The Best Racecourses for Horse Racing in the UK

Great Britain is rightly regarded as the cradle of modern horse racing. This exciting tradition dates back to the 12th century, when English knights returning from the Crusades brought Arabian horses with them. Since then, horse racing has become an integral part of British culture, a symbol of aristocracy and excitement. Today horse racing in the United Kingdom is not just a sport, but a true art, combining elegance, adrenaline and age-old traditions.

Every year, millions of spectators visit racecourses across the country to enjoy the thrill of the spectacle and immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere. Some also prefer to turn up the heat of the competition and place bets on the races on pay by mobile casino sites. In the article below, we take a look at the best horse racing venues in the UK, each with its own unique history and features that attract both avid race fans and casual visitors.

What Criteria Racecourses are Judged On

When choosing the best racecourses in the UK, there are a few key criteria to consider. These are the ones that ultimately shape the experience for spectators, as well as providing optimum racing conditions. Here are the key criteria:

  • Quality of the racetracks: The backbone of any racecourse is undoubtedly its running track. The current condition of the grass surface, the drainage system and the general preparation of the track are important. The best racecourses are renowned for their perfectly groomed tracks, which ensure the safety of horses and riders, and facilitate exciting competitions in any weather
  • Infrastructure and spectator amenities: Visitor comfort is an important aspect of any sporting event. Comfortable grandstands with good visibility, a variety of food outlets, clean and accessible sanitary areas should be available. In addition, factors such as car parking, site navigation and information stands are also important
  • The prestige of the races held: The reputation of a racecourse depends largely on the level of events it hosts. Here, the racing calendar should be taken into account, with a focus on the presence of prestigious events such as classic races or international tournaments. The higher the status of the events held, the higher the rating of the racecourse
  • Historical value: British horse racing is rich in tradition and many racecourses have a rich history. You should consider the age of the racecourse, its role in the development of horse racing and the presence of historical landmarks on the site. Racecourses with a rich past often offer visitors a unique immersive experience in the atmosphere of old England

Overall, the UK is famous for its racecourses, each with its own unique character and history. Such criteria allow us to highlight the best of them, a visit to which will truly remain in the memories for years to come. Below, we’ll take a closer look at the top five best racecourses for horse racing in the UK. These places are more than just racing arenas – they are the true epitome of horseracing, where history is made and legends are born.

Ascot is the Jewel in the Crown of British Racecourses

Ascot Racecourse logoLocated in Berkshire just a few miles from Windsor Castle, Ascot Racecourse is a quintessential example of English elegance and tradition. Founded in 1711 by Queen Anne, it boasts over 300 years of history. From the very beginning, the racecourse has been under the patronage of the British monarchy, which has given it a special status and prestige. The tradition of the royal presence at the races continues to this day, making Ascot not only a sporting but also an important social event.

More specifically, the annual Royal Ascot event, held in June, is generally the highlight of the racing season and an important date in the UK social calendar. Over the course of five days, some of the most prestigious races in the world take place here, attracting the best horses, jockeys and trainers from around the world. A special atmosphere is created by the parade of carriages with members of the royal family that opens each day of racing.

As for the course itself, Ascot Racecourse is renowned for its straight mile, one of the most challenging and prestigious courses in the world of horse racing. This unique feature of the course requires not only speed but also stamina from the horses, which makes winning here particularly valuable. In addition, the racecourse has a 1 mile 6 furlong triangular track which allows for a variety of races.

Ascot has witnessed many legendary victories in its long history. One of the highlights was Frankel’s victory in the 2012 Queen Anne Stakes, when this unbeaten stallion showed incredible dominance over his rivals. Also of note was jockey Frankie Dettori’s triumph in the 2018 Gold Cup, which started a string of important victories for him.

Between 2004 and 2006, Ascot underwent an extensive £200 million refurbishment, which created modern grandstands and improved infrastructure. Despite the modernisation, the racecourse has retained its historic charm and elegance. Of particular note is Ascot’s famous dress code, particularly strict during the Royal Ascot, when visitors compete in elaborate outfits and extravagant headwear.

Newmarket is the ‘Headquarters’ of British Horse Racing

Newmarket Racecourse LogoNewmarket is located on the border of Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. This small town of around 16,000 people is entirely dedicated to horseracing and is the heart of the UK horse racing industry. A closer look at the features of Newmarket Racecourse reveals some interesting facts. Newmarket’s history as a horse racing centre dates back to the 17th century, when King James I discovered that the local plains were ideal for horse racing. Since then, the town has been home to numerous stables, training centres and, of course, two famous racecourses. Today, over 3,000 racehorses are based in Newmarket, making it the largest training centre in Europe.

Newmarket is unique in that it is home to two first-class racecourses, the Rowley Mile and the July Course. The Rowley Mile, named after Charles II’s favourite horse, is used for spring and autumn races. Its straight mile is considered one of the most challenging in the world because of the climb at the finish line, known as the ‘Dip’. The July Racecourse, as the name suggests, hosts summer races and is renowned for its picturesque setting.

For those who want to delve deeper into the history of horse racing, Newmarket is home to the National Museum of Horse Racing. It features unique exhibits that tell the story of the sport from its origins to the present day. Of particular interest is the gallery dedicated to famous horses and jockeys.

As for the most important meetings, the Newmarket racing calendar is packed with prestigious events. Among the most important are the 2000 and 1000 Guineas, the first classic races of the season for stallions and fillies respectively. These races, held since 1809, are the most important test for three-year-old horses and often determine the favourites for the other classic races of the season. Other iconic events include the July Cup, one of the most prestigious sprint races in the world, and the Cambridgeshire Handicap, a historic race first run in 1839.

A word or two about the atmosphere. Despite its status as a world centre of horse racing, Newmarket retains the atmosphere of a small English town. Visitors can watch the horses parade through the streets of the town for their morning training sessions, while the many pubs and restaurants offer the chance to meet famous trainers and jockeys. Both of Newmarket’s racecourses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to ensure spectator comfort and optimum racing conditions. Of particular note is the Millennium Grandstand at Rowley Mile, which opened in 2000 and offers superb views of the entire track.

Epsom is One of the Most Famous and Prestigious in the World

Epsom Racecourse LogoEpsom Racecourse, located in the county of Surrey, has a history spanning over 360 years and the main event, the Epsom Derby, is widely regarded as the most important classic horse race not only in the UK, but around the world. The Epsom Derby, first run in 1780, has become the benchmark for similar races around the world. This race for three-year-old thoroughbreds over a distance of 2,423 metres (1 mile 4 furlongs and 6 yards) is a true test of speed, stamina and skill. Winning the Derby is every owner, trainer and jockey’s dream.

The unique profile of the Epsom track makes these races particularly exciting. The left-hand track is horseshoe shaped with a steep downhill slope at the finish line. The difference in elevation is around 40 metres, requiring exceptional skill and stamina from horses and jockeys. The famous Tattenham Corner, just before the finish line, is often the key moment of the race.

In addition to the Derby, Epsom is famous for other prestigious races. For example, the Oaks, the fillies’ equivalent of the Derby, has been held here since 1779. Together these two races form the famous Epsom Festival, which attracts tens of thousands of spectators. The atmosphere of the festival during the races in Epsom is truly unique. The hill in the centre of the racecourse, known as ‘The Hill’, is open to the public free of charge and on the days of the main races it becomes a huge picnic area with thousands of spectators. Here you can meet both aristocrats in top hats and ordinary race fans in jeans and T-shirts.

Interesting fact: in 1913 during the Derby in Epsom there was a famous incident with suffragette Emily Davison, who ran out on the track in front of the royal horse and died. This event was a turning point in the fight for women’s rights in Britain. Today, Epsom Racecourse continues to be one of the premier horse racing centres in the world. Modern facilities, including a 11,000-seat grandstand, combine with the rich tradition and unique atmosphere of classic British horse racing.

Cheltenham is the Mecca for Steeplechase Fans

Cheltenham Racecourse LogoCheltenham Racecourse, located in the picturesque county of Gloucestershire, was founded in 1815 and has since become one of the most prestigious and popular racecourses in the UK, attracting hundreds of thousands of spectators each year. The highlight of Cheltenham’s racing calendar is the famous Festival, held every March. This four-day celebration of equestrian sport includes 28 exciting races, culminating in the legendary Cheltenham Gold Cup, one of the most prestigious steeplechase races in the world.

Cheltenham’s steeplechase course is unique. The challenging terrain, including uphill and downhill climbs and a variety of obstacles, from hurdles and fences to the complex bank and ditch systems of the Cross Country Chase, require exceptional skill and endurance from horses and jockeys. The famous climb to the finish line, known as Cheltenham Hill, is often the deciding factor in determining the winner.

Cheltenham is renowned not only for the quality of its racing, but also for its special atmosphere. The famous ‘Cheltenham Roar’ – the deafening cheer of the crowd that accompanies the horses to the finish line – has long been an integral part of the festival and one of the most memorable experiences for spectators. Cheltenham Racecourse has seen many legendary winning horses in its long history. These include the unbeaten Arkle, who won three consecutive Gold Cups here in the 1960s, and the magnificent Istabraq, who won the Champion Hurdle three times between 1998 and 2000. The stories of these champions have become part of Cheltenham’s rich heritage.

There have also been mishaps in history. In 2001, for example, the Cheltenham Festival was cancelled due to an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the UK. This is the only time the Festival has been cancelled since the Second World War, highlighting its importance to British equestrian sport. Today, Cheltenham Racecourse continues to evolve, combining tradition with modern technology. It has recently undergone a major refurbishment including the construction of a new 6,500-seat Princess Royal Stand. This has further improved the spectator experience whilst retaining the unique spirit of the ‘home of steeplechase’.

York is One of the Oldest Racecourses in the Country

York Racecourse LogoYork Racecourse, also known as the Knavesmire, is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and ancient racecourses in the UK, with a history dating back over 2,000 years. Located in the picturesque county of North Yorkshire, this racecourse combines rich heritage with modern technology.

The highlight of York’s racing calendar is the Ebor Festival, a four-day celebration held annually in August. The festival is named after the city’s Roman name, Eboracum. The centrepiece of the festival is the Juddmonte International Stakes, recognised in 2020 as the best horse race in the world by the World’s Top 100 Group/Grade 1 Races.

York Racecourse’s track is characterised by its straight and flat nature. The main circuit is 2,800 metres long, making it one of the longest in the UK. This allows for a variety of racing distances, from sprint races to marathon endurance trials. York Racecourse is famous not only for the quality of its races, but also for its atmosphere. There is a marvellous combination of elegance and accessibility. On the days of major races you can see both representatives of high society in exquisite outfits and ordinary race fans in casual clothes.

York Racecourse has seen many outstanding horses in its long history. One of the most famous was Frankel, the undefeated champion who scored his 13th and penultimate career victory here in the 2012 Juddmonte International Stakes. Interesting facts about the history of the racecourse: during the Second World War York was used as a training base for the Royal Air Force. Despite this, horse racing continued here, emphasising the importance of horse racing to British culture even in the most difficult of times. York’s picturesque surroundings add a special charm to a visit to the racecourse. The medieval city with its famous Gothic Minster, ancient walls and narrow streets provides a unique historical backdrop for modern horse racing.

Tips for Visiting British Racecourses

Visiting horse racing in the UK is not just a sporting event, but a real cultural experience. If you’re planning a visit to a racecourse anytime soon, here are some tips on how to make it a memorable experience:

  • How to get there: Most major racecourses have convenient transport links. For example, Ascot is easily accessible by train from central London in 50 minutes. Many racecourses also organise special bus routes on race days. If you plan to arrive by car, check parking options in advance – it may be limited on major event days
  • Dress code: British racecourses are renowned for their dress code, especially during prestigious events. For the Royal Enclosure at Ascot, for example, men are required to wear a strict morning suit, while women are required to wear dresses of a certain length and hats. However, many racecourses have areas with a looser dress code. Always check the dress requirements in advance on the official racecourse website
  • Betting: Betting on horse racing is a long-standing British tradition. Every racecourse has bookmakers and a Tote booths. Newcomers are advised to start with small bets and study the rules carefully. Don’t hesitate to ask experienced visitors or racecourse staff for advice – the Brits are renowned for their love of horse racing stories
  • Best time to visit: Every racecourse has its own calendar of events. The most prestigious races, such as the Royal Ascot or Epsom Derby, take place in the summer. However, tickets for these events can be expensive and hard to get. For a first introduction to horse racing, you can choose less popular but equally interesting events in the off-season

There are some additional secrets. For example, you need to arrive early to have time to look around and find a comfortable place. You should also bring binoculars to watch the races. Don’t forget sun protection in the summer and warm clothes in the cooler months – the weather in Britain is unpredictable. Whether you’re a seasoned racing fan or a novice, British racecourses offer an unforgettable experience for every visitor. By following these tips, you will be able to fully enjoy the atmosphere of one of the world’s most exciting sports.

Conclusion

United Kingdom Flag

British racecourses are more than just venues for horse racing, they are true temples of horseracing, preserving centuries of tradition and atmosphere. Each of the racecourses reviewed is unique and worth a visit. Whether it’s the royal glamour of Ascot, the historic grandeur of Newmarket or the ancient beauty of York, you’ll find an unforgettable experience. Equestrian sport in the UK continues to thrive, attracting new fans and maintaining its important place in the country’s culture. So a visit to a British racecourse is a journey of excitement, elegance and sportsmanship.