Across the Greater London, home counties and South West region there's a long and auspicious history of horse racing, featuring two of the UK’s biggest venues – Ascot and Epsom – amongst others. Some of the most important races in the UK are hosted here, and with the changing times horse racing has reinvented itself as a great family day out. Many race days now feature live music from household names, as well as child-friendly activities and food & drink.
Ascot Racecourse
Ascot is one of the leading racecourses in the UK – hosting more than a third of the highest tier of horse races. Primarily known for hosting the Gold Cup and its flagship racing event, Royal Ascot, the course boasts a close relationship with the Royal Family and the highest of UK society.
Notable races
Some of the top races held at Ascot include:
The Gold Cup – June
King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes – July
Shergar Cup – August
Getting to Ascot Racecourse
Ascot Racecourse is just a seven-minute walk from Ascot station. Trains run to Reading and London every 30 minutes, with extra trains on busy race days.
Epsom Downs Racecourse
Epsom Downs Racecourse | Image credit: Images George Rex Epsom Downs Racecourse is one of the UK’s best-known and is the host of the Derby – a globally-anticipated race meet that’s now more than 200 years old. The course features some of the fastest sprint racing in Britain, with its long downhill straights.
Notable races
Don’t miss these races at Epsom:
Great Metropolitan Handicap – part of the April Meet
Coronation Cup, The Derby, and the Princess Elizabeth Stakes – part of the Epsom Derby
Getting to Epsom Racecourse
Epsom station is easily reached from London Waterloo and Wimbledon. It’s a 10-minute taxi away on most race days, but you can take a shuttle bus during the Derby Festival.
Sandown Park Racecourse
Sandown Park Parade Ring | Image credit: George Redgrave
Located at Esher in Surrey, Sandown Park Racecourse hosts both racing and music, with regular concerts after race days.
Big names, including Spandau Ballet, UB40, and Madness, have all played at this popular venue.
Notable races
The most popular racing events at Sandown include:
Tolworth Novices’ Hurdle – January
Eclipse Stakes – July
Tingle Creek Chase – December
Getting to Sandown Racecourse
Just a short walk from Esher station, the racecourse has its own entrance at the southwestern end of platform four, open exclusively on race days.
Kempton Park Racecourse
Kempton Park Racecourse enjoys more than 210 acres of grounds with two lakes and an all-weather main racing track.
The racecourse hosts racing throughout the year but is known for its busy post-Christmas race days, featuring the King George VI and Kauto Star Novices’ Chases.
Notable races
Attend these popular races at Kempton Park:
Betway Handicap Chase – February
Sirenia Stakes – September
King George VI Chase - December
Getting to Kempton Park Racecourse
Kempton Park station borders the entrance to the racecourse, with two trains an hour on weekdays and Saturdays.
Exeter Racecourse
Known locally as Haldon Racecourse because of its location at the peak of the Haldon Hills, Exeter Racecourse was created during the reign of King Charles II – his love of the sport resulted in a series of racecourses across England. Nowadays, it serves as one of the highest-altitude National Hunt racecourses in the UK.
Notable races
Exeter Racecourse holds the annual Haldon Gold Cup in November.
Getting to Exeter Racecourse
Exeter St Davids is the nearest station to the racecourse. A free coach operates on race days to take you to the racecourse.
Royal Windsor Racecourse
Windsor Racecourse has hosted formal race meets since 1866 but has a history dating back as far as Henry VIII. Boasting one of only two figure-of-eight courses in the UK, the racecourse occupies an enviable position on the River Thames.
Notable races
The Winter Hill Stakes are the best-known races at Royal Windsor Racecourse.
Getting to Royal Windsor Racecourse
Taxis are available from Windsor & Eton Riverside station to the racecourse, but the river taxi is a great alternative – especially in the summer. Taking just 10 minutes from Barry Avenue Promenade (a short walk from the station), you’ll get to enjoy the meandering River Thames and the on-board bar.
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