Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed?
For safety reasons, only assistance dogs are allowed into racecourse enclosures on racedays. Assistance dogs are dogs that have been trained in order to provide assistance to people who are deaf, blind or disabled people or those with certain medical conditions.
If possible please bring along your assistance dog’s ID book or ensure that your dog is wearing a recognisable jacket or harness.
Dogs must not be left in cars while owners come racing.
Are there places to sit?
Yes, lots! Here are the indoor and outdoor options:
• Benches near the bandstand and on two sides of the Parade Ring in the Paddock Enclosure (outdoor).
• Benches under the trees at the Paddock and Club Enclosure entrances (outdoor).
• Chairs and tables behind the Parade Ring (outdoor).
• Chairs and tables in all bars and the Fountains Cafe (indoor).
• Chairs and tables opposite the Theakston’s Bar (Outdoor).
• Benches, chairs and tables throughout the Club and Paddock grassed area by the race track
• Seating in the Club Stand
• Concrete seating in the Paddock Stand
Can I bring a picnic?
Picnics are welcome in both the Paddock and Course Enclosures. In the Course Enclosure only we offer racegoers the opportunity to bring their own alcoholic drinks to accompany their picnics. Please note there is a maximum allowance of four cans per person, or the equivalent, and strictly no glass bottles. BBQ’s are not permitted.
Can I buy tickets on the day?
Tickets are generally available for purchase on the day for all Enclosures, unless they have sold out in advance. If this is the case, it will be communicated on the website and via social media before the event. Please note that on the day prices are higher than purchasing tickets in advance online or over the phone, so we would always advise to book in advance if possible.
Can I exit and re-enter the racecourse?
Yes. We do not lock the doors after the first race and will continue to welcome racegoers until around the third or fourth race.
If you need to nip out to the carpark to find friends or get something from the car, you will need to go to the Paddock Enclosure entrance and receive a pass to leave and re-enter.
Can I wear trainers?
While the answer to this question is yes, it depends on the suitability of the trainers. We do not allow scuffed, dirty or very worn trainers, or those that could be classed as sports/gym trainers. We do allow smart/casual fashion type trainers.
How early should I arrive?
Gates will typically open approximately two hours before the first race, so you can choose to be one of the first in to get settled and soak up the atmosphere, or you can arrive just in time for the first race.
The car park does tend to get busy an hour before the first race, so if you want to avoid the busiest period, and get a parking space nearest the racecourse, then arrive earlier.
Is there a cashpoint?
We have a cashpoint available next to the traditional sweet shop in the Paddock Enclosure. Cash withdrawals incur a charge.
There is no cashpoint on the Course Enclosure side.
Cashback is available from Tote betting points with the purchase of a £5 minimum bet.
Is there a student discount?
Under 18’s go free, and students aged 18 and above will receive a concession price ticket when booking Paddock price tickets. A valid NUS, Totem, Student Beans or Unidays card will need to be provided on entry.
What happens if it is hot?
There are plenty of shaded areas in the Paddock and Club Enclosures. There is very little shade in the Course Enclosure, but it is possible to bring your own parasol or Gazebo to ensure respite from the sun.
We have sunscreen stations in all Enclosures. Find them in the Wakeman Bar, Theakstons Bar, Course Bar, First Aid rooms, the Grandstand Main Entrance and the Information Hut.
Drink plenty of water – remember that free water can be obtained in all bars, restaurants and the Fountains Cafe.
What happens if it rains?
You get wet.
What is the parking like?
Main FREE Car Park
This gives you access to the Club and/or Paddock Enclosures. You can also access the Course if you are planning on walking into the centre, paying the per person ticket price.
Cars on Course
This allows you to drive into the centre of the racecourse (from £20 for a car of up to 4 adults).
Free Shuttle Bus
If you would prefer to park in town, there is a FREE shuttle bus service in partnership with Sherwoods of Ripon runs for 90 minutes before the first race. The return shuttle runs for 30 minutes after racing.
The bus collects racegoers from the coach park opposite Ripon Bus Station and drops off at the course. Multiple runs are made throughout the periods of service, with additional buses in place for feature racedays.
What is the terrain like?
The majority of our terrain is flat and is made up of either grassy areas or hard standing. The Club and Paddock Enclosures is a mixture of both and is completely flat. The Course enclosure is an open grassed space.
It is advisable if it is or has been raining, to wear suitable footwear when walking around the racecourse.
When and how will I receive my tickets?
If you have booked online or over the phone and have elected to receive your tickets by email, you will receive them within minutes of making the booking. If you have elected to have your tickets posted, then the majority of tickets are posted out by the end of the following week. In all cases postal tickets will be sent at least one week before the event.
If you have booked package tickets you can expect to receive them by post, and they will be with you one week before the raceday, and much earlier in most cases.
If you have bought an annual badge then you can expect to receive it the week before the season opens, if not before.
Where are the baby changing facilities?
Baby changing facilities are located in each enclosure, including within the Members areas and Rowels Boxes, please consult the map in the Racecard or those dotted around the racecourse. If you are unsure where your nearest one is, please ask a member of staff.
The baby changing area in the Paddock Ladies’ toilets includes a feeding area with comfy chair, lockable door and sink.
High chairs are available in the Paddock, Club and Course enclosures, please ask a member of staff should you require one
Where can I get water?
Water is available for free at all bars and the Fountains Cafe. Bottles of water are also available to purchase at most concession stands.
Ripon and the surrounding area has many reasons to keep visitors interested and entertained. As well as those in the centre, such as the Cathedral and museums, Ripon has an abundance of top class visitor attractions within a 10-mile radius to complement any visit to the City itself. These include the World Heritage site of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Newby Hall (a stately home), the 14th century Ripley Castle, a modern theme park at Lightwater Valley and the village of Masham with its two breweries.
Ideally located to explore the Yorkshire Dales or even the North York Moors, there’s always plenty to do in and around the city for the young or not so young!
Ripon is a great place to stay or visit whatever the season. Whatever the purpose of your visit; a weekend break, a daytrip with friends, or a family holiday, we hope you’ll spend some time “amid Ripon’s ancient charms” and discover all that this vibrant City has to offer.
The Black A Moor
01765603511
www.blackamoorinn.com
Distance: 2 mins / 0.7 miles
The Royal Oak
01765 602284
www.royaloakripon.co.uk
Distance: 3 mins / 1.0 miles
The Old Deanery
01765 600003 www.theolddeanery.co.uk Distance: 4 mins / 1.3 miles
Valentino's
01765 604201 www.valentinosripon.co.uk Distance: 5 mins/1.5 miles
Riverside Lodges
07792 173128
www.riversidelodges.co.uk
Distance: 6 mins / 1.9 miles
The Ripon Inn
0191 5803610 www.inncollectiongroup.com/ripon-inn Distance: 6 mins/1.7 miles
The Unicorn
01765 643410
www.jdwetherspoon.com
Distance: 6 mins / 1.8 miles
Crescent Lodge
01765 609589
www.crescent-lodge.com
Distance: 6 mins / 2.2 miles
The White Horse
01765 603622
www.white-horse-ripon.co.uk
Distance: 6 mins / 2.2 miles
Swallow Cottage
07545098139 www.swallowcottageholidays.online
Distance: 7 mins / 2.7 miles
Rookery House
07545098139 ww.holidaycottages.co.uk/cottage/93105-rookery-house
Distance: 7 mins / 2.7 miles
Mill View Barns
01765 677334
www.millviewbarns.com
Distance: 10 mins / 4.1 miles
The Grantham Arms
01423 323980
www.granthamarms.co.uk
Distance: 10 mins / 5 miles
The Inn: South Stainley
01423 779 060 www.theinnsouthstainley.com Distance: 10 mins / 5.6 miles
Crown Hotel
01423 322328
www.crownhotelboroughbridge.co.uk
Distance: 10 mins / 5.6 miles
Grantley Hall
01765 620070
www.grantleyhall.co.uk
Distance: 13 mins / 5.7 miles
Hob Green Estate
www.hobgreenestate.co.uk
Distance: 14 mins /6.6 miles
The Boars Head
01423 771888
www.boarsheadripley.co.uk
Distance: 14 mins / 8.0 miles
Nidd Hall hotel
0330 135 9576
www.warnerleisurehotels.co.uk/hotels/nidd-hall-hotel
Distance: 19 mins / 9.8 miles
West Acre Lodge
01845 537369
www.westacrelodge.com
Distance: 27 mins / 16.8 miles Quote 'Provenance10 RACEDAY' for 10% discount
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Contact
Ripon Race Company Ltd
The Racecourse, Boroughbridge Road, Ripon,
North Yorkshire HG4 1UG
01765 530530
info@ripon-races.co.uk