If you know anything about horse racing, you will know that there is no shortage of racecourses in the UK. With so many racecourses out there, it’s hard to distinguish one from another. However, there are 10 racecourses that stand out from the rest. Some of these are historical and prestigious, others are well known and popular. Many of them have royal links, but others are popular for hosting exciting races. Whatever it is that makes them special, these are the 10 racecourses that are considered the best of the best in the UK.
10 UK Racecourses Everyone Should Know About
Cheltenham - Set in around 350 acres of countryside, Cheltenham is one of the most well known racecourses in the UK. It was opened back in 1815, and since then it has been drawn in regular crowds of up to 68,000 people. One of the main events at Cheltenham is the Cheltenham Festival, which runs over four days each and every March. More about Cheltenham racecourse and its history.
York - Racing at York dates back to 1530, making it one of the oldest racecourses in the world. Not only is York racecourse a tourist attraction and huge hit with history buffs, but it’s also a heritage site. York has been named the Best Racecourse in Britain on four separate occasions and it’s easy to see why.
Aintree - If you know anything about racecourses in the UK, you will know that Aintree is one of the best. It’s home to the Grand National and has been since 1839, it attracts crowds of around 70,000 each year and it boasts the longest jumps race in the UK. It’s a key player in the world of racecourses.
Ascot - There is no denying that Ascot is one of the UK’s most prestigious racecourses and, thanks to its royal links, it continues to be one of the top racecourses in the country. It was opened in 1711 by Queen Anne and it’s welcomed the likes of Queen Elizabeth II, as well as other members of the royal family, since then.
Haydock - With both flat races and jumps races, Haydock does it all. It’s where racing fanatics can check out the Betfair Chase, one of three races that make up the Chase Triple Crown. Haydock opened in 1899 and since then it has been a key part of Merseyside. Haydock Park Racecourse
Newmarket - Located in Suffolk, Newmarket racecourse holds 45,000 people. Though this is less than some of the other top UK racecourses, it's still an impressive crowd. Newmarket dates back to 1622 and it’s seen an impressive number of races. Now, Newmarket hosts two Classic Races and none of the annual group one races.
Goodwood - When it comes to racecourses, it’s hard to deny the beautiful surroundings of Goodwood. It’s located within the Goodwood Estate, which spans 12,000 acres, which hosts the Goodwood Festival each year. Though the event began in 1802, it’s still as popular now as it has always been. Around 20,000 people visit Goodwood racecourse every day.
Doncaster - Whereas some racecourses are specific, Doncaster does it all. It has a multipurpose track, which allows it to host national hunt racing and flat racing. It’s the oldest flat classic race course in the UK and it dates back to 1776, though there are records to suggest it has been around in one capacity or another since 1595.
Windsor - In Berkshire, you will find 165 acres of greenery which is home to Windsor racecourse. It has a unique figure of eight shape, making it a memorable racecourse that stands out from the rest. This allows flat races to be run in a smaller area, and it’s something that very few other racecourses boast. Windsor’s first race was held in 1866 and it’s a favourite racecourse of Queen Elizabeth II, who regularly visits the course during her stays at Windsor Castle. In fact, her own horses have made an appearance on the course.
Newbury - Since 1905, Newbury racecourse has hosted flat and national hunt races. It also hosts Lockhinge Stakes and major hunt meetings throughout the year, such as the Hennessy Gold Cup. Queen Elizabeth II enjoys spending time at Newbury, and even had two of her horses take part during her 86th birthday celebrations.
Coach Hire to the UK’s Top 10 Racecourses
As you can see, there are a number of impressive racecourses dotted around the UK. Though a day at the races is enjoyable, it does require some planning. There is no denying that getting to and from a racecourse can be difficult, especially if you are travelling as a large group or you have a long distance to travel. This is why a lot of people opt to hire a coach.
Not only does coach hire make getting from A to B a lot simpler, but it gives you one less thing to worry about. Instead of fretting about when you should leave and the route you should take, you can hand everything over to an experienced and professional driver. You can arrive on time and in style, ready to cheer on who you are supporting without having to think about transport. At the end of the day, you can relax as you head home without having to worry about public transport or driving yourself.
It doesn't matter which racecourse you are heading to, you can rely on coach hire services to get you there without delays and without any discomfort.
If you are looking for coach hire services to and from racecourses in the UK, you have come to the right place. At Coach Hire Direct, we are on hand to get you to where you need to be. We go above and beyond to offer a reliable service, regardless of where you need to be. To find out more, get in touch with the helpful Coach Hire Direct team.