England has a long-standing connection with horse racing. Racecourses can be found across the country, offering events that appeal to a wide range of interests.

This Mr Luck guide looks at some of the well-known racecourses in England, highlighting their role in the sport and what you can expect when visiting. Whether you are new to racing or simply want to learn more, this overview could offer a useful starting point.

Famous English Racecourses List: How Many Are There?

There are many racecourses across Great Britain, with the majority based in England. Each venue has its own distinct features, ranging from nationally recognised courses to smaller, regional tracks. Some race meetings are relatively quiet, while others attract larger crowds, particularly during high-profile fixtures.

Well-known names such as Ascot, Aintree and Epsom Downs are familiar to many people. Ascot hosts Royal Ascot each June, a five-day flat racing event that receives considerable public and media interest. Aintree is the venue for the Grand National, a major jump race followed by a wide audience. Epsom Downs is home to both the Derby and the Oaks, two of the five British Classics in flat racing.

Other prominent racecourses include Newmarket, which is often considered the headquarters of flat racing in Britain, with its two main tracks: the Rowley Mile and the July Course. York has a strong reputation for its history and well-attended race days, while Goodwood, located in West Sussex, offers flat racing in a rural and scenic environment. Each racecourse varies in its focus, with some dedicated to either flat or jump racing, and others offering both.

Across the country, race meetings take place throughout the year. From evening fixtures in the summer to jump racing in the colder months, there is a diverse calendar of events available for those with an interest in the sport.

How Many English Racecourses Are There?

There are over 40 racecourses located in England alone, each varying in size, layout and type of racing offered. Some are set in cities and towns, while others are based in more rural or coastal areas. A number are linked to major racing festivals, while others cater to regular fixtures throughout the year.

Each venue has its own race programme. Some focus on flat racing, which takes place on turf or all-weather surfaces. Others specialise in jump racing, where horses compete over fences and hurdles. A few racecourses hold both types of racing during different parts of the season.

As the format, history and location vary across the list, no two courses are exactly the same. This allows you to explore different experiences depending on where you go and what type of event you are attending.

List of English Racecourses

Aintree

Located in Merseyside, Aintree is world-renowned as the home of the Grand National—arguably the most famous steeplechase in the world. The course hosts jump racing and draws huge crowds each April.

Ascot

Situated in Berkshire, Ascot is one of the most prestigious racecourses in the UK. It hosts the world-famous Royal Ascot meeting each June, attracting royalty and elite flat racing talent from around the globe.

Bangor-on-Dee

This charming jump racing course in North Wales offers a friendly and relaxed race-day atmosphere. It’s popular for its accessibility and picturesque riverside setting.

Bath

Perched on Lansdown Hill above the historic city of Bath, this flat racing course is known for its unique left-handed oval layout and scenic views. It’s one of the highest racecourses in the country.

Beverley

Nestled in the East Yorkshire countryside, Beverley hosts flat racing throughout the spring and summer. It offers a traditional British racing experience in a rural setting.

Brighton

Set high on the South Downs overlooking the sea, Brighton Racecourse provides coastal flat racing with a quirky horseshoe-shaped track. It’s known for its relaxed vibe and sea views.

Carlisle

Located in Cumbria, this dual-purpose course offers both flat and jump fixtures. It’s admired for its rolling terrain and strong local support, especially for National Hunt racing.

Cartmel

One of the most unique and picturesque jump venues in England, Cartmel is located in the Lake District. It offers a festive, village-like race-day experience with large holiday crowds.

Catterick

A compact, no-frills racecourse in North Yorkshire, Catterick runs both flat and jump meetings year-round. It is known for its friendly atmosphere and tight, turning track.

Chelmsford City

Based in Essex, Chelmsford is one of the newest all-weather racecourses in the UK. It offers high-quality flat racing under floodlights, attracting competitive fields.

Cheltenham

A premier National Hunt venue, Cheltenham is famed for the Cheltenham Festival each March. It’s the spiritual home of jump racing in Britain and a bucket-list location for fans.

Chepstow

Near the England–Wales border, Chepstow hosts both flat and jump racing. It’s best known as the site of the Welsh Grand National and features a demanding, undulating course.

Chester

The oldest operational racecourse in Britain, Chester offers flat racing on a tight, circular track in the heart of the historic city. It’s famous for its vibrant social scene and unique layout.

Doncaster

This South Yorkshire track is home to the St Leger Stakes, the final leg of the British flat racing Triple Crown. It also hosts jump meetings and major flat fixtures throughout the year.

Epsom Downs

Situated in Surrey, Epsom is synonymous with The Derby, one of the world’s most prestigious flat races. The course features a challenging, undulating layout with dramatic camber.

Exeter

Located on Haldon Hill in Devon, Exeter is a respected jumps-only course offering competitive racing. The sweeping, galloping track makes it a favourite for true stayers.

Fakenham

This compact jump track in Norfolk is known for its tight bends and welcoming atmosphere. It’s ideal for spectators who enjoy being close to the action.

Fontwell Park

In West Sussex, Fontwell offers jump racing on Britain’s only figure-of-eight track. It’s popular for midweek fixtures and family-friendly events.

Goodwood

Set on the South Downs in West Sussex, Goodwood hosts the iconic Glorious Goodwood festival each summer. The track is scenic and known for high-quality flat racing.

Great Yarmouth

A flat racing course near the Norfolk coast, Great Yarmouth hosts summer fixtures with a holiday atmosphere. The straight mile makes it a good test for horses.

Haydock Park

Located between Liverpool and Manchester, Haydock hosts top-class flat and jump racing. It’s known for its long straight and ability to handle wet ground well.

Hereford

Reopened in recent years, this jumps-only course in Herefordshire runs primarily in the cooler months. It offers an intimate and traditional racing experience.

Hexham

One of the most remote courses in England, Hexham is a scenic jumps venue in Northumberland. The hilly layout and sweeping turns are a test of stamina.

Huntingdon

Situated near Cambridge, Huntingdon is a well-regarded National Hunt course. It features a flat, fast track that suits nimble types and hosts races year-round.

Kempton Park

This dual-purpose course in Surrey offers top-tier jump racing—including the King George VI Chase—and all-weather flat racing on a Polytrack surface.

Leicester

Hosting both flat and jumps meetings, Leicester Racecourse is just outside the city centre. It has a rich history and varied racing calendar.

Lingfield Park

A busy racecourse in Surrey offering both flat and jump racing. The all-weather track is popular for winter racing and supports a wide range of trainers.

Ludlow

A historic jumps-only venue in Shropshire, Ludlow offers a traditional race-day feel with a loyal following. Its well-kept course suits speedy chasers.

Market Rasen

Located in Lincolnshire, Market Rasen is one of few jump-only courses to operate mainly in summer. It’s well-known for its Summer Plate meeting.

Newbury

This high-quality dual-purpose track in Berkshire offers prestigious flat races like the Lockinge Stakes, as well as strong jump fixtures during the winter.

Newcastle

A modernised venue offering jump racing and all-weather flat racing on a Tapeta surface. The straight mile is a popular feature with trainers and punters.

Newmarket (Rowley Mile & July Courses)

The heart of British flat racing, Newmarket hosts many Group 1 races including the 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas. Its dual tracks accommodate both spring and summer action.

Newton Abbot

A compact jumps venue in Devon with summer racing and a loyal following. It’s especially popular for weekday fixtures in warm weather.

Nottingham

With racing dating back to the 1700s, this flat-only venue in the Midlands is known for its long straight and reliable ground. It’s a popular proving ground for younger horses.

Plumpton

Tucked into the Sussex countryside, Plumpton is a small but passionate jumps-only course. Its sharp track and tight bends make for competitive racing.

Pontefract

A left-handed flat course in West Yorkshire with a strong spring and summer schedule. It features a stiff uphill finish that suits staying horses.

Redcar

This flat course on the Yorkshire coast hosts seasonal racing with a laid-back feel. It features a long straight and is popular with Northern-based stables.

Ripon

Known as the Garden Racecourse for its pretty setting, Ripon is a flat track in North Yorkshire. Its undulating layout offers a fair test to all runners.

Salisbury

A picturesque flat racing venue in Wiltshire with a long heritage. It’s respected for producing top-class horses in its maiden and Listed events.

Sandown Park

Located in Esher, Surrey, Sandown offers high-profile flat and jump racing. Its calendar includes the Tingle Creek Chase and the Eclipse Stakes.

Sedgefield

A friendly jumps-only course in County Durham, Sedgefield is known for its relaxed vibe and a schedule filled with midweek meetings.

Southwell

Offering both jump racing and all-weather flat fixtures on a Fibresand (recently Tapeta) surface, Southwell is a reliable winter venue with frequent racing.

Stratford-upon-Avon

A National Hunt course in Warwickshire, Stratford features a sharp, right-handed circuit. It’s popular in summer months for evening meetings.

Taunton

This jumps-only track in Somerset features tight turns and a full fixture list. It has a reputation for competitive racing in a rural setting.

Thirsk

A flat racing course in North Yorkshire that runs from spring to autumn. The layout is sharp and suits horses with tactical speed.

Uttoxeter

Located in Staffordshire, Uttoxeter is a popular jumps venue known for the Midlands Grand National. It offers competitive racing year-round.

Warwick

Near the historic town, Warwick runs jump racing with quality fixtures, including trials for the Cheltenham Festival. It has a testing layout with tricky fences.

Wetherby

Once jumps-only, Wetherby now hosts flat racing as well. It’s a strong Northern venue with a loyal following and well-maintained facilities.

Wolverhampton

A busy all-weather flat course offering evening and winter racing. It features a Tapeta surface and draws runners from across the UK.

Worcester

This riverside jumps course in Worcestershire runs during the summer and autumn months. It’s known for flat, galloping tracks and good viewing for spectators.

York

One of Britain’s leading flat racing venues, York hosts the Ebor Festival and Dante Stakes. Its historic grandstands and big crowds make for a top-class atmosphere.

What Is The Most Famous Racecourse In The UK?

Ascot is one of the most recognised racecourses in Britain. It is located in Berkshire and dates back to 1711. Royal Ascot, which takes place in June, is a highlight of the flat racing calendar. The event is attended by many and features Group-level races over five days.

While there are other well-known venues across the country, Ascot’s profile, race history, and links to racing traditions set it apart. For many, it is a notable symbol of British horse racing.

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