A Day at the Races

A day at the Chester Races is a staple event in most Cestrian’s calendars. The season kicks off with the 3 day May Festival and holds around 14 race day fixtures per year with the finale in September.

If you’re coming from further afield, the racecourse is just a 25 minute walk from Chester Railway Station, or if you’re wearing your highest heels, it’s best to catch taxi from outside the station which should get you there in just under 10 minutes.

Did you know? – This means you can be at the races in fewer than 2 and a half hours coming from London Euston by Virgin Trains. Look, there it is ready and waiting for you… Chester Racecourse known as The Roodee, is England’s oldest still in use racecourse dating back to the early sixteenth century. (We would argue it’s the most glamorous too!)

The Basics First decide, are you going to ‘go premier’, ‘go casual’ or ‘Go for a family day out.’

To explain Going Premier There are two areas of Chester Racecourse that would be classed as ‘going premier.’ These are the County Long Room and the County Concourse. The County Long Room is within the County Stand and this ticket will provide race goers with the best viewing over the Roodee, holders of Long Room tickets are also granted access to the County Concourse. County Concourse overlooks the final furlong and the winning post. This badge also permits access to The Paddock where you’ll find the parade ring, winner’s enclosure and the County Champagne Bar. This picture taken from the Chester Racecourse website outlines the areas.

Did you know? With these two areas being the most premier of badge choices the gents are requested to wear suits with collar and tie and for ladies smart dress is suggested.

Tattersals The ‘Tatts’ as it’s known as, is the middle ground between glam and casual. It’s the largest enclosure and provides everything you’d expect from a day at the races. This means, access to bars, catering concessions, ChesterBet and the betting ring.

Dress Code: Smart Casual

Dee Stand The Dee Stand has tiered, uncovered terrace and ground floor standing area. This ticket will give you access to catering, bars and betting. But be prepared for all weathers as there is no covered area here. In Britain that means bringing a coat, an umbrella and factor 30.

The best for a family day out – The Open Course If you enjoy the great outdoors in the summer time, the Open Course is a relaxed enclosure in the centre of the race track! You can bring your car, deck chairs, picnic blankets and a cool box full of treats! Dress how you like, but sky high heels are not recommended. Big screen viewing ensures none of the racing actions is missed.

Top Tips

1. Be prepared for all weather, bring suntan lotion as well as an umbrella to avoid sun stroke or hair miss-haps
2. For ladies, there’s nothing worse than sore feet after a day in your best heels. A pair of roll up ballet pumps are a hand bag must (sometimes flipflops are handed out, but we know what we’d prefer!)
3. Keep an eye out for photographers from local newspapers
4. Raceday dining is available at Chester Racecourse from £78
5. After a long day in the sunshine don’t rely on city restaurants having spaces for large parties or even tables for 2 without a reservation. Always book your pre or post races meal in advance. Some restaurants will have a special race day package menu. Browse restaurants here.
6. If you’re looking to go into Chester for a further cocktails after your day at the races, check out one of our earlier blog posts!
7. Check race times. Although gates often open at 11.30am the first race doesn’t normally start until later in the afternoon

Tweet your Race Day snaps to @VisitChester_