Best Racecourses in England for a Day Out
Whether you are a keen horse racing fan or just love a social gathering, a day at the racecourses in England is something enjoyed by many people in the UK across the calendar year.
In horse racing, there are two codes of racing. Flat Racing takes place between spring and summer, while Jumps Racing features during the autumn and winter months. Here, we take a look at the best courses to visit and what you can expect from your day out.
1. Aintree Racecourse, Merseyside
Aintree Racecourse is situated in Liverpool, and it is home to the world’s most famous steeplechase, the Grand National. This is a race that takes place annually in April, and is exposed to wide range of news and sports coverage. It also has a rich history as it dates back to 1839.
The Grand National meeting is run over three days, and these are three of the most popular race days of the year. Racegoers enjoy dressing up for this meeting, and can also enjoy a variety of activities and live music both before and after racing.
If you want to treat yourself to an extra special day, Aintree also has some fantastic hospitality packages which allow visitors to enjoy a meal in a private restaurant or suite at the racecourse.
2. Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire
No racecourse or meeting does glamour better than Royal Ascot. This Flat meeting in June is one of the highlights of the summer in the UK for many. It attracts the best Flat horses, jockeys, and trainers from around the world.
Before racing begins, the Royal family performs a Royal Procession across the racecourse, and they tend to attend all five days of the meeting. The late Queen Elizabeth II was a huge horse racing fan, and it seems her enthusiasm for the sport is shared with her son, King Charles II. He was at Glorious Goodwood earlier this year when his talented horse, Desert Hero, won one of the major Flat races of the season.
Many horse racing owners dream of having a runner at Royal Ascot, which is why many buy racehorse shares. If you want to become involved in racehorse ownership and experience the thrill of owning your own horse, shares at RaceShare can be purchased for as little as £18, and if things go well on the track, you could be attending Royal Ascot 2024 as an owner.
3. Cheltenham Racecourse, Gloucestershire
Home to the Cheltenham Festival, arguably the biggest week of the year in Jumps Racing, Cheltenham Racecourse is one of the most popular venues across the world in the sport. The atmosphere for the five days here in March is like no other.
The Jumps season builds up to the Cheltenham Festival, and it is where the best horses take each other on in their respective divisions. There is a strong rivalry between the British and Irish-based horses, with those two teams competing for the Prestbury Cup – a trophy awarded to the country that produces the most winners across the week. It was won by Ireland in 2023, who prevailed with a result of 18-10.
The weather can be unpredictable in March for this meeting, so do keep an eye on the forecast if you are heading to Cheltenham. Once you are there, you are sure to have a fantastic experience alongside an estimated 70,000 other racegoers.
Enjoy your next day at the races!
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