10 Reasons to Visit York Racecourse

A day at the races can be a great day out for people of all ages. Whether you are fanatical about racing already, love horses or you enjoy a good day out with friends, we are confident you will enjoy your day at York.

1. Superb horses

Thoroughbred horses are a magnificent sight to see, with racing offering one of the best opportunities to see them close up. Visit the parade ring to watch the horses before a race, pick a winner, watch the jockeys mount and see them canter down to the start. We have Public Address speakers in specific zones around the paddock relaying our customised York Television service where our expert panel evaluate the runners. Place your bet and be up against the rails to hear the sound of hooves thundering past and see the horses flash by.

2. Celebrate a special occasion with brand name champagne at a great value price

Celebrating an anniversary, birthday or retirement? A day at the races offers a chance to celebrate in style. There is a wide range of restaurants that you can book in advance, look at this website for more details or call our hospitality team on (01904) 638971.

York is pleased to offer brand name champagne and at every meeting we offer a "Champagne of the meeting" for under £30 a bottle.

For hen and stag dos a raceday gives a pattern to your day and provides the chance to have something to eat and drink together. Click here for our range of special offers for groups and packages that make the day’s organisation a little easier whilst offering savings too for the 2010 season!

3. Early bird or group discounts on all days

On all racedays here at York we have a range of offers. Advance book County Stand badges up to two weeks before the raceday of your choice to take advantage of early bird discounts. There is a discount in Grandstand & Paddock for groups of six or more too. With groups booking 20 badges or tickets in advance for County Stand and Grandstand & Paddock receiving 1 free admission.

4. Families, young racegoers and children

Here at York, when accompanied by an adult under 16’s go free into any enclosure. In County Stand junior prices also apply, with those under 20 receiving discounts on production of age identification (under 22 for the Ebor Festival). Those over 65 also receive a discount for the Grandstand & Paddock enclosure.

York is committed to welcoming and encouraging the next generation of racegeors. Click here for our section on children and families.

5. Free car parking

For all meetings there is free car parking here at York Racecourse. We have ample parking facilities with the majority of car parking being only a short walk from the stands. There are also quick and convenient public transport links to and from the course. Click here to visit our ‘Getting Here’ guide.

6. Complimentary racecard in the County Stand

For all other enclosure these are available to buy at £2.50. The racecard holds much more information than the runners and riders for the races. You can learn more about the featured race; it’s history, successful trainers and runners. There is often a quiz or two to entertain and profiles of top trainers and jockeys. You will normally find the answer to any question you have on a raceday here, but if not, any member of the racecourse team will be happy to help.

7. Excellent Stands and Facilities

York has an array of stands and facilities for racegoers which combine both charm, modern infrastructure and great viewing. Click here for our interactive course guide.

The County Stand includes access to the Ebor Stand which was opened in 2003. This award-winning, £20m, five storey stand includes restaurants, bars and facilities with extensive views across the Knavesmire. Alongside the modern Ebor Stand is the Listed Old County Stand. Built in 1865 this Victorian Stand complete with barbers pole façade and the charming Gimcrack Restaurant. Completing the County Stand facilities are the ever-popular champagne terraces overlooking the parade ring, the destination Moet et Chandon Pavilion, the Verve Cliquot Lawn and the Melrose Stand adjacent to the Parade Ring.

The Grandstand and Paddock enclosure is dominated by the impressive Knavesmire Stand. Built in 1996 this award-winning, modern stand offers unrivalled track viewing, bars and facilities for racegoers. Behind the Knavesmire Stand is an extensive array of terraces, food outlets and Pavilions for racegoers to enjoy the atmosphere of a raceday at York. The Bustardthorpe Lawn allows racegoers to enjoy track views, take a seat and make use of the extensive catering options on our carefully manicured lawns.

The Course Enclosure offers one of the best value views in British racing. The sloping lawns from in the final furlong to the winning post with the dramatic backdrop of the York Stands is a stunning spot to view racing on a pleasant summer afternoon. This area come alive on a sunny afternoon when friends and family enjoy a picnic and the challenge of finding a winner.

8. Packages combining entry, food and drink

Our range of packages for the 2010 season have been designed to save you over 15% on the standard price of admission, food and a drink as well as providing you with the convenience of planning and paying for elements of your day in advance.

There are sit-down meal options for both the County Stand and Grandstand & Paddock, both including a drink. In the County Stand, there is a classic fish and fizz package ideal for those wishing to celebrate a special occasion. An afternoon tea option lets you enjoy a tradition of the English Summer.

Please click here for more information on each package. Alternatively call the bookings team on 01904 620911 to advance book.

9. The Press Family Sunday

Fun for all on Press Family Raceday; seven thoroughbred races plus our first ever pony race, bouncy castles, face painting, free ice cream and special appearances by Peppa Pig and George.

There is a special relaxed feel about the only Sunday of York’s year; it naturally attracts a family crowd and remember that under 16's go for free.

On the racecourse itself there are likely to be some close finishes as the handicaps flash past the line and in the past the day has seen a 100-1 winner!

The natural rhythm of a raceday allows plenty of time to get something to eat and drink aswell as providing room for quality time with the family. A wide range of additional entertainments have been expanded this year to ensure a happy day out for all ages.

For younger children Peppa Pig and George will also be visiting the racecourse on Press Family Sunday too, meeting and greeting children around the course. Retired Greyhounds are also visiting the course from Owlerton Stadium who are happy to say hello.

For those of all ages the funfair is back in town for this meeting. Bouncy castles are also located around the course. A wide range of additional entertainments in celebration of Family Day will ensure a happy day out for all ages, please keep visiting the website for further details of the extra entertainment programme as the season unfolds.

Enjoy County Stand admission and a traditional three course Sunday Roast for just £44 with under 12s at only £10. Call 01904 620911 to book.

Please note, for this special family meeting County Stand dress code is relaxed; gentlemen are not required to wear jacket, collar and tie.

Please click here to advance book tickets and badges for Press Family Sunday.

10. Locally Sourced Great Value Food

At York choose from countless places to eat and drink to suit your own raceday. We have a range of advance to choose from each offering something different to your day. Look at this website for more details or call our hospitality team on (01904) 638971.

For the 2010 season we have a range of meal deal packages enabling you to save on entry, food and drink for season. Click here to find out more information.

Visit our raceday food and drink section which highlights the full range of options that are available on a raceday too featuring everything from a quick snack through to 3-course luxury dining.