9 Great British Racecourses by Train

British horseracing’s deep-rooted historical legacy has captivated fans for generations. The sport is globally revered for the sheer caliber of its horses, its top-tier racing and the racecourses where these thrilling competitions come to life.  

Bringing together a captivating blend of tradition, sport, fashion, atmosphere and pure entertainment – nothing beats a day at the races, and from the sartorial elegance of Royal Ascot to the thunderous gallops of the Grand National, it’s all right here on your doorstep. 

Don’t forget, when you book your train tickets to your racing outing with a Railcard, you could save 1/3 off your journey there – giddy up! And, if you require additional support when travelling, our Passenger Assist service can help you.

Check out our guide to 9 of Britain’s horseracing hot-spots and how to get there by train. 

1. Ascot

• Get 2FOR1 entry to Ascot Racecourse with National Rail’s Days Out Guide(external link, opens in a new tab). Exclusions apply. 

Over the years the patronage of 12 monarchs has helped make Ascot(external link, opens in a new tab) one of the world’s most-beloved racecourses, and it remains a pillar of British sporting and social culture. Covering 179 acres, the racecourse welcomes over 630,000 guests each year and is the home of some of the sport’s most prestigious race meetings. 
 
In addition to Royal Ascot, the racecourse hosts 21 race days throughout the year providing entertainment beyond the track – from fairground rides to food festivals, music concerts and countryside displays. 

Nearest Station: Ascot (Berks) 

2. Epsom Downs 

Races have been held at Epsom Downs(external link, opens in a new tab) since the early 1660s, making it one of the most historic racecourses in the world. The Epsom Derby is one of the most prestigious flat races (no jumps) in the British racing calendar, held annually on the first Saturday of June. The Derby Festival draws a diverse crowd from Royalty to horseracing novices and fashion enthusiasts, with Ladies Day taking place the Friday. Epsom Downs is a must-visit for horseracing fans and those looking for a great day out. 

For accessibility information, visit the Epsom Downs Racecourse page on the AccessAble website(external link, opens in a new tab).

Nearest Stations: Tattenham Corner, Epsom, Epsom Downs 

3. Cheltenham

Known primarily for its National Hunt Racing (jump racing), Cheltenham racecourse(external link, opens in a new tab) is situated in the picturesque Cotswolds, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. 

Home to the annual Cheltenham Festival, the racecourse comes alive over 4 days in March each year, with racing fans travelling from across Britain and Ireland for its unrivalled atmosphere, history, style, and for its variety of prestigious races including the Champions Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase, and culminating in the Cheltenham Gold cup – considered the pinnacle race of the National Hunt calendar.  

For accessibility information, visit the Cheltenham Racecourse page on the AccessAble website(external link, opens in a new tab).

Nearest Station: Cheltenham Spa 

4. Aintree

Liverpool’s Aintree Racecourse(external link, opens in a new tab) is a cornerstone of British horseracing and home to the iconic Grand National. Held annually in April, the Grand National is considered one of the most challenging and captivating steeplechases in the world, drawing attention globally, with past winners including Red Rum and Tiger Roll. The Grand National Festival happens over 3 days each year and is one of the key events in the British racing calendar, featuring a mix of world-class racing, fashion and entertainment.  

For accessibility information, visit the Aintree Racecourse page on the AccessAble website(external link, opens in a new tab).

Trains run between Liverpool Central and Aintree station every 15 minutes. 

Nearest Station: Aintree 

5. Newmarket 

Newmarket is known as ‘the home of Horseracing’, as this is the town where the Sport of Kings was born over 350 years ago. Host to 2 of the 5 British classics in the 1000 and 2000 Guineas, the racecourse(external link, opens in a new tab) can host over 40,000 spectators across its multiple stands, making for an unparalleled atmosphere on race day.  

For accessibility information, visit the Newmarket Racecourse page on the AccessAble website(external link, opens in a new tab).

While in Newmarket, make your way just a few meters up the road to the National Horseracing Museum, dedicated to the history of horseracing and is home to some of the most important artefacts from racecourses, horses, jockeys and trainers from years gone by.

• Get 2FOR1 entry to the National Horseracing Museum when you travel by train with National Rail’s Days Out Guide(external link, opens in a new tab). 

 Nearest station: Newmarket(external link, opens in a new tab)

6. Goodwood

• Get 2FOR1 entry to Goodwood Racecourse with National Rail’s Days Out Guide(external link, opens in a new tab). Exclusions apply. 

Goodwood (external link, opens in a new tab)in Sussex hosts 19 days of horseracing each year, including its annual Goodwood Festival, also known as ‘Glorious Goodwood’, considered a highlight of flat racing season. Alongside the excitement on the course, their summer and autumn entertainment doesn’t disappoint with live music, a traditional fairground, donkey rides, fire pits and marshmallow-toasting all waiting to be enjoyed in the picturesque surroundings of the rolling South Downs.

Nearest station: Chichester (external link, opens in a new tab)

7. York

This ancient walled city is renowned for its rich history and its horseracing is no exception, with the first records of horseracing at York(external link, opens in a new tab) dating back to 1709. Located in the Knavesmire, the racecourse has been redeveloped over the centuries and in recent years has won many awards, being celebrated for its flat racing track and grounds. The racecourse boasts several grandstands, offering epic views of its racetrack, and is host to major horse racing events throughout the year. A highlight of the racing calendar, The Ebor Festival takes place each August, when many prestigious races are held including The Ebor, York’s oldest and most famous race.  

Nearest Station: York 

8. Sandown Park

Known as the Queen Mother’s favourite course, Sandown Park(external link, opens in a new tab) has established itself as a leading racing venue hosting both flat racing and National Hunt events throughout the racing calendar year. Located in Esher, Surrey, the racecourse is a half an hour train journey from London’s Waterloo station – the perfect trip for city dwellers looking for a fun day out amongst beautiful scenery.

The course hosts 23 horseracing fixtures throughout the year, including its Tingle Creek and Coral-Eclipse Festivals, a Family Festival Friday and afternoon fixtures. Outside of the excitement on the course, Sandown hosts top tier musical talent to keep you entertained into the evening after a fun day of racing. 

For accessibility information, visit the Sandown Park Racecourse page on the AccessAble website(external link, opens in a new tab).

Nearest Station: Esher

9. Newcastle

Newcastle Racecourse(external link, opens in a new tab), located in Gosforth Park, is a stellar venue in the north-east hosting both flat and National Hunt racing. Located just a few miles from the city centre,  Newcastle is one of Britain’s busiest tracks, hosting over 60 race meetings each year.  Among the busy calendar of events is the Northumberland Plate Festival, a 3-day festival culminating in the Northumberland Plate, one of the most valuable 2-mile handicap races in Europe.

With an unrivaled atmosphere, great food and hospitality options, and lively post-Raceday entertainment, a day out at Newcastle racecourse will be one to remember. 

For accessibility information, visit the Newcastle Racecourse page on the AccessAble website(external link, opens in a new tab).

You can save on your tickets(external link, opens in a new tab) too when visiting Newcastle racecourse, by booking online ahead of time or travelling with a group – they offer discounts on parties of 10 or more when tickets are booked together. 

Nearest station: Newcastle Central