Frequently Asked Questions

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. 

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

 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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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 and entry gates do tend to be at their busiest from 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.

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.

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. 

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 lotion 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. 

Cancellations are quite rare, especially in the warmer months. Unless the course is flooded due to heavy rainfall, or racing is abandoned due to dangerous weather conditions, then the racecourse will be open. There is plenty of shelter in the Paddock and Club Enclosures, and a small amount in the Course Enclosure. It is advisable to wear suitable footwear (wellies, boots, waterproof shoes) and bring a coat if it looks like it is going to rain.

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

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.

If you have booked online you will receive your tickets within minutes of making the booking.

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.

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

Water is available for free at all bars and the Fountains Cafe. Bottles of water are also available to purchase at most concession stands.