How accessible are racecourses in the UK?

Immersed in the fabric of British culture for many years, horse racing stands as a tradition that continues to captivate the nation, especially during the eagerly anticipated racing season. With the UK home to over 50 racecourses scattered throughout the nation, it becomes increasingly crucial for individuals with accessibility requirements to know how well these racecourses can accommodate those who have accessibility needs.

In this accessibility guide, we have looked at some of the most popular racecourses, focusing on how accessible they are to wheelchair and stair lift users and if they have certain facilities such as accessible toilets, accessible viewing areas, parking, and more.

This will highlight how certain racecourses prioritise accessibility, ensuring that everyone, irrespective of their needs or limitations, can partake in and relish the spectacle of horse racing.

Key findings

• Ascot is the most accessible major racecourse in the UK, achieving a near-perfect accessibility score.
• Cheltenham, Newmarket and Goodwood came joint-second with these racecourses offering all of the accessibility facilities the study looked at.
• Only five out of 10 racecourses offer wheelchair hire/rental options.
• All 10 racecourses that the study looked at offer free or discounted tickets to carers for visitors who have limited mobility or a disability.

What are the most accessible racecourses in the UK?

Ascot

• Accessible Toilets: Yes
• Accessible Entrances: Yes
• Wheelchairs Available to Hire/Loan: Yes
• Wheelchair Accessible Viewing Areas: Yes
• On-site Disabled Parking: Yes
• Discounted Carer Tickets or Free Entrance: Yes
• Audio Descriptive Commentary/Listening Devices: Yes
• Guide Dogs Welcome: Yes
• Google Review Score: 4.6/5
• Accessibility Score: 12.6/13

Ascot is a racecourse that boasts a rich history, and it plays host to one of the world’s most prestigious race meetings, Royal Ascot. The racecourse’s heritage dates back to 1711 when Queen Anne founded the land, and thus Ascot Racecourse was born.

Over the past 300 years, there have been champions crowned and legends made, as well as hundreds of thousands of racegoers. Now, there are more than 20 race days and a variety of non-racing events, such as music concerts that are hosted at Ascot every year.

Kitty, the writer behind the Kitty Meets World blog, was impressed with the facilities at the racecourse:

“I had my issues with the ticket process, but I did think the facilities offered at Royal Ascot were good.

“Within the Village Enclosure, there was a large building with numerous bathrooms. There was generally a line, but it moved fast, and the bathrooms were clean and perfectly adequate (not just port-a-potties). Around the grassy main area of the Village Enclosure were many trucks selling food and/or drinks.”

When it comes to the most visited racecourses in the UK, Ascot came out as the most accessible. The study revealed that the racecourse offers all of the facilities looked at, including on-site parking for Blue Badge holders, accessible toilets, and complimentary tickets for carers or a personal assistant. There are also dedicated accessible viewing areas in each of the enclosures, so visitors with limited mobility are guaranteed a great view.

You can find out more about Ascot racecourses’ accessibility here.

Cheltenham

• Accessible Toilets: Yes
• Accessible Entrances: Yes
• Wheelchairs Available to Hire/Loan: Yes
• Wheelchair Accessible Viewing Areas: Yes
• On-site Disabled Parking: Yes
• Discounted Carer Tickets or Free Entrance: Yes
• Audio Descriptive Commentary/Listening Devices: Yes
• Guide Dogs Welcome: Yes
• Google Review Score: 4.5/5
• Accessibility Score: 12.5/13

Dubbed the home of jump racing, the Cheltenham Racecourse is where the most prestigious and iconic races are run. The course is over 360 acres that are nestled in the beautiful Cotswold hills. Across the season, there are usually around 16 days of top-class Jump racing.

The Cheltenham Festival is the racecourse’s premier event, and the pinnacle of the Jump racing calendar. Over 265,000 racegoers attend the racing event every year and witness history being made across four extraordinary days of racing.

Cheltenham-born Laura Kemp is the travel blogger behind What Laura Did Next, and she talks about the Cheltenham Festival and what visitors can expect:

“The Cheltenham Festival is the most famous series of races, comprising Gold Cup Day – in fact, it’s the most important week in the jump racing calendar. Some even say it’s the Olympics of jump racing, and it’s all about the best of the best.

“There are over 28 races across four days in Cheltenham’s most celebrated week of the year, and the prize money up for grabs is well over £4 million. Cheltenham Festival brings together all the best horses, trainers, and jockeys for some of the best horse racing you’ll see in the year, and over 250,000 racegoers attend Cheltenham Races each year to join in on the revelry.”

Cheltenham Racecourse finished joint-second in the accessibility table as it offers racegoers with limited mobility and disabilities a range of facilities to enable them to get the most out of their day. Some of the facilities available include accessible viewing platforms for the track and parade ring, wheelchairs that can be hired by racegoers, and accessible parking spaces on-site, although these should be pre-booked.

You can find out more about Cheltenham racecourse’s accessibility here.

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Newmarket Racecourses

• Accessible Toilets: Yes
• Accessible Entrances: Yes
• Wheelchairs Available to Hire/Loan: Yes
• Wheelchair Accessible Viewing Areas: Yes
• On-site Disabled Parking: Yes
• Discounted Carer Tickets or Free Entrance: Yes
• Audio Descriptive Commentary/Listening Devices: Yes
• Guide Dogs Welcome: Yes
• Google Review Score: 4.5/5
• Accessibility Score: 12.5/13

Newmarket Racecourse is unique in the fact it has two main racecourses lying side-by-side. These two racecourses stage some of Europe’s premier flat races, and in total, there are over 30 horse races between April and early November.

Both of the racecourses, called Rowley Mile and the July Course, are used for flat racing, and they are renowned for having long and wide straight tracks. Some of the most famous races at Newmarket include the Craven Stakes and Nell Gwyn Stakes, the 1000 and 2000 Guineas, and the July Cup and Falmouth Stakes.

Newmarket is another racing venue that is accessible to visitors with limited mobility. It finished joint-second as it offers all of the facilities the study looked at, including accessible toilets, accessible viewing areas, car parking spaces for racegoers with limited mobility, and wheelchair access to the main areas of the course. Newmarket Racecourse also runs a scheme where a personal assistant to someone with limited mobility or a disability goes free.

You can find out more about the Newmarket racecourses’ accessibility here.

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Goodwood

• Accessible Toilets: Yes
• Accessible Entrances: Yes
• Wheelchairs Available to Hire/Loan: Yes
• Wheelchair Accessible Viewing Areas: Yes
• On-site Disabled Parking: Yes
• Discounted Carer Tickets or Free Entrance: Yes
• Audio Descriptive Commentary/Listening Devices: Yes
• Guide Dogs Welcome: Yes
• Google Review Score: 4.5/5
• Accessibility Score: 12.5/13

Located in the stunning South Downs National Park, Goodwood Racecourse is often referred to as being one of the most beautiful racecourses in the county due to its spectacular backdrop. Each year, this racecourse plays host to the Qatar Goodwood Festival, more commonly known as Glorious Goodwood. This five-day event is one of the undisputed highlights of the British flat racing season. However, there are plenty of events from May through to October for those not wishing to partake in the festival itself.

In this study, Goodwood Racecourse has been found to be one of the most accessible racecourses in the UK and has all of the facilities looked at, including dedicated viewing platforms, accessible toilets and more, making it one of the top racecourses in the country to enjoy on a day out.

You can find out about Goodwood Racecourse’s accessibility here.

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York

• Accessible Toilets: Yes
• Accessible Entrances: Yes
• Wheelchairs Available to Hire/Loan: Yes
• Wheelchair Accessible Viewing Areas: Yes
• On-site Disabled Parking: Yes
• Discounted Carer Tickets or Free Entrance: Yes
• Audio Descriptive Commentary/Listening Devices: No
• Guide Dogs Welcome: Yes
• Google Review Score: 4.5/5
• Accessibility Score: 11.5/13

The York Racecourse is one of the best venues in the UK, as there is a mix of modern grandstands, characterful Listed buildings, manicured lawns and homegrown flowers.

There are normally 18 races from May until October, but the course also plays host to music concerts and family events. The racecourse was also recently voted as one of the top 10 racecourses for a race day experience in England & Wales by the Racecourse Association’s (RCA) Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme (QARS).

The York Racecourse is another very accessible venue, and they run an Accessibility Companion scheme where a racegoer who needs physical assistance to get around the course can bring an accompanying companion free of charge. Wheelchair users attending the racecourse can use accessible viewing platforms to watch the races, and there is accessible parking available.

You can find out more about York racecourse’s accessibility here.

Aintree

• Accessible Toilets: Yes
• Accessible Entrances: Yes
• Wheelchairs Available to Hire/Loan: No
• Wheelchair Accessible Viewing Areas: Yes
• On-site Disabled Parking: Yes
• Discounted Carer Tickets or Free Entrance: Yes
• Audio Descriptive Commentary/Listening Devices: Yes
• Guide Dogs Welcome: Yes
• Google Review Score: 4.5/5
• Accessibility Score: 11.5/13

Located in Liverpool, Aintree Racecourse is renowned for hosting the world-famous Grand National, one of the most prestigious events in the horse racing calendar. At Aintree, racing isn't just an everyday occurrence, and is always a special occasion. From the iconic three-day Grand National festival in April to regular race meetings, each event is elevated with live performances from incredible artists.

Aintree offers designated accessible parking with spaces close to the entrances, making it convenient for visitors with mobility challenges to access the venue. The racecourse also provides designated viewing areas that offer excellent vantage points for wheelchair users and those with mobility aids, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the thrilling races without any obstruction. The racecourse is also equipped with accessible toilets throughout the venue, ensuring that all visitors can access essential facilities comfortably.

You can find out more about Aintree Racecourse’s accessibility here.

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Newbury

• Accessible Toilets: Yes
• Accessible Entrances: Yes
• Wheelchairs Available to Hire/Loan: No
• Wheelchair Accessible Viewing Areas: Yes
• On-site Disabled Parking: Yes
• Discounted Carer Tickets or Free Entrance: Yes
• Audio Descriptive Commentary/Listening Devices: Yes
• Guide Dogs Welcome: Yes
• Google Review Score: 4.4/5
• Accessibility Score: 11.4/13

Newbury Racecourse, nestled in the picturesque countryside of Berkshire, is renowned for its thrilling horse racing events and stunning surroundings. Beyond its racing allure, Newbury Racecourse is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all visitors, including those with accessibility needs.

Newbury Racecourse offers designated parking spaces close to the entrances, providing convenient access to the venue. Additionally, the racecourse provides designated viewing platforms that offer excellent vantage points for wheelchair users, ensuring you can have an unobstructed view of the races. Facilities at Newbury Racecourse include accessible toilets strategically located throughout the racecourse.

You can find out more about Newbury Racecourse’s accessibility here.

Haydock Park

• Accessible Toilets: Yes
• Accessible Entrances: Yes
• Wheelchairs Available to Hire/Loan: No
• Wheelchair Accessible Viewing Areas: Yes
• On-site Disabled Parking: Yes
• Discounted Carer Tickets or Free Entrance: Yes
• Audio Descriptive Commentary/Listening Devices: Yes
• Guide Dogs Welcome: Yes
• Google Review Score: 4.4/5
• Accessibility Score: 11.3/13

Located in Merseyside, Haydock Park Racecourse stands as an example of both tradition and innovation in the world of horse racing. With a history dating back to 1899, this iconic venue boasts a rich heritage and a reputation for hosting thrilling racing events throughout the year. From prestigious races like the Betfair Chase to vibrant social gatherings such as Ladies' Day, Haydock Park offers a diverse calendar of events that cater to every taste.

Beyond its illustrious history and breathtaking scenery, Haydock Park Racecourse is dedicated to ensuring that everyone can be involved in the excitement of race day. Newbury Racecourse offers a great range of facilities, including accessible toilets, dedicated viewing platforms, and parking, and although they don’t offer wheelchair hire, they are accommodating in plenty of ways.

You can find out more about Haydock Park Racecourse’s accessibility here.

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Chester

• Accessible Toilets: Yes
• Accessible Entrances: Yes
• Wheelchairs Available to Hire/Loan: No
• Wheelchair Accessible Viewing Areas: Yes
• On-site Disabled Parking: Yes
• Discounted Carer Tickets or Free Entrance: Yes
• Audio Descriptive Commentary/Listening Devices: No
• Guide Dogs Welcome: Yes
• Google Review Score: 4.4/5
• Accessibility Score: 10.4/13

Established in 1539, Chester is the oldest racecourse still in operation in the world, and it has consistently been awarded the Large Racecourse of the Year by the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) when the award was launched in 2015 and again in 2018 and 2019.

At the racecourse, you can not only sample the thrill of watching competitive racing but also enjoy premium food and beverages at the same time. There are a number of race days taking place at Chester from June to September, including the iconic Chester Cup.

Despite being ranked sixth in the study, the racecourse at Chester is very accessible. They offer discounted carer tickets, guide dogs are welcome, there are accessible viewing areas, and there is on-site accessible parking, but please note that you may need to book a space ahead of time.

You can find out more about Chester racecourse’s accessibility here.

Doncaster

• Accessible Toilets: Yes
• Accessible Entrances: Yes
• Wheelchairs Available to Hire/Loan: No
• Wheelchair Accessible Viewing Areas: Yes
• On-site Disabled Parking: Yes
• Discounted Carer Tickets or Free Entrance: Yes
• Audio Descriptive Commentary/Listening Devices: No
• Guide Dogs Welcome: Yes
• Google Review Score: 4.4/5
• Accessibility Score: 10.4/13

Doncaster Racecourse, situated in South Yorkshire, is a renowned destination for horse racing enthusiasts and social revellers alike. Established in 1776, it holds the distinction of being one of the oldest and most prestigious racecourses in the UK. The illustrious St. Leger Stakes, the world's oldest classic horse race, is the crown jewel of Doncaster's racing calendar, drawing top-tier competitors and spectators to its grounds each September. Beyond its racing heritage, Doncaster Racecourse also hosts a vibrant array of events, from music concerts to family fun days, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy.

The racecourse offers a range of accessibility features to accommodate guests, including accessible parking spaces located close to the entrance gates for ease of access, as well as being equipped with ramps and designated wheelchair-accessible areas, ensuring that individuals with mobility impairments can navigate the venue with ease. Additionally, the racecourse provides accessible toilets throughout the premises, equipped with grab rails and ample space for manoeuvrability.

You can find out more about Doncaster Racecourse’s accessibility here.

Methodology

Looking at 10 of the most popular racecourses in the UK by attendance figures from 2019 (the most up-to-date figures available), we assigned a score out of 13 to each racecourse based on how they performed against different accessibility criteria.

The criteria looked at were:

• Accessible Toilets
• Accessible Entrances
• Wheelchairs Available to Hire/Loan
• Wheelchair Accessible Viewing Areas
• On-site Disabled Parking
• Discounted Carer Tickets or Free Entrance
• Audio Descriptive Commentary/Listening Devices
• Guide Dogs Welcome
• Google Review Score

You can see the full findings, scores, and resources used in this Google sheet.

This article was brought to you by Handicare, working with Age Co, offering an array of home mobility solutions, including stairlifts, homelifts, and bathing solutions. If you're interested in enhancing the accessibility of your home, feel free to reach out for more information on the products and services they provide.

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