Grand Depart weekend of July 6 and 7, a number of campervan pitches will be available at the historic East Riddlesden Hall, ideally situated to watch riders as they pass through Keighley during stage two of the race on July 6.

At Buckden, campers will be able to settle down with a beer and a hog roast sandwich to watch the race on a big screen before and after it heads right past the site during stage one of the Tour on July 5.

As the campsites are located in some of the regions most picturesque locations, Miss Hoyle said that pitches, which start at £60 per person for a minimum two nights' stay, are selling fast.

“By choosing to camp at National Trust locations, not only will you be in the heart of the action, but you’re also doing your bit to help look after Yorkshire’s countryside,” she said.

Campervan sites at East Riddlesden Hall are available over the two days of the Grand Depart weekend, while the campsite at Buckden is open from Wednesday, July 2.

To find out more, or to book a pitch, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/ tourdefrance.