There’s no shortage of great horse racecourses in the UK or great things to do in York, and happily, these two things overlap pretty nicely in the shape of York Racecourse.
This stunning, world-class horse racing facility is one of the best in England and has a history that stretches back to 1751. That’s reason enough to consider making a trip!
If your interest has been piqued, take a read through our tips below, where we’ll outline everything you need to know to get the most from your trip.
When To Go
There are races at York Racecourse throughout the year, so it’s worthwhile looking no matter when you’re planning to visit the city.
However, if you’re visiting York with the sole intention of checking out the racecourse, then we recommend doing so during the Ebor Festival, a four-day racing meet that takes place each August.
More than 90,000 people attend the event, which hosts some of the most prestigious races in European racing, including the Ebor Handicap and Nunthorpe Stakes.
Where to Stay
York Racecourse is situated close to the city centre, so it’s easiest to simply stay at one of the many hotels or b&bs in York. That’ll ensure that you get to enjoy the city as a whole before and after the races.
It’s extremely straightforward to get to York Racecourse from the centre of the city; there’s a shuttle bus that runs to the venue from York Railway Station on race days. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or drive there in your own vehicle.
Understanding the Races
With all the fun that accompanies a visit to York Racecourse, it’s sometimes easy to forget that the star of the show will be the horse races that take place on the track.
Whether you’re a horse racing expert or a newcomer to the sport, you can ensure that you get the most out of the races by reading up on expert tips and using free horse racing bets to back a winner before the action begins. You’ll have a great time regardless of whether your horse romps to glory, but your trip will be all the sweeter if they do!
Surviving the Day
Your day at the races will certainly be a lot of fun, but it’ll also be tiring if you don’t manage it correctly. First and foremost, get a good night’s sleep the night before your races. You’ll be excited to be in York, but it’s best to go into a big race day feeling fresh and energetic. You can also do yourself a big favour by wearing comfortable shoes.
Before you head to the racecourse, it’s recommended that you eat a big and healthy breakfast; you can buy food while you’re there, but it’ll be much better if you turn up with your stomach already full.
Also, don’t take the end of the races as the end of your day. There’s always a good atmosphere on a big race day, so be sure to take the trip back to York and enjoy all the amenities and restaurants that the city has to offer.
Other Sights to See
Your trip might first and foremost be about the races, sure, but let’s not forget that there are plenty of outstanding attractions in York that’ll be worth visiting if you haven’t been here before.
York Minster is an essential visit, as is Clifford Tower and York Castle Museum. Round it off with a ramble through the Shambles, and you’ll have a good sense of all the magic and history that the city has to offer.
