The UK hosts over 10,000 horse races and nearly 1,500 race meetings every year across more than 60 operating tracks. If you want to experience horse racing without spending a fortune, some venues offer significantly better value than others. The difference between attending Epsom Downs and Royal Ascot can be over £100 per person before you even factor in food, drinks, or travel.
Many people believe that all large racecourses in the UK have the same prices. That is not true. You can watch top racing for free in one place while another charges a price of GBP120 for general admission.
Knowing which tracks offer the best value helps you plan race days that are within your budget and that still deliver the fun factor. This guide lists the cheapest to most expensive UK’s four most famous racing venues. It shows you what you actually pay and where the hidden costs may be.
Epsom Downs – Free Entry and Family-Friendly Racing
- Last Event: Derby Festival, June 6-7, 2025
- Cheapest Entry: FREE (The Hill viewing area)
- Best For: Families, first-time racegoers, budget-conscious fans
Big UK racecourse at Epsom Downs is the only one where you can watch free. The Hill is a public area, you don’t need a ticket, you can bring blankets & food and you still get good track-side views. You only need to pay for parking that costing 10 pounds. Every June the Derby Festival attracts huge crowds. The Hill is filled with families, friends and people who want in on the race day but don’t want to pay a good bit of money for grandstand tickets. There are food stalls and vendors, drink stalls, large screens for replays, areas for betting and even a funfair. There are racecards to read the form and select horses, just like in paid areas.
If you want to upgrade from The Hill, the paid options start much cheaper than other major tracks:
- Upper Tattenham Enclosure: £25-£35 depending on which day.
- Grandstand & Paddock: £45-£65.
- Queen Elizabeth II Stand: £65-£95.
- Duchess’s Reserved Seating: £85-£110.
Even the mid range tickets at Epsom are cheaper than the cheapest tickets at Royal Ascot or Aintree on premium days. The dress code is relaxed compared to Ascot – you can wear smart casual and on normal days you can bring blankets. Hospitality packages start from GBP319 in picnic bundles to GBP969 at the Derby Suite.
Epsom Downs is in the rolling hills of Surrey and is thus one of the most beautiful racing courses in the UK. On clear days you can see the skyline of London from afar. The track is historically important as the name ‘Derby’ begins here as the first Derby was run in 1780. The name spread throughout the world and now means from the horse racing in Kentucky to Melbourne.
The casual atmosphere implies that there are no strict dress codes or formal manners. Families bring kids, people spread out on the grass and the vibe is more of a festival, as opposed to a formal sports event. For anyone who would like top-level racing without paying a lot, Epsom Downs is the way to go.
Budget Estimate: £10-£30 per person (free entry + parking, or entry-level paid ticket).
York Racecourse – £5 Entry and Historic Racing
- Last Event: Ebor Festival, August 20-23, 2025
- Cheapest Entry: £5 (Clocktower Enclosure, available race day only)
- Best For: Casual racing fans, families with children, groups looking for relaxed atmosphere
York offers the cheapest on-the-day entry of any major UK racecourse at just £5 for the Clocktower Enclosure. You can’t pre-book these tickets – they’re sold first-come, first-served on race day, which keeps the price low and makes it accessible for people who decide last-minute to attend. The Clocktower Enclosure gives you grassy bank viewing, access to food courts, bars, and bookmakers, with a relaxed vibe where picnics are welcome.
Children under 18 get in free when accompanied by an adult, which makes York particularly good value for families. A family of four (two adults, two kids) pays £10 total for entry. Compare that to theme park tickets where a single day costs £180-£240 for the same family, and the value becomes obvious.
The Ebor Festival runs for four days in August and attracts serious racing enthusiasts who appreciate the quality of competition without the pretension you get at some southern tracks. York Racecourse was founded in 1731, so the track carries substantial history, but it doesn’t force that heritage down your throat with stuffy dress codes or members-only areas.
Other ticket options at York include:
- Knavesmire Stand (Course Enclosure): £20-£30.
- Grandstand & Paddock: £35-£50.
- County Stand (Premier): £50-£75, which includes a racecard.
- Hospitality packages: From £125+.
York raced over to add early bird discounts to their site, netting an additional blocking of £5-10 for ticket purchases. The Clocktower Enclosure does not allow glass bbg’s, or gazebos, but allows soft drinks and food, saving £50-80 total food expenses over spending gotten food on repeat track visits.
The racecourse sits over Yorkshire, it is more easily accessible for northern England people rather than traveling over to London and the southeast. Direct return trips from London for £50-80 if traveling from the southern end. However, locals can easily access train transport from Leeds, Manchester, or Newcastle.
York is not only cheap racing, but also convenient to a beautiful city. The race is booked for stunning sites within the city, which includes the historically sequenced city walls, the john minster cathedral and of course, the medieval intersection known as The Shambles. It is advisable to book an overnight accommodation to round turn the race day into a weekend trip. A basic nightly accommodation averages to 60-80 for low range hotels or travel lodges.
Budget Estimate: £5-£35 per person (Clocktower entry or mid-range tickets), plus travel and food if not bringing your own.
Aintree – Home of the Grand National
- Last Event: Grand National Festival, April 3-5, 2025
- Cheapest Entry: £31.50 (Festival Zone)
- Best For: Grand National fans, groups looking for atmosphere, Liverpool weekends
Aintree’s pricing reflects the massive global interest in the Grand National. This is one of the most-watched horse racing events on the planet, attracting millions of TV viewers and sell-out crowds. The cheapest entry point is £31.50 for the Festival Zone, which gives you access to the Parade Ring, live music and entertainment, food and drink facilities, big screens, and betting areas.
The Grand National Festival runs across three days in early April:
- Thursday (Opening Day): Cheapest day to attend at £31.50.
- Friday (Ladies Day): Mid-range pricing.
- Saturday (Grand National Day): Premium pricing with limited availability.
Most enclosures for Grand National Day Saturday are already sold out months in advance, and the remaining tickets start at £45 for The Embankment. The Embankment gives you prime views of the first fences where horses tackle the iconic Grand National obstacles, but you don’t get access to the main course or Parade Ring side. It’s the cheapest route to watch the Grand National in person if you’re determined to be there on the actual day.
Other ticket options at Aintree include:
- West Tip Seats: £55-£75.
- Earl of Derby Terrace: £55-£75.
- Lord Daresbury Roof: £65-£85.
- Queen Mother Roof: £95-£120.
- Hospitality packages: From £240+ on Opening Day to £435+ on Grand National Day.
Aintree has a different vibe than Ascot, where it is all about champagne and high fashion. At Aintree, it is a more about the thrill of the race and the challenge of jumping the fences. The Grand National is one of the ultimate tests of horsemanship, as it combines massive fences and unpredictable turns over a long distance. This creates an edge of the seat race that is great for spectators.
During Grand National week, most of the city of Liverpool is incorporated in the Grand National celebrations, as racegoers and punters take over the city and take it over. The city is always buzzing with activity, including after the last race. Liverpool city centre has great nightlife, music venues, and restaurants which is all easily accessible if you stay in the budget accommodation that is around 70-100 pounds a night that is about a 15 minute walk from the racecourse.
If you’re into betting and want to maximize value, many platforms run horse racing promos during major events like the Grand National, offering sign-up bonuses or enhanced odds that can offset some of your ticket and travel costs. These promotions usually require creating a new account, so they work best if you haven’t already signed up with that particular bookmaker.
Budget Estimate: £31.50-£75 per person for general admission, depending on day and enclosure choice.
Royal Ascot – Premium Racing and Dress Code Costs
- Last Event: Royal Ascot, June 17-21, 2025
- Cheapest Entry: £29-£50 (Windsor Enclosure, varies by day)
- Best For: Special occasions, fashion enthusiasts, once-in-a-lifetime experiences
Royal Ascot is the most expensive major racecourse to attend in the UK, with prices that escalate dramatically depending on which day you choose and which enclosure you book. The cheapest option is the Windsor Enclosure on Tuesday at £29, but that price climbs to £50 by Saturday. Even the “cheap” tickets at Royal Ascot cost more than premium tickets at York or standard tickets at Aintree.
The price breakdown across the five-day festival shows how costs increase:
Tuesday:
- Windsor Enclosure: £29-£35.
- Queen Anne Enclosure: £95-£99.
Wednesday:
- Windsor Enclosure: £35.
- Queen Anne Enclosure: £95-£99.
Thursday (Ladies’ Day):
- Windsor Enclosure: £45.
- Queen Anne Enclosure: £110.
Friday:
- Windsor Enclosure: £45.
- Queen Anne Enclosure: £110.
Saturday:
- Windsor Enclosure: £50.
- Queen Anne Enclosure: £120.
There isn’t an official dress code at the Windsor Enclosure but they suggest going for smart daywear. You’ll be given access to the main viewing spots, food and drink stalls and a great atmosphere.
The Village Enclosure is only Thursday to Saturday and is priced at GBP60 – GBP80. It’s in the track, has DJ sets, boutique bars and post-race fun till 9pm. It’s aimed at the younger crowds who wish to get the Ascot buzz but with the party feel rather than the usual stuffy racing experience.
As members or by invitation only, the Royal Enclosure is for members only. You need a $100 joining fee, an annual dues, as well as you have to get sponsored by two current members to even try to apply. The dress code is the strictest of the UK – men in morning dress and women in formal day clothes with hats. That leads to additional costs, since most people don’t have a morning suit or fascinator ready to wear.
Royal Ascot was initiated by Queen Anne in 1711, and the royal family still appear every year. The prestige and history fuel a worldwide demand from people keeping prices high. The fastest horses in the world race there, the fashion’s a big part of the show and the whole thing has a level of formality there other UK tracks don’t have.
Hospitality packages start from GBP450 and work their way up to GBP1,500+ for top-tier suites with champagne, multi-course meals and private viewing spots. These packages sell out months in advance, and hotels in the area of Windsor sell out and increase their rates in anticipation of Ascot week.
The dress code incurs hidden costs that people tend to forget when comparing ticket prices. The hiring of a morning suit is between GBP150 and GBP200 a day. Women’s fascinum go from as basic as GBP50 to designer pieces as high as GBP300+. Formal day dresses that would be suitable for Ascot were around GBP100-150 unless you had one. If you’re coming with a partner, you’re looking at another 200GBP+ in clothing costs on top of tickets and travel.
Budget Estimate: A budget estimate is divided into the following categories:- Admission: GBP29~GBP120 per person Dress code compliance: GBP200~GBP500 Travel and accommodation.
Making Racing More Affordable: Tips and Tricks
Booking early saves 20 – 40% on tickets at most racecourses. Aintree, York and Ascot all have early bird pricing if you can book 6-8 weeks in advance. Last minute bookings in race week can cost 50% more than advance tickets.
Attending a midweek or on opening days greatly reduces costs. Thursday tickets at Aintree are GBP31.50 whereas on Grand National Saturday are GBP45+. Tuesday at Royal Ascot costs GBP29 in the Windsor Enclosure as opposed to GBP50 on Saturday. The racing quality doesn’t dip on opening days – you are just missing the highest pricing that the biggest race day draws.
There are student discounts at a number of venues. York offer 50% off if verified with Student Beans. Royal Ascot offers 2 for 1 offers on selected days via National Rail on occasion. Group bookings of 10+ people usually get 10 – 15% off at the most tracks.
Kids under 18 can join the adults for free entry at York, Epsom and Aintree. That changes the cost of a family day – instead of having to pay for four tickets, you only have to pay for two adults.
Taking your own food saves you anywhere from GBP50-100 per family on buying everything at the track. The Clocktower at York and The Hill at Epsom both allow for picnics. Even at venues that do not officially allow outside food, you can eat ahead of time and save money on pricey track catering.
The cost of travel varies considerably depending on location. A direct train from Epsom to London Waterloo takes approximately 35 minutes. York is longer distance from the south but has good links from northern cities. Aintree perks from Liverpool’s budget accommodation options. Ascot requires either pre-booked parking or shuttle services at an added cost of 15-25GBP to your bill.
The overall cost of a race day at Epsom can be less than GBP30 per person of the cost of entry and parking. The person at Royal Ascot on Saturday of all the rigmarole over the dress code can easily be more than 300 quid for each person present before the hospitality. Knowing these differences helps you to pick venues that fit your budget without throwing out the racing quality or atmosphere.
