Stage Three
6 September 2022
Download the stage map here.
The 2022’s Tour of Britain’s first foray into England comes on stage three, which takes place between Durham and Sunderland.
History will be made when riders roll out in the shadow of the city’s famous cathedral: Durham has never previously hosted a stage start or finish in a professional edition of the Tour of Britain. Stage three’s route will initially head west, taking the peloton through the North Pennines AONB, before heading back through County Durham and into Sunderland.
The route will weave past some of the city’s beautiful green spaces and through communities on its approach to the finish line outside of Sunderland’s new City Hall, which forms part of a £500m development in the city.
While it may be the modern race’s first visit to the city, Sunderland welcomed the Milk Race – a semi-professional forerunner of the Tour of Britain – on multiple occasions during its 35-year history.
Elevation: 2,518m
Durham – St Mary’s College 11:15am
B6302 Durham Road – Ushaw Moor 11:30am
Stanhope 12:12pm
Chapel Fell (cat 1) 12:35pm
Billy Lane (cat 2) 1:33pm
Bishop Auckland 2:01pm
Ferryhill 2:15pm
High Moorsley (cat 3) 2:55pm
Sunderland – Keel Square 3:23pm
Click here for the full stage timetable.
Host venue for the first time
Durham is filled with incredible attractions, extraordinary experiences and many unique hidden gems you won’t find anywhere else.
If attending the start of stage three in Durham City, the world-famous Durham Cathedral and Castle UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must see. Soak up the atmosphere as you explore the historic streets that surround these iconic buildings.
Stage three passes through many of the county’s bustling market towns, including Barnard Castle, home to The Bowes Museum, which houses an outstanding collection of fine and decorative art as breath-taking as the building itself. And at Bishop Auckland you’ll find Auckland Castle, one of the best-reserved Prince Bishops Palaces in all of Europe, and the Spanish Gallery, the UK’s first gallery dedicated to the art, culture and heritage of Spain.
Why not stay a little longer to discover more of the county’s treasures, including England’s largest open-air museum: Beamish – The Living Museum of the North; Locomotion, the National Railway Museum at Shildon; and Killhope – The North of England Lead Mining Museum, nestled in the heart of the North Pennines.
If you love the outdoors, Durham provides plenty to get stuck into; seek out walking and cycling routes among the picture-perfect landscape of moors, hills, valleys and rivers in the Durham Dales and North Pennines – a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. And don’t miss the mighty High Force Waterfall, one of England’s largest waterfalls.
Hamsterley Forest has some of the best mountain bike tracks in the UK. Take on the challenge of a long-distance cycle route, including the C2C which passes through Durham Dales, or the North Sea Cycle Route for breath-taking views of the Durham Heritage Coast. And, to test your walking stamina, the Pennine Way, Weardale Way, Teesdale Way and Northern Saints Trails.
To discover Durham’s great outdoors and to find more than 120 walking and cycling routes, visit thisisdurham.com/outdoors.
*Durham University have accommodation at Hatfield College (North Bailey, DH1 3RQ) available to coincide with the Tour of Britain’s visit. Prices start from £39.50 – click here to book.
Host venue for the first time
From beautiful beaches and countryside, to theatres, museums and galleries, there’s plenty to see and do in Sunderland.
Many of the city’s attractions are free and all offer a great family day out, packed with fun. Sunderland is a welcoming, bustling city set right on the coast and at the mouth of the River Wear.
Sunderland has wide sandy beaches and acres of green spaces. Its cultural offering includes Sunderland Empire Theatre, National Glass Centre and Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens.
The Tour of Britain is one of a number of major sporting events to look forward to in the city in 2022. The Tour Series, Britain’s leading domestic cycling series, returned to the city on Tuesday 10 May. Then, in August, the Super Series Grand Final Triathlon will see the best domestic athletes go head-to-head for British glory.
Add to that a fascinating history, outstanding attractions and a family-friendly programme of events and festivals, you’re sure to have a great time in Sunderland.
There’s no better way of watching the action at this year’s Tour of Britain than with our hospitality packages!
Secure a front-row seat at our stage starts and finishes, topped off with delicious food and drinks specifically chosen for cycling fans.
Fans can now book their hospitality passes for the Durham start and Sunderland finish via Sportsbreaks.com, the official hospitality partner of the Tour of Britain.
Additionally, our expert team can build bespoke packages throughout the Tour to suit your needs. Contact Seb Roberts for more information.
