Chester Racecourse Guide

Found right in the heart of Chester City, Chester Racecourse is one of the premier horse racing spots in the UK. This historic site has been hosting horse races since the 16th century and is still proud to feature events like the May Festival every year.

If you’re hoping to attend an event at Chester in 2024, we’ve compiled this guide so you can have all the essential information in one place. By the time we’re done, you’ll be ready for your day at the races. 

What’s on at Chester Racecourse?

The highlight of Chester Racecourse’s season is, without a doubt, the May Festival. This three-day racing event is among the most exciting dates to mark in the flat racing calendar. If you’re hoping to attend a bombastic horseracing event in 2024, this is one you shouldn’t miss out on! But Chester Racecourse is home to many excellent racing events throughout the year, and here are the highlights:

What is the Chester Racecourse Address?

Chester Racecourse is situated just off the A483, with the closest motorway being the M56. If you’re driving in and looking for an address for navigation, the racecourse recommends using the postcode listed below instead of its registered one, as access is easier, thanks to road closures.

New Crane St

Chester 

CH1 4JD

How to Get to Chester Racecourse?

Chester Racecourse is located in the heart of Chester City, so it’s an easy-to-reach location and accessible through many transport methods.

By Car

Chief among these will be driving in, either yourself or by taxi. The racecourse boasts a partnership with local taxi service KingKabs, which will allow racegoers to claim a discount on any taxi services to the racecourse. If you’re driving yourself in, the racecourse is signposted on all the nearby major roads, including the M53, M56 and M6. Road access is restricted around the racecourse on race days, so check ahead to be aware of traffic conditions before making the trip. 

By Train/Bus

There are also public transport options, such as train and bus. The racecourse is close to Chester Train Station, only a 20-minute walk away or a 6-minute taxi ride. Chester City also has an extensive park-and-ride service, which the racecourse highly encourages visitors to use instead of driving, thanks to the convenience and easier traffic.  

By Plane

If travelling to Chester by air is on the agenda for you, you can make arrangements to use the landing facilities in Deeside. To do this you must get in touch with British Aerospace on 01244 522 012/3..

Where to Get Tickets?

You can book tickets online or on the day, but we recommend booking ahead. Tickets booked in advance are cheaper across the board, and doing so will also ensure you get admission on the day. All children under 17 years old are admitted free of charge when accompanied by a full-paying adult, although they aren’t permitted access to the adult-only enclosures. If you want to purchase tickets online, you can do so here.

The gates open 2 hours before the first race, usually 11:30am for afternoon races and 4pm for evening fixtures. Upon arrival, signposts and stewards will be around to direct you to the correct enclosure, and staff will be on hand to answer any questions you may have on the day. 

Chester Racecourse is DDI compliant and makes every effort to ensure the racecourse is accessible to racegoers of all physical abilities. The racecourse provides complimentary companion passes to eligible visitors, blue badge parking, digital racecards for the vision impaired, quiet spaces and special viewing platforms. Service dogs are also accepted on-site. 

Chester Racecourse Enclosures

Chester Racecourse has 6 enclosures total, each offering a different racegoing experience and catering to racing enthusiasts of all budgets. We’ve outlined the most notable enclosures here and the highlights they offer:

The Roodee Enclosure

If you’re looking for the most affordable experience at Chester Racecourse, tickets for the Roodee Enclosure start at just £10. But affordable doesn’t mean any less quality. Access to the Roodee Enclosure now includes the open course, the field in the middle of the racetrack featuring food stalls and various family activities, as well as up-close access to the racetrack itself. 

County Concourse Enclosure

This is your classic Chester Racecourse experience, with the tickets not about to leave you bankrupt but providing plenty of luxuries that will leave you with a top-tier experience. Country Concourse tickets grant you access to the Tattersalls Enclosure, County Concourse, County Champagne bar and the Paddock, which altogether offer a wholistic day at the races. This includes up-close looks at the horses, a view of the winning post and some great food and music at the Pavilion Lawn. 

Winning Post Enclosure

If you’re looking for the premiere experience at Chester Racecourse, you want access to the Winning Post Enclosure. Holding one of these tickets will grant you access to most of the racecourse, including the Winning Post, County Concourse and Tattersalls enclosures, the parade ring and the winning enclosure. The Winning Post enclosure itself also features covered seating, live music and two private bars. An important note about this enclosure is that it is 18+ entry only.

What to Wear?

The dress code at Chester Racecourse changes depending on the enclosure or part of the course you’re watching from. The Roodee enclosure has no formal dress code aside from decency regulations and advice to dress for the weather. However, all other enclosures feature a dress code, with the Winning Post enclosure, hospitality rooms and other exclusive areas of the course having strict regulations. 

As a general rule, men require tailored blazers or jackets and a collared shirt, and women must wear smart dress, a skirt or a trouser suit. Sportswear, t-shirts, shorts, trainers and fancy dress are not permitted in areas with a dress code, and the strictest rules also disallow denim jeans of all colours. 

Ensure you know what you’re permitted to wear in your chosen enclosure. You can check the Chester Racecourse website for in-depth information and some style ideas to inspire your look.

Food & Drink

There are places to find food all across Chester Racecourse, from the fabulous hospitality restaurants to enclosure exclusive bars (with alcoholic and alcohol-free beverages) to the concessions run from the open course. If you’re taking advantage of the restaurants on-site, be aware there may be accompanying dress codes and that children aren’t allowed everywhere in the racecourse. All food and drink payments must also be made cashless with either card or e-payments. 

For people with Roodee enclosure tickets, picnics may be brought into the open course (but not the Dee Stand area) to be enjoyed as you watch the races. However, alcohol may not be brought into the enclosure itself, having to be consumed within the Car Park Picnic Area before entering.

Here is a list of all the food and drink facilities that are available on-site at Chester Racecourse:

• The White Horse
• 1539 Restaurant & Bar
• The Turf
• Final Furlong
• Paddock Rooms
• Festival Chalets
• Private Boxes
• PARADE
• The Halliwell Jones Paddock Club
• 1539 Roof Membership

Contact Details

Contact open hours are 9am–5pm, Monday to Friday, excluding Bank Holidays and lines close at the time of the last race on fixture days.

Nearby Accommodation

For racegoers hoping to stay the night either for late races or multi-day events, there are many accommodation options available at Chester Racecourse. Foremost among these is the Holiday Inn Express, located directly on the racecourse grounds.

Holiday Inn Express Chester

The Racecourse, Chester

CH1 2LY

01244 327 900

The Chester Grosvenor

Eastgate, Chester, Cheshire

CH1 1LT

+44(0)1244 324024

MILL Hotel & Spa

Milton Street, Chester

CH1 3NF

+44 (0)1244 350035

Or, if you’re looking for something on a budget or more convenient, you can opt for an AirBnB or Vrbo booking.