North West England is home to many racecourses with rich histories and a lot of prestige. Racing enthusiasts and fans will have a plethora of options to choose from, with several popular venues spread out across the region. Whether you are looking for a fancy day out with friends, a stylish hen or stag party, or simply looking for an unforgettable racing experience, the North West of England won’t disappoint you.
Aintree Racecourse – Liverpool
The Aintree Racecourse is located in Merseyside, five miles outside of Liverpool city centre. This racecourse is best known for hosting the iconic Grand National steeplechase, which takes place every year in early April. It is a Grade One national hunt course and is an extensive, spectator-friendly sporting facility. With approximately 75,000 spectators on Grand National Day every year, Aintree is without a doubt one of the best racecourses in the country.
About a mile away from Old Roan Station, Aintree is well-connected via rail, with trains to Liverpool’s Lime Street Station and Preston. It can also be reached via bus, and parking facilities are also available on-site for those driving down. You can also book an excursion tour of the Grand National course, which includes trips around the weighing room and Parade Ring.
Haydock Park – Merseyside
In nearby Merseyside, the Haydock Park is another prominent racecourse known to attract exceptional horseracing, including the Group 1 Betfair Chase in November each year. Opened in the early 1890s, Haydock Park boasts a wealth of positive features and amenities, including bars and restaurants, a giant screen and several betting areas. This racecourse can accommodate over 20,000 spectators, making it the ideal location for a thrilling day out in Northwest England.
Horse trainers and owners appreciate this course due to the level of equine welfare and security, with around-the-clock CCTV surveillance, an onsite veterinary team, and an equine medical centre. Haydock Park also has excellent transport connections, with the nearest train station being Newton-le-Willows, which is a 15-minute taxi journey away. Alternatively, you can access Haydock Park via car, bus, or coach.
Chester Racecourse – Chester
Chester’s historic racecourse is located in the heart of the city on the banks of the River Dee. This course is one of the oldest in the country, with its first race occurring back in 1539, and it is the oldest racecourse still in operation in England today. Many horse racing fans consider Chester to be a jewel in the crown of British horse racing due to its exceptional prize money, a packed racing calendar and the atmosphere created by its famous tight turns, which make for superb racing spectacles. For instance, the famous horse Lancelot, in the 1850s, narrowly won his races by turning on the sharp bends of this course.
The course is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and bars, meaning there are a lot of after-race events to attend within the city. You can access Chester Racecourse by rail or bus, with the train station being close by. Taxis and car hire services are also available for hire outside the course.
Catterick Racecourse – Catterick
Towards the East of the North West region, Catterick Racecourse lies between the cities of Middlesbrough and Richmond. It is one of the busiest courses in the north of the country, with meetings taking place year-round, including National Hunt fixtures and flat races. One of their annual fixtures is the highly anticipated Christmas race, which is held every December, and visitors can enjoy a range of facilities including the Bramham suite, free car parking, children’s entertainment and several dining options within the site.
The Catterick Course is accessible by road or bus. The closest train station is in Darlington, approximately half an hour away by road or rail. Private taxi services can also provide pick-up and drop-off services as opposed to using public transportation or driving yourself.
Final Thoughts
The North West region of England is home to several world-class racing venues that are open throughout the year. All the venues listed here provide a wide range of facilities and services, making them the perfect settings for an enjoyable and memorable day. Additionally, they can be reached by public transport, and private hire taxis are a great option for getting to and from each venue.
For a taste of exclusive racing, faultless hospitality, and thrilling entertainment, we highly recommend visiting any of the above venues. With such a fantastic range of choices, you’ll quickly discover why horseracing is such a popular pastime in the North West of England.
