About The Racecourse

Known as Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse, Ripon Races has been hosting some of the most exciting, prestigious, and enjoyable racing in the country for more than 300 years. Ripon Racecourse never fails to impress year on year with its outstanding backdrop, thrilling atmosphere, and location in one of the country’s most beautiful and historic cities. Ripon, North Yorkshire, is one of the oldest cities in England, boasting a market that stretches back centuries, making it a fantastic place to visit.

As one of the few racecourses to feature a permanent giant screen, racegoers can enjoy full away racing action and replays, ensuring that every moment of the excitement is captured.

About the track…

A right-handed, oval circuit of thirteen furlongs, with a run-in of five furlongs, and a straight six-furlong course. Owing to the rather cramped bends and the surface undulations in the straight, the track is rather sharp in character.

“In good conditions, Ripon is a front-runner’s course. There’s a ridge about a furlong and a half out, from where you can kick on and, if you can get away at that point, you’ll be very hard to beat. It’s a track that can give the impression of being bowling-green flat but, believe me, it’s not at all and a lot of horses get lost around there. On the sprint course, up against the stands’ side rail is the place to be, ideal for fast horses. They’ve worked hard on the round track latterly – and most horses handle it nicely.”

View from the saddle:
Jason Weaver – At The Races

Virtual Tour…

Take a tour of the Racecourse at Ripon Races – Google Maps

BEYOND THE RACECOURSE...

There’s so much to see and do in and around Ripon — so why not make a full day (or weekend!) of it? Whether you’re visiting with friends, family, or planning a short break, there are plenty of fantastic attractions just a short distance from the racecourse.

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Explore dramatic monastic ruins, beautiful water gardens, ancient woodland and free-roaming deer. One of Yorkshire’s most breathtaking heritage sites and only minutes from Ripon.

📍 Distance: ~5 miles / ~10 min drive from Ripon Racecourse | Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal | Yorkshire | National Trust

Ripon Cathedral

Discover over 1,300 years of history inside this stunning early-medieval cathedral, home to one of England’s oldest surviving crypts and a vibrant programme of events throughout the year.

📍 Distance: ~2 miles / ~5–10 min drive from Ripon Racecourse | Ripon Cathedral Celebrating Over 1350 Years of History

Newby Hall & Gardens

A must-visit for families and garden lovers alike. Enjoy award-winning gardens, riverside walks, a miniature railway, adventure playground and a beautifully designed historic house.

📍 Distance: ~6 miles / ~10–15 min drive from Ripon Racecourse | Home – Newby Hall

Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park

Perfect for younger children, offering rides, indoor play, outdoor adventures and seasonal events — all just a short drive from Ripon.

📍 Distance: ~4 miles / ~10 min drive from Ripon Racecourse | Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park | Theme Park Yorkshire

Ripon Spa Gardens

A peaceful Victorian park with colourful flower displays, a traditional bandstand and a sculpture trail. A lovely spot for a relaxed stroll before or after racing.

📍 Distance: ~2 miles / ~5–10 min drive from Ripon Racecourse

Ripon Museums – Workhouse, Police & Prison, and Courthouse

Step back into Victorian life across three interactive museums, ideal for families and anyone who enjoys hands-on history.

📍 Distance: ~2 miles / short drive or walk from Ripon Racecourse | Visiting Ripon – Ripon Museums

Ripon Canal Basin & Marina

Enjoy a peaceful stroll along Ripon’s scenic canal, with wildlife, narrowboats and plenty of quiet spots to pause and take in the view. On racedays, you can follow the towpath from the city centre straight to the Racecourse — or even arrive by canal boat.

📍 Distance: ~1 mile / ~5 min drive from Ripon Racecourse.

Ripon Market Square & Historic City Centre Walks

Explore the historic streets, shops, cafés and landmarks of Ripon, including the famous market square.

📍 Distance: ~2 miles / ~5–10 min drive | Walking Routes in Ripon | 5 Fantastic walks around the City

Make a Short Break of it…

With so much to enjoy in and around Ripon, why not turn your raceday into a mini getaway? From charming B&Bs and cosy pubs-with-rooms to hotels and countryside retreats, there’s plenty of welcoming accommodation just a short distance from the racecourse.

Explore your options on our Where to Stay page and start planning the perfect break.

LATEST NEWS

Where Glamour Meets the Turf: 6 Elite Horse Racing Destinations Worldwide

Few spectacles embody sophistication quite like a day at the races. Beyond the thunder of hooves and the rush of adrenalin lies a world defined by fashion, tradition, and indulgence. At horse racing’s most prestigious events, champagne flows as freely as conversation,...

Read News