FAQ’s

For safety reasons, only assistance dogs are permitted in racecourse enclosures on racedays.
Assistance dogs are those that have been specifically trained to support people who are deaf, blind, disabled, or have certain medical conditions.

If possible, please bring your assistance dog’s ID book, or ensure they are wearing a recognisable jacket or harness.

🐾 Please note: Dogs must not be left in cars while owners attend the races.

Yes — lots!
You’ll find a great mix of indoor and outdoor seating options across the racecourse:

🪑 Outdoor Seating

• Benches near the bandstand and on two sides of the Parade Ring in the Paddock Enclosure

• Benches under the trees at the Paddock and Club Enclosure entrances

• Chairs and tables behind the Parade Ring

• Chairs and tables opposite Theakston’s Bar

• Benches, chairs, and tables throughout the Club and Paddock grassed area beside the race track

☕ Indoor Seating

• Chairs and tables in all bars and the Fountains Café

• Seating in the Club Stand

• Concrete seating in the Paddock Stand

Yes — picnics are welcome in both the Paddock and Course Enclosures.

In the Course Enclosure only, racegoers may also bring their own alcoholic drinks to enjoy with their picnic.
Please note:

• A maximum of four cans per person (or equivalent) is permitted

• Glass bottles are not allowed

• BBQs are not permitted anywhere on site

Yes — tickets are usually available to purchase on the day for all Enclosures, unless they have sold out in advance.

If an enclosure does sell out, we’ll update this information on our website and social media channels before the event.

Please note that on-the-day prices are higher than advance purchase prices, so we always recommend booking online or by phone in advance to secure the best value.

Yes — you’re welcome to leave and re-enter the racecourse during the day. We continue to welcome racegoers until around the third or fourth race, so the gates remain open after racing begins.

If you need to return to the car park (for example, to meet friends or collect something from your car), please visit the Paddock Enclosure entrance to receive a pass that allows you to exit and re-enter the racecourse.

Yes — trainers are allowed, but we ask that they are clean and smart in appearance.

Please note:

• Scuffed, dirty, or heavily worn trainers are not permitted

• Sports or gym-style trainers should also be avoided

• Smart, casual fashion trainers are perfectly acceptable

We want everyone to feel comfortable while maintaining the racecourse’s smart-casual dress code.

Gates typically open around two hours before the first race. You can choose to:

• Arrive early to get settled and enjoy the atmosphere, or

• Come just in time for the first race.

Please note:

• The car park and entry gates are usually busiest one hour before the first race

• To avoid crowds and secure a parking space closest to the racecourse, we recommend arriving earlier

Yes — there is a cashpoint located next to the traditional sweet shop in the Paddock Enclosure. Please note that cash withdrawals incur a charge.

• There is no cashpoint on the Course Enclosure side.

• Cashback is available from Britbet betting points with a minimum £5 bet.

Yes — we offer student discounts on selected tickets.

• Under 18s go free.

• Students aged 18 and above receive a concession price when booking Paddock tickets.

• A valid student ID — including NUS, Totem, Student Beans, or Unidays — must be presented on entry.

• Shaded Areas: Plenty of shade is available in the Paddock and Club Enclosures. The Course Enclosure has very little natural shade, but you are welcome to bring your own parasol or gazebo for sun protection.

• Sunscreen: Sunscreen stations are located in all enclosures — find them at the Wakeman Bar, Theakston’s Bar, Course Bar, First Aid rooms, Grandstand Main Entrance, and the Information Hut.

• Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Free water is available at all bars, restaurants, and the Fountains Café.

• Racing usually goes ahead — cancellations are very rare, even in wet weather. The course would only close if it is flooded or racing is abandoned due to dangerous conditions.

• Shelter: There is plenty of shelter in the Paddock and Club Enclosures, and a small amount in the Course Enclosure.

• Preparation: We recommend wearing suitable footwear (wellies, boots, waterproof shoes) and bringing a coat or waterproof jacket if rain is forecast.

Main Free Car Park

• Provides access to the Club and Paddock Enclosures.

• The Course Enclosure can also be reached by walking into the centre and paying the per-person ticket price.

Cars on Course

• Drive directly into the centre of the racecourse.

• Parking is from £22 per car for up to 4 adults.

Free Shuttle Bus

If you prefer to park in town:

• A free shuttle bus runs in partnership with Atkinsons.

• Departure point: Coach park opposite Ripon Bus Station

• Timing: Runs for 60 minutes before the first race; returns begin 30 minutes before the last race and continue for approximately 1 hour.

• Extra buses operate on Feature Racedays, with multiple runs available.

• The majority of the racecourse is flat, with a mix of grassy areas and hard-standing surfaces.

• Club and Paddock Enclosures: A combination of grass and hard surfaces — completely flat.

• Course Enclosure: An open grassed area.

• Tip: If it is, or has been, raining, we recommend wearing suitable footwear when walking around the racecourse.

• Online bookings: Tickets are sent to your email address provided upon booking within minutes of completing your purchase.

• Package tickets: Tickets are posted, usually arriving one week before the raceday, and often earlier.

• Annual badges: Badges are typically sent the week before the season opens, and often arrive sooner.

• Locations: Baby changing facilities are available in each enclosure, including Members’ areas and Rowels Boxes. Check the Racecard map or signs around the racecourse. If you’re unsure, ask a member of staff.

• Paddock Ladies’ Toilets: This area includes a feeding area with a comfy chair, lockable door, and sink.

• High Chairs: Available in the Paddock, Club, and Course Enclosures. Ask a staff member if you need one.

• Free water is available at all bars and the Fountains Café.

• Bottled water can also be purchased at most concession stands.